350 vs 450 and stiff ride
#26
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
But I think it's a good solution to having a staggered look, without staggered tires. I'll take that over staggered tires any day.
IMO the fronts are too small visually, as well as unbalanced traction. I'll be getting fronts long before I get rears on the 53. Traction might be better balanced on a 450 with staggered
Last edited by mikapen; 05-30-2022 at 03:13 PM.
#28
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2022 GLE 450 (Black on Black)
Our 22 GLE450 SUV has the 21" Michelin tires and I have kept the original tire pressure of 34 pounds when the car was delivered. So far, I have found the ride to be excellent. I was not able to get the Airmaatic suspension when I ordered mine last year.
#29
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Tire pressure.
we have a 350 on springs and 19” wheels. Been a smooth ride even with run flat tires (run flat is also a huge factor in ride comfort).
Then we got new tires of the exact same tire model last week. It was awful. So bouncy and harsh on bumps.
I was concerned, but noticed they were at 37 psi vs the recommended 32psi for low load. I put them down to 33 psi and it’s a world of difference. Much easier drive with just 10% psi difference.
Now, I would never get a gle with 21” wheels. They’re stupid wide for a 4-cyl suv. I see them all the time in my area and it looks ridiculous and disproportional. I have 315mm width tires on my 434hp cayenne where they belong, but it definitely has a negative impact on snow traction.
we have a 350 on springs and 19” wheels. Been a smooth ride even with run flat tires (run flat is also a huge factor in ride comfort).
Then we got new tires of the exact same tire model last week. It was awful. So bouncy and harsh on bumps.
I was concerned, but noticed they were at 37 psi vs the recommended 32psi for low load. I put them down to 33 psi and it’s a world of difference. Much easier drive with just 10% psi difference.
Now, I would never get a gle with 21” wheels. They’re stupid wide for a 4-cyl suv. I see them all the time in my area and it looks ridiculous and disproportional. I have 315mm width tires on my 434hp cayenne where they belong, but it definitely has a negative impact on snow traction.
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2021 GLE450
#31
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I vehemently agree with you regarding the 21” wheels on my 2022 GLE 350. I only got the 21 inch at the urging of my young nephew. Judging by the appear, my Mercedes-Benz will be quite at home in a Monster truck rally running over cars. 😃 On the other hand, larger tires and 4Mantic drive will be appreciated by me in Ohio’s winter. And, the ride is not bad at all, as 99% of my driving is on smooth highways.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
"All Weather" tires are a different story. They have "3PMS" (Three Peaks Mountain Snowflake) ratings, and they're usually better than M&S as well.
A set of 20's with Winter Tires would be ideal, but expensive with OE or other premium wheel. I just swap tires and keep 21's year round. Seems like snow days are fewer. (BTW my Dealer beat Discount and all others on price last winter, and they had MO-1 when nobody else had them.)
#33
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I agree that narrower is likely better in snow, but I don't know of ANY All Season tire that's any good in the snow, wide or narrow.
"All Weather" tires are a different story. They have "3PMS" (Three Peaks Mountain Snowflake) ratings, and they're usually better than M&S as well.
A set of 20's with Winter Tires would be ideal, but expensive with OE or other premium wheel. I just swap tires and keep 21's year round. Seems like snow days are fewer. (BTW my Dealer beat Discount and all others on price last winter, and they had MO-1 when nobody else had them.)
"All Weather" tires are a different story. They have "3PMS" (Three Peaks Mountain Snowflake) ratings, and they're usually better than M&S as well.
A set of 20's with Winter Tires would be ideal, but expensive with OE or other premium wheel. I just swap tires and keep 21's year round. Seems like snow days are fewer. (BTW my Dealer beat Discount and all others on price last winter, and they had MO-1 when nobody else had them.)
#34
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I’ve own trucks and found that wider tires have more stability. I found this on the web: “Most of the differences between narrower or wider tires depend on the kind of vehicle and the conditions it’sdriving in. Wider tires have an increased risk of hydroplaning on slippery or wet surfaces, but they generally provide better grip for dry surfaces. Narrow tires will offer better traction in slippery conditions, but they are generally better for lighter vehicles such ashybrids or electric cars.” So, it’s a tossup?
#35
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Tires
I’ve own trucks and found that wider tires have more stability. I found this on the web: “Most of the differences between narrower or wider tires depend on the kind of vehicle and the conditions it’sdriving in. Wider tires have an increased risk of hydroplaning on slippery or wet surfaces, but they generally provide better grip for dry surfaces. Narrow tires will offer better traction in slippery conditions, but they are generally better for lighter vehicles such as hybrids or electric cars.” So, it’s a tossup?
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#37
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
The discussion was best for Winter conditions. Wider is not better for snow and ice. Yes, it depends on your conditions. If you only see those conditions infrequently, wider might be your best choice. But, even here in relatively mild Oregon (except for the mountains and a couple times a year in Portland) I choose the comfort of dedicated Winters from November to March.
One of the disadvantages of the 21" GLE/S fitments is that some of my favorite winter tires are not made in M-B sizes. I don't expect that to change, either, since M-B's sizes aren't used my many (any?) other manufacturers.
#38
How come nobody talks about the weight difference between 19s and 21s. Even few lbs difference will change how suspension articulates and rebounds during road imperfection. For purely comfort measure, 19s with taller tire would be the winner. As well, force and momentum of acceleration is different: 19s 29 inch tire will always be faster then 21s 31 inch tire.
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How come nobody talks about the weight difference between 19s and 21s. Even few lbs difference will change how suspension articulates and rebounds during road imperfection. For purely comfort measure, 19s with taller tire would be the winner. As well, force and momentum of acceleration is different: 19s 29 inch tire will always be faster then 21s 31 inch tire.
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My GLE in comfort is more stiffer than my previous X5 M50i in sport mode. However, the BMW in comfort was nauseating to me as it is way too floaty. I had to change the suspension to sports mode to make or feel somewhat “normal.” It felt like an old-school Cadillac, but some people prefer that. This was with air suspension mind you.
I actually can’t tell too much of a difference between comfort and sports in my GLE, but I can really tell the difference when I change it to Sports+.
So, I will give the X5 M50i the nod when it comes to suspension comfort, but it was a numb driving experience. The X5M is another story: that thing is way stiffer than my GLE.
I actually can’t tell too much of a difference between comfort and sports in my GLE, but I can really tell the difference when I change it to Sports+.
So, I will give the X5 M50i the nod when it comes to suspension comfort, but it was a numb driving experience. The X5M is another story: that thing is way stiffer than my GLE.