When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I just picked up my first Mercedes over the weekend, a 2019 AMG GLE 43. The car is great so far, but in all my excitement I overlooked the fact that the upgraded 22" wheels came with summer only tires. That would be fine if I lived in a different state, but in NJ/NY we get a decent amount of snow. My dealer didn't really give me any options when I contacted them and I got another set of options from Mercedes customer care.
So here are the details:
The front tires are 285/40R22
The rear tires are 325/35/R22
The dealer where I purchased the car didn't really provide any resolutions other than to go buy winter tires in the same staggered setup (which are quite expensive) and then I would have to swap tires twice a year. The other alternative was to go to a different rim size like a 20" or 21" with a set of all season tires. The question I have is whether I have to maintain this staggered setup. I am not worried about a little under/over steer or cornering performance as I am not taking this thing to a track or on a slalom course. One of my friends asked his contact at Mercedes about a different rim size and they started talking about having to adjust the suspension.
So I am looking for any help I can get so that I am prepared in a couple months as winter is coming (haha GoT plug)
1. Can I just put a set of all season 285/40/R22 tires on my existing rims?
2. Can I change to a 20" rim without changing suspension since the stock wheels are 20"? The tires Tire Rack suggested were 275/45R20 if I go that path.
My desire would be to keep these awesome rims and get a nice all season tire for them.
Thank you for the link. Some great information there. Seems the consensus was to wait on an all season, wait on a winter (which Pirelli makes now in a 325/35) or swap to 4 285/40s.
I didn't see anything in regards to to switching to a 20". Do you need a wider rim on the back and is there any issue with suspension on a 20" rim?
Just got off the phone with Mercedes customer care. What a bunch of horse !@!$!!. That was by far the rudest person that I have ever spoken to. The guy refused to give me any information and just kept repeating the same script that he could only provide recommendations regarding original equipment and how the car was setup. He would not speak to alternate tires and he wouldn't share any information regarding suspension changes that may be required if I changed to a different rim.
Just got off the phone with Mercedes customer care. What a bunch of horse !@!$!!. That was by far the rudest person that I have ever spoken to. The guy refused to give me any information and just kept repeating the same script that he could only provide recommendations regarding original equipment and how the car was setup. He would not speak to alternate tires and he wouldn't share any information regarding suspension changes that may be required if I changed to a different rim.
EC
If you haven't already, check out TireRack.com. You'll at least see some options available to then shop around.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Winter/All Season Tire help for new GLE 43
