For those on the fence
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
For those on the fence
so I’m definitely not a one brand fanboy and had a hard time picking my GLE 450 between a few choices but it won and I have to say, I just love driving this machine. I hit about 1100 miles today and went for a nice drive in the country from NYC today and it just really dawned on me what a great height speed cruiser this beast is. Would I have wanted a GLE 53, sure and maybe next time but the 450 is plenty powerful, I find it a pleasure overall in the twisties (yes, I do have to remember it’s an SUV) but it’s such a great traveler. Comfortable seats, great looks , nice power and I’m happy I had no choice but to have the 21” rims. Issues so far, little ones and big deal. I guess I’m not a casual driver so my gas consumption seems to be lower than most (oh well) and The whistling has actually gotten better (still going for fix 2) and the sometimes wandering gears AI has become somewhat better with a little prompting. Someone stole the end cap of my rear windshield wiper (wonder what that will cost) 😂😂😂 seriously. I can tell everyone that the Llumar ceramic tint really makes a difference (while car) and I believe the ceramic pro makes it so much easier to clean. Anyway, not sure why you would need to wait to 2022 if there’s one you want available but without jinxing myself, I’m really happy I picked this car. Happy weekend all. If you’re happy too, chime in. I’m game to upgrade the power on this a bit if possible too.
Last edited by Daso; Jun 7, 2021 at 10:25 PM. Reason: error
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
I was really concerned when this one became available with 21’s but wasn’t about to pass on it. Obviously it looked great. While I can’t give you a full comparison other than test drives on 20’s, I live in NYC so potholes abound and lousy roadways are common and I have to say that the ride is firm but by no means harsh. I don’t think my pirelli scorpions are particularly great tires but highway driving is pretty smooth and quiet. Aside from snow next winter I’m really happy with the ride on the 21’s and would do it again.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17
Likes: 12
From: North Carolina
2014 BMW 535d, 2021 GLE 450
I opted for the 20's on my 450 and which look odd to me on the site but in person fit the vehicle well since we also have the AMG exterior. It came with Michelins on the wheels so no complaints there on grip or noise or even ride comfort. I was honestly more interested in the fact that I didn't want staggered wheels. I want to be able to rotate my wheels every 5K miles. I do have a friend that has a 350 with the 21's and could ask for a ride to compare tire quality. More to come once I can get a ride.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 791
Likes: 412
From: Fredericksburg, VA
2020 Mercedes GLE350 4Matic; 2023 Tesla Model Y
I opted for the 20's on my 450 and which look odd to me on the site but in person fit the vehicle well since we also have the AMG exterior. It came with Michelins on the wheels so no complaints there on grip or noise or even ride comfort. I was honestly more interested in the fact that I didn't want staggered wheels. I want to be able to rotate my wheels every 5K miles. I do have a friend that has a 350 with the 21's and could ask for a ride to compare tire quality. More to come once I can get a ride.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
Actually 20" wheels rotation is possible without dismounting tires...with a little imagination.
Stock 20" wheels' offsets are et55 front and et42 rear (difference of 13mm or about 1/2"). So if rear et42 wheels are placed upfront and front et55 wheels are place on the rear, to compensate out the back one would need to run at least 20mm spacers for et35 (55mm-20mm) for difference of 7mm which is close enough. H&R makes 20mm DR spacers p/n 4055665 for Mercedes (there are no DRA spacers for 15x1.25 bolts as of yet) and now they have 64mm 15x1.25 bolts p/n 15256407 (yes bolts are 1mm shorter but are still safe and is the longest bolt they make).
There could be some unintended (or intended) benefits: it will certainly look better as stock's 20" wheels are way too much "in" and the handling with wider track should benefit as well. Above is in no way a recommendation, just an option which is now available thanks to availability of proper bolts for those on stock 20".
Stock 20" wheels' offsets are et55 front and et42 rear (difference of 13mm or about 1/2"). So if rear et42 wheels are placed upfront and front et55 wheels are place on the rear, to compensate out the back one would need to run at least 20mm spacers for et35 (55mm-20mm) for difference of 7mm which is close enough. H&R makes 20mm DR spacers p/n 4055665 for Mercedes (there are no DRA spacers for 15x1.25 bolts as of yet) and now they have 64mm 15x1.25 bolts p/n 15256407 (yes bolts are 1mm shorter but are still safe and is the longest bolt they make).
There could be some unintended (or intended) benefits: it will certainly look better as stock's 20" wheels are way too much "in" and the handling with wider track should benefit as well. Above is in no way a recommendation, just an option which is now available thanks to availability of proper bolts for those on stock 20".
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 791
Likes: 412
From: Fredericksburg, VA
2020 Mercedes GLE350 4Matic; 2023 Tesla Model Y
Actually 20" wheels rotation is possible without dismounting tires...with a little imagination.
Stock 20" wheels' offsets are et55 front and et42 rear (difference of 13mm or about 1/2"). So if rear et42 wheels are placed upfront and front et55 wheels are place on the rear, to compensate out the back one would need to run at least 20mm spacers for et35 (55mm-20mm) for difference of 7mm which is close enough. H&R makes 20mm DR spacers p/n 4055665 for Mercedes (there are no DRA spacers for 15x1.25 bolts as of yet) and now they have 64mm 15x1.25 bolts p/n 15256407 (yes bolts are 1mm shorter but are still safe and is the longest bolt they make).
There could be some unintended (or intended) benefits: it will certainly look better as stock's 20" wheels are way too much "in" and the handling with wider track should benefit as well. Above is in no way a recommendation, just an option which is now available thanks to availability of proper bolts for those on stock 20".
Stock 20" wheels' offsets are et55 front and et42 rear (difference of 13mm or about 1/2"). So if rear et42 wheels are placed upfront and front et55 wheels are place on the rear, to compensate out the back one would need to run at least 20mm spacers for et35 (55mm-20mm) for difference of 7mm which is close enough. H&R makes 20mm DR spacers p/n 4055665 for Mercedes (there are no DRA spacers for 15x1.25 bolts as of yet) and now they have 64mm 15x1.25 bolts p/n 15256407 (yes bolts are 1mm shorter but are still safe and is the longest bolt they make).
There could be some unintended (or intended) benefits: it will certainly look better as stock's 20" wheels are way too much "in" and the handling with wider track should benefit as well. Above is in no way a recommendation, just an option which is now available thanks to availability of proper bolts for those on stock 20".
Last edited by TexAg91; Jun 8, 2021 at 05:59 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
So use the spacers on the rear when the “Front Rims” are rotated the the back axle, and remove them when not. Wonder what that slight change will do to camber, assuming Mikapen’s theory is correct. Wonder if it could cause more tire wear due to the slight geometry change?
Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 218
Likes: 54
From: Apex, NC
2022 GLE 450, 2024 Volvo XC 60
I'm afraid you might have lost me. If my only intent is to prolong tire life, what would you suggest? Are the spacers supposed to be permanent? I can't imagine the dealer or any tire shop doing this kind of thing.
Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 218
Likes: 54
From: Apex, NC
2022 GLE 450, 2024 Volvo XC 60
Thanks for the quick response. I may be wrong, but I can't help but think that removing tires from rims each time in order to rotate them would not necessarily be good for the tires or rims? Just a theory. I would imagine it could be pricey as well and not worth it considering what it would save you on tread wear.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Remounting/mounting tires isn’t a big deal and is inexpensive. Discount Tire did mine for $80 last year, including Hunter Road Force Balance. A lot of people remount tires switching to winter tires but I prefer a second set of wheels. I had to argue with the tire installer about remounting wheels. The offsets are stamped on the inside wheels but unless you look at them the wheels look identical. There are probably some cars driving around “messed up” without the owner not even aware. Most do a front to back rotation but another method uses a pattern that could end up with the 57’s on one side and the 44’s on the other after 2-3 rotations.
Spacers are not recommended by tire shops or Mercedes, the risk is probable minuscule. Tire Rack quit selling spacers,Carid won’t sell them. A lot of aftermarket wheel buyers use spacers so…. It wouldn’t bother me to use spacers.
On my 450 I decided to rotate at 12k instead of 6k…not optimal but better than not rotating at all. By 12k a wheel balance is overdue anyway. Theoretically the front tire wears more than the rear from added engine weight and more tire scrub. To rotate or not to rotate?
Spacers are not recommended by tire shops or Mercedes, the risk is probable minuscule. Tire Rack quit selling spacers,Carid won’t sell them. A lot of aftermarket wheel buyers use spacers so…. It wouldn’t bother me to use spacers.
On my 450 I decided to rotate at 12k instead of 6k…not optimal but better than not rotating at all. By 12k a wheel balance is overdue anyway. Theoretically the front tire wears more than the rear from added engine weight and more tire scrub. To rotate or not to rotate?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
Spacers are 100% safe provided they are both hub and wheel centric, seat tight "enough" on a hub and inside the wheel almost without play, are made by a quality manufacturer and proper/longer bolts with correct(wheel specific seat) are used. TireRack quit selling spacers because of potential of cannibalizing its wheels sale somewhat. Porsche offers "Por$che" spacers on its brand new cars (yes, they are not thick but spacers nevertheless). Lorinser/Carlsson (remember those?) wheels included wheel specific spacers to allow them to use the same wheel for different applications by changing the offset. Just about "everyone" on W213 E63AMG board uses spacers (15mm front and 12mm rear). I've used H&R spacers with correct quality bolts (never eBay/Chinese) on all my MB vehicles.
Regarding mounting/dismounting tires. My MB dealer charges $160 mounting/balancing plus an other $160 for RFB.
Regarding mounting/dismounting tires. My MB dealer charges $160 mounting/balancing plus an other $160 for RFB.
