david1201

Hi, getting ready to pull the trigger on a GLK350 RWD, debating whether I want to spend the money on the 20s (appearance package).

Any negatives on the 20s (other than cost). Weight? Any problems with bent rims, ride, etc?

Thanks in advance.

NYCGLK

Negative is rim is very easy to damage. I've been lucky - only two little scuffs in 2 years.

Positives are rims are much easier to clean, look better, and at the time 20s came with much better tires (Pirelli Scorpions), as opposed to $h!tty continentals.

I've had GLK rental with 19s and could barely tell difference in ride, a bit softer on really bumpy road due to taller sidewall.

MKenM

Have 20's and enjoy the ride and handling. Scuffs are a matter of how you drive but I have bent and replaced 1 rim. I do like the idea of 7 spokes rather than 10 like NYCGLK said easier to clean.

But the wheels are just one part of a package unless you are buying them as a single item. I know that we all like nice wheels to show off our vehicles but I only keep a car for 2 or 3 years and the package made sense for me just to have the 20's. Like the look better than the 19's.

The bent rim probably would have happened to the 19's also. Pothole with water equals "didn't see it coming". Enjoy the 20's if it's not a matter of money.

david1201

Thanks guys - sounds like I should go with the 20s, just wanted to make sure the ride wasn't irritatingly jittery, or that every little pothole was going to have me worrying about my rims.

Spooner

Yeah they are pretty stout and I think they look quite a bit better than the 19's. Another reason I went with them is if I end up putting on some aftermarket rims I won't have to buy tires

MBRedux

Well yes they look great, but STAY AWAY from curbs at all costs. Also, if you ever need a tire to be changed and you're in the middle of nowhere with no MB dealerships, get ready to have your 20" wheel messed up. Most shops screw them up. They are heavier than the 17's so they do add to the unsprung weight at each axle, which slows you down a little. Once 20's are bent, they're very difficult to straighten out.

CJBROWN

19's here. Prefer them over the 20's, hands down. I don't care for the super low profile tires. They ride harder, wear faster, and are more prone to damage. I have tires like that on the bimmer convert, and had customs on my last mbz. Big PITA.

You can also go with an aftermarket wheel if you want something custom. Same pattern and offset as an C/E 350.

The 20's are almost as common as the 19's, so you don't gain anything in exclusivity. The average person can't tell the difference, except there are fewer spokes that the 19.

I don't have enough miles to tell if the conti's are *****y or not. By the time the lease is up I'll know. They ride fine.

NYCGLK

^ I had the same fear about getting 20's. I had low profile tires on my old car and replaced several tires due to bubbles. Read the same happens on bimmers (Bridgestone tires). But these pirelli scorpions on are awesome. I've driven in NJ/NYC over 2 years with pretty bad roads and hit a few potholes, and knock on wood tires are fine.