Back to MB with a GLE450 Need Help
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
Back to MB with a GLE450 Need Help
Hello All, It's been about 10 years since I've been on this forum when I had my CLK430, but I'm pleased to be back to an MB after a while (or almost) Was thinking of an A6 Allroad, but it doesn't feel like the MB. I've decided on a 2021 Selenite Gray GLE450 that has everything I want and looks amazing BUT (of course) it has the 21" wheels which look downright amazing with the slight issue that I live in NYC and don't really have a place to store tires in winter. I am fine with 20" wheels, but I don't have too many choices locally that are in a color I like and have the options I want. Can any other 4 seasoners shed some insight if I plan on using the GLE year round if the 21" wheels are just a no go? I did notice a slightly harsher ride (which is ok) and I already have concerns about rim damage and tire blowouts which I have heard about but I can live with that. I'm most concerned about safety and useability in winter. Any input greatly appreciated as I'm really concerned on this one and have to make my mind up so I don't miss out on this one.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I wouldn’t worry about winter performance. That’s one of your concerns, correct?
I have lived in the northeast and Midwest my entire life. Lots of ice, snow, slush, sleet, and potholes. Lots of potholes.
4MATIC and factory tires are more than sufficient for the traction and handling aspects of winter driving. What is your current/previous vehicle? Did you have any winter handling concerns with it?
Regarding potholes, I view this as the driver’s responsibility. Larger wheels and smaller aspect ratio tires have a higher likelihood of damage vs the 15” wheels and tall sidewall tires of the 1980s. Avoid potholes. Driver attention is needed to do this. If still concerned, the dealer will be very happy to sell you a “wheel and tire protection package”, an insurance policy. I do not purchase additional “coverage” like this.
I have lived in the northeast and Midwest my entire life. Lots of ice, snow, slush, sleet, and potholes. Lots of potholes.
4MATIC and factory tires are more than sufficient for the traction and handling aspects of winter driving. What is your current/previous vehicle? Did you have any winter handling concerns with it?
Regarding potholes, I view this as the driver’s responsibility. Larger wheels and smaller aspect ratio tires have a higher likelihood of damage vs the 15” wheels and tall sidewall tires of the 1980s. Avoid potholes. Driver attention is needed to do this. If still concerned, the dealer will be very happy to sell you a “wheel and tire protection package”, an insurance policy. I do not purchase additional “coverage” like this.
Last edited by chassis; Mar 21, 2021 at 12:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
I wouldn’t worry about winter performance. That’s one of your concerns, correct?
I have lived in the northeast and Midwest my entire life. Lots of ice, snow, slush, sleet, and potholes. Lots of potholes.
4MATIC and factory tires are more than sufficient for the traction and handling aspects of winter driving. What is your current/previous vehicle? Did you have any winter handling concerns with it?
Regarding potholes, I view this as the driver’s responsibility. Larger wheels and smaller aspect ratio tires have a higher likelihood of damage vs the 15” wheels and tall sidewall tires of the 1980s. Avoid potholes. Driver attention is needed to do this. If still concerned, the dealer will be very happy to sell you a “wheel and tire protection package”, and insurance policy. I do not purchase additional “coverage” like this.
I have lived in the northeast and Midwest my entire life. Lots of ice, snow, slush, sleet, and potholes. Lots of potholes.
4MATIC and factory tires are more than sufficient for the traction and handling aspects of winter driving. What is your current/previous vehicle? Did you have any winter handling concerns with it?
Regarding potholes, I view this as the driver’s responsibility. Larger wheels and smaller aspect ratio tires have a higher likelihood of damage vs the 15” wheels and tall sidewall tires of the 1980s. Avoid potholes. Driver attention is needed to do this. If still concerned, the dealer will be very happy to sell you a “wheel and tire protection package”, and insurance policy. I do not purchase additional “coverage” like this.
Hi, Thanks for the reply. I've been renting or using ZIP cars for the past couple of years, and before that had a GMC Denali after my CLK430. I guess I'm thinking about my old CLK430 with 20" tires that would slide around everywhere during snowstorms :-). I realize that was more of a sports car but I've never owned an MB SUV and never had an SUV with 21" rims. Your reply is comforting as I agree that attentive driving can save much of the tire damage opportunities (not all), but my biggest concern was hearing what others think about 21" tires on an SUV locally. I never had to ask the question before. It shure looks amazing!!!!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
I also never knew that there was such a thing as a wheel and tire protection package. I'm not fond of these types of warranties since they seem to be simply money makers for the dealerships but I am curious to see what it costs.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 353
Likes: 83
From: Bonita Springs, FL
2021 Cirrus Silver S580 AMG, 2020 Polar White GLE350
I have a GLE 350 with the 21” wheels and after a year they have been flawless. They have a comfortable ride, (I keep the inflation at 31 psi) and I have had no problems with premature wear or blow outs. I live in Florida where wet traction is important and the tires have good adhesion on wet roads. Fortunately, I can’t comment on how they perform on snowy roads!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
I have 21" wheels with AS tires and live In Ottawa, ON. This is real snow country and my tires have performed well. NYC should be a breeze. Go for it.
PS snow tires were required on the CLS53 because it came equipped with high speed tires.
PS snow tires were required on the CLS53 because it came equipped with high speed tires.
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 463
Likes: 145
From: Toronto, Canada
2023 GLE63S - Edition 55
When I first got my 450 I was on a mission to change to the 21" wheels. All the research I did suggested that 21" wheels are fine for all season use. I have since grown to love my stock 20" wheels and have decided to keep them and they have performed beyond my expectations this past winter.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,690
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 282
Likes: 85
From: Boston
.
21" tires here in Boston but been to Montreal a few times (family there), including in winter. Never felt like the tire size was an issue in all four seasons in the last 18 months, though to be fair I do have winter tires (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV) that I swap out.
I had the same problem, but was surprised to find out my dealer stores tires for a fee. It's a few hundred bucks per year but cheaper than getting my own separate storage, and it's super convenient since I have the dealer swap the tires out for me anyway so no need to worry about logistics.
I live in NYC and don't really have a place to store tires in winter
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
21" tires here in Boston but been to Montreal a few times (family there), including in winter. Never felt like the tire size was an issue in all four seasons in the last 18 months, though to be fair I do have winter tires (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV) that I swap out.
I had the same problem, but was surprised to find out my dealer stores tires for a fee. It's a few hundred bucks per year but cheaper than getting my own separate storage, and it's super convenient since I have the dealer swap the tires out for me anyway so no need to worry about logistics.
I had the same problem, but was surprised to find out my dealer stores tires for a fee. It's a few hundred bucks per year but cheaper than getting my own separate storage, and it's super convenient since I have the dealer swap the tires out for me anyway so no need to worry about logistics.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 444
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From: New England
2020 GLE 450 AMG exterior
I have the 21s and all-season tires on my 450 in New England have had no issues with traction or damage.
I did purchase the wheel/tire protection and immediately made my money back a week later when I scraped a curb and they had to replace two wheels. That might be a good option for you to consider.
I did purchase the wheel/tire protection and immediately made my money back a week later when I scraped a curb and they had to replace two wheels. That might be a good option for you to consider.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
I have the 21s and all-season tires on my 450 in New England have had no issues with traction or damage.
I did purchase the wheel/tire protection and immediately made my money back a week later when I scraped a curb and they had to replace two wheels. That might be a good option for you to consider.
I did purchase the wheel/tire protection and immediately made my money back a week later when I scraped a curb and they had to replace two wheels. That might be a good option for you to consider.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
While I'm at it, are any of the other packages such as the paint protectant worth spending. It all kind of depends on price but the tire protection option sounds interesting and I'm not one who typically buys any add on insurance (aside from cars). I was going to start a what is the first thing you bought for your GLE thread, but I might be overdoing it before closing a deal tomorrow :-)
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 444
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From: New England
2020 GLE 450 AMG exterior
And, like anything else, the price on the wheel/tire package is negotiable.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
Back in the MB team
Hi Friends, I’m officially back in the MB team. Purchased my 2021 GLE450 today and picking up tomorrow morning (could have driven hike but didn’t have NYC garage set up yet). I am so stoked to get this in the road 21” rims and all. Thanks for all the advice. I did end up doing the wheel and tire insurance. Driving impressions soon.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 444
Likes: 125
From: New England
2020 GLE 450 AMG exterior
Back in the MB team
Hi Friends, I’m officially back in the MB team. Purchased my 2021 GLE450 today and picking up tomorrow morning (could have driven hike but didn’t have NYC garage set up yet). I am so stoked to get this in the road 21” rims and all. Thanks for all the advice. I did end up doing the wheel and tire insurance. Driving impressions soon.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
Gorgeous truck. Is that the Selenite Gray Metallic? I love the color. You're really going to enjoy it. It's an incredible piece of machinery. A small piece of unsolicited advice: Spend some time sitting in the truck with your owner's manual and learn the vehicle. Once you get used to it, the MBUX is pretty intuitive (I'm convinced all of the car reviewers who dinged it for it's complexity simply didn't spend enough time learning it). And, until you get used to it, if you don't know how to do something, just say "Hey Mercedes ..." and she'll probably take care of it for you. Seriously.
Member
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 81
Likes: 23
From: Ontario
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve
Hi, thanks!! yes it’s the Selenite Gray and I thought the color was awesome.l when I saw it. Just looks amazing in it. I would have loved to have the night package in addition but for some reason the chrome bits with the selenite don’t bug me and look pretty good. I totally planned on sitting in there and going through the system. I have to say I’m pretty impressed with the voice recognition.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
Thanks. After seeing the selenite silver there was no turning back. I will admit that the silver Mercedes emblem shroud on the grill does make for a better looking nose instead of the black night version and overall kind of just looks right but I saw one with the night package and it looked great as well. Overall, not a point I’m dwelling on. I cannot wait to pick it up today and drive it a bit. I see all these bumper guards etc on cars lately. Anyone use these on their GLE. Any interior items worth buying?
