GLE 350 4MATIC - Different wheels impact on driving
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GLE 350 4MATIC - Different wheels impact on driving
Hello,
Did anyone drive the GLE 350 4 MATIC 2021 with 19inch wheels vs 21inch wheels ?
I drove the 21 one and find the ride pretty bumpy on New York roads (potholes etc ...). I was wondering if getting the 19inch would make a noticeable difference in the driving feeling (smoother) ?
Thanks for your help.
Did anyone drive the GLE 350 4 MATIC 2021 with 19inch wheels vs 21inch wheels ?
I drove the 21 one and find the ride pretty bumpy on New York roads (potholes etc ...). I was wondering if getting the 19inch would make a noticeable difference in the driving feeling (smoother) ?
Thanks for your help.
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From: Florida (727)
You should consider test-driving different GLE 350 4matic models that have different wheel sizes, that way you get a feel for each size wheel and how it rides. Bigger wheels generally have a rougher ride than smaller wheels and they generally have more road noise. When I ordered my GLE, I drove the 350 with both the 20 inch AMG wheels and 21 inch AMG wheels and the 20 inch rides a lot smoother than the 21 (something I should have done with my E300).
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
If you have the AMG body then 20’s might be the smallest you can go to clear the Calipers. There are a few AM wheels that will fit...Tire Rack and Discount Tire have a process where you can input your vehicle and get results for wheels that fit. Some others like Vossen and BB will offer fitment but it’s a little more involved. There is a Vendor thread at the bottom of the MB Forum.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
You might read this thread for some more thoughts. https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...sive-sway.html
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From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
Getting a vehicle without run flat tires or replacing your tub flats with regular tires when the time comes can also help a lot. That dele da on if the vehicle you test drive was one with run flats or not though.
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If you are in an area prone to potholes, go with 19's and pass on the AMG package. Not worth it. As for run flats, they definitely contribute to a harsher ride. Should you replace them you will need a tire repair kit since - I believe - spares are not an option.
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From: The Palmetto State
19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
Like places said, stay away from run flats and if possible, the smaller size tires will give a better ride but the trade off is “the look.” Oh......... and don’t buy anything with Cooper tires.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Tires & ride comfort
Hello,
Did anyone drive the GLE 350 4 MATIC 2021 with 19inch wheels vs 21inch wheels ?
I drove the 21 one and find the ride pretty bumpy on New York roads (potholes etc ...). I was wondering if getting the 19inch would make a noticeable difference in the driving feeling (smoother) ?
Thanks for your help.
Did anyone drive the GLE 350 4 MATIC 2021 with 19inch wheels vs 21inch wheels ?
I drove the 21 one and find the ride pretty bumpy on New York roads (potholes etc ...). I was wondering if getting the 19inch would make a noticeable difference in the driving feeling (smoother) ?
Thanks for your help.
- 255/50-19 = 127.5mm sidewall
- 275/50-20 = 137.5mm sidewall
- 275/45-21 = 123.75mm sidewall
Now you could put 55 or 60 aspect ratio 19s on, but the stock size is ridiculously small (look it on the vehicle, too).
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
But you might change your mind about Cooper if you have driven the MO Cooper tires. They are a new generation, new tech, new compounds, and perform better than the Pirelli's, IMO. I have driven @1,500 miles on them, 500 miles on 20" Pirelli and 500 miles on 19" Pirelli's, all on 2020 GLE's. I prefer the Coopers, especially for fun driving.
As always, you can't judge a tire until it has a few hundred miles, after the release agent has worn off and the tires are scuffed in. That would eliminate opinions on new tires on the Dealer's lot, unfortunate for those of us who like to assess a tire's performance.
The new run-flats are also much improved over previous generations - I have been surprised in the offerings over the last two years. I will be taking the Pirelli run-flats off the '19 GLC this week, for Nokians. Not because of ride or traction - but we're going into snow country.
With previous cars, I exchanged the run-flats with Go-Flats, at the Dealer before delivery, but saw no need on the GLC. That surprised the heck out of me!
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Aspect ratio and ride quality
As I demonstrated in my post, aspect ratio has to be taken together with width. No, sidewall height is not the sole determinate of ride quality, but it is one that is readily determined.
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19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
I disagree. Unless whomever sold you the tires are like Walmart and pretty much take anything back and will let you tryout the tires, I’m wouldn’t take a chance on either of them. It just too much of a money risk to try it. Cooper or run flats.
I might suck it up and use the coopers if the car came with it, but in no way will I accept run flats. Nor should the OP.
I might suck it up and use the coopers if the car came with it, but in no way will I accept run flats. Nor should the OP.
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
They say that sidewall bulge also affects ride quality and also offers some protection against curbing a wheel. The narrower the wheel selected (within the acceptable range) the more bulge. The other factor to consider about sidewall depth is that not all hits will be uniform. Hitting something on just one side puts the force to one edge increasing the risk of damage to a wheel. It’s looks vs practicality, IMO.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
They say that sidewall bulge also affects ride quality and also offers some protection against curbing a wheel. The narrower the wheel selected (within the acceptable range) the more bulge. The other factor to consider about sidewall depth is that not all hits will be uniform. Hitting something on just one side puts the force to one edge increasing the risk of damage to a wheel. It’s looks vs practicality, IMO.
The "bulge" you are talking about has an inverse relationship to both handling and impact damage, although a bigger "bulge" will guard the rim in a parking lot. Best to honor the manufacturers' recommendations here.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Aspect ratio
Talking about some different things here, but I believe increasing the aspect ratio of the puny 255/50-19 tires (they are 1-2” smaller OD than the others) will increase comfort and impact resistance without minimal effect on handling. 55-series are a no-brainer, and you could even go 60s.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Talking about some different things here, but I believe increasing the aspect ratio of the puny 255/50-19 tires (they are 1-2” smaller OD than the others) will increase comfort and impact resistance without minimal effect on handling. 55-series are a no-brainer, and you could even go 60s.
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From: Arizona
'21 GLE 580, '20 Cayenne Turbo
I had to look up tramlining (didn't know that phenomenon has a name, thanks for the lesson!) and found this post: https://www.tireamerica.com/resource/what-is-tramlining... It suggests that tramlining is worse with lower profile tires. But I think Greg is suggesting higher profile tires (larger aspect ratio, with same or slightly larger width), which should lessen the effect of tramlining, and would more closely match the rolling circumference of the 20s and 21s.
That article does mention that wider tires also contribute to tramlining. Not sure about the impact of breakaway.
That article does mention that wider tires also contribute to tramlining. Not sure about the impact of breakaway.
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2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Good examples. However I disagree with your conclusion, if I read it right. Reducing wheel width on a given tire, or increasing aspect ratio just to get a taller "look," will certainly degrade your handling and safety.
The "bulge" you are talking about has an inverse relationship to both handling and impact damage, although a bigger "bulge" will guard the rim in a parking lot. Best to honor the manufacturers' recommendations here.
The "bulge" you are talking about has an inverse relationship to both handling and impact damage, although a bigger "bulge" will guard the rim in a parking lot. Best to honor the manufacturers' recommendations here.
Last edited by Ron.s; Dec 31, 2020 at 05:18 PM.
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GLE
I disagree, but let’s leave it at that. Remember this thread started talking about ride comfort, so my main point is the 19s have shorter sidewalls than even the 20s. And because of the narrow 8” rims you can’t go wider. Best option if possible is to avoid the 19s.
Are you saying that you are ranking them like this in term of ride comfort ?
1. 20" (smoothest ride)
2. 19"
3. 21"
Last edited by krisss_k; Dec 31, 2020 at 05:18 PM.
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2008 Mercedes GL450
I would absolutely test drive both the 19” and 20”. While the 19” has less sidewall, the smaller sidewall combined with the smaller diameter, thinner rim will mean less unsprung weight, which will improve handling and possibly reduce crash over bumps while improving ride quality. In addition, the smaller sidewall should lead to crisper driving dynamics.
That said, a test drive could refute these theories. If the 20 and 19 drive similarly, it would then be a matter of looks vs tire replacement costs (the 19s would be slightly cheaper). In addition, the narrower 19” would hydroplane less and drive better in the snow.
That said, a test drive could refute these theories. If the 20 and 19 drive similarly, it would then be a matter of looks vs tire replacement costs (the 19s would be slightly cheaper). In addition, the narrower 19” would hydroplane less and drive better in the snow.
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There are 4 tire/wheel sizes for the GLE depending on the model. Going from 21 to 22 IMO is done more for the looks than that they are more or less practical. Look at all the old cars driving around with 22’s and a sidewall of a few inches. I’m not recommending anything but stand by my opinion that most people go for larger wheels for looks because they are less practical for most people. You are correct also, but this is a Mercedes Forum not Porsche. Maybe we are all trying too hard to make a point. I’m guessing that very few here are buying wheels except for a second set for winter.
I would absolutely test drive both the 19” and 20”. While the 19” has less sidewall, the smaller sidewall combined with the smaller diameter, thinner rim will mean less unsprung weight, which will improve handling and possibly reduce crash over bumps while improving ride quality. In addition, the smaller sidewall should lead to crisper driving dynamics.
That said, a test drive could refute these theories. If the 20 and 19 drive similarly, it would then be a matter of looks vs tire replacement costs (the 19s would be slightly cheaper). In addition, the narrower 19” would hydroplane less and drive better in the snow.
That said, a test drive could refute these theories. If the 20 and 19 drive similarly, it would then be a matter of looks vs tire replacement costs (the 19s would be slightly cheaper). In addition, the narrower 19” would hydroplane less and drive better in the snow.
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2020 GLE
Tire options for 2020 GLE with 19 inch rims
Hello new member needing tire advice.
I have a 2020 GLE 4 Matic With 19 inch rims and Bridgestone Alanza Run flat tires size 255/50/R19. I am very pleased with the ride of these tires but hate the way they look. They definitely look very undersized. I want to see if I could go with the same Bridgestone tires but in a different size 275/55/19 Which are about an inch and a half taller and about an inch wider. Could you please give me some pros and cons, Will I run into any problems with sensors etc.
Also I don’t want to change rim size to a 20 or 21. Also the GLE Has a third row seat so I don’t have a spare any input or advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
I have a 2020 GLE 4 Matic With 19 inch rims and Bridgestone Alanza Run flat tires size 255/50/R19. I am very pleased with the ride of these tires but hate the way they look. They definitely look very undersized. I want to see if I could go with the same Bridgestone tires but in a different size 275/55/19 Which are about an inch and a half taller and about an inch wider. Could you please give me some pros and cons, Will I run into any problems with sensors etc.
Also I don’t want to change rim size to a 20 or 21. Also the GLE Has a third row seat so I don’t have a spare any input or advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
When I got my E300 I went with the 19 inch AMG wheels solely for aesthetic and 4 years later I am regretting it due to loud road noise and a less comfortable ride. But the 19 inch AMG wheels look so much better than the 18 inch AMG wheels on that car.
By having a smaller sidewall and whatnot, wouldn’t that lead to increased road noise and more of a risk of damaging the rim/tire due to a curb or pothole?
By having a smaller sidewall and whatnot, wouldn’t that lead to increased road noise and more of a risk of damaging the rim/tire due to a curb or pothole?
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From: Jersey
2019 E53 Cabrio, Lunar Blue. 2020 GLC 300
Changing the diameter that much would mess with your speedometer and possibly other functions. I am relatively new to Mercedes, but most cars are similar is this regard. I suggest that, as discussed in previous posts in this thread, that your car came from the factory with two or three size choices. Apparently the larger wheel choices also had larger diameter, so they look better. I would ask your local MB dealer if you go to the larger wheel/ tire, can they easily re- flash your cars ECU so it functions properly. I bet it’s easy . It’s the wheels that are expensive! Many get confused when looking at wheel and tire packages, winter for instance, and in that case it is important to stay within a few percentage points of your original diameter ( width does not change computer function, but brings on other issues to deal with) . Wheels and tires make the biggest difference in a look. I went with the AMG appearance package for my wife’s GLC 300. I love her AMG 20 in wheels. More than my E53 wheels. I may try to swap them one day. See if they fit . Lol.
btw.. her tires on 20 in wheels have plenty of sidewall to handle crappy NJ roads. No problems.
btw.. her tires on 20 in wheels have plenty of sidewall to handle crappy NJ roads. No problems.
Last edited by shekmark; Jan 11, 2022 at 06:44 AM.
