shotgun_banjo

I'm planning to buy a downsized rims and tires from tirerack and I noticed that some of the rims being offered for the GLK have an offset of 35. Only a few has the 45 and a couple that has 48. So question is which one will be the best to get? will there be a great difference when I get the 35 offset and what will it do to the car's driving dynamics and same thing with the 48 offset. Another question is would i need to realign the car everytime I swap rims and tires every season?

tire will be blizzack ws70 unless someone gives a good reason to go for another tire brand

GLKKa2H

As you are "downsizing" from what I suppose is 19" or 20" to 17" (?), you might encounter something like GLK Lover in thread https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...-rim-tire.html

The MB specification with regard to rim for a 235/60/17 tire is 7,5X17 47,5 offset. As the handling of a car can be adversely affected by changing the offset, it might be a good idea to keep the offset of the downsized rims as close to the MB requirement as possible. Thus you might feel no significant change of the driving dynamics.

No tire (brand) is perfect for all driving conditions, so picking a tire which is best suited to ones most common road conditions is the way to go. Note the APAs 2011-2012 Winter Tire Reviews - SUV tires: http://www.apa.ca/WinterTires2011-SUVs.asp.

shotgun_banjo

so is it okay to get the 48 offset? I am eyeing on the ASA GT5 with 45 offset and Radial DF with a 48 offset. which on will work best for the car?

GLKKa2H

Given the rims/tires referred to meets the MB specifications noted with regard to size, I don't think neither 48 - nor 45 offset would make any noticeable difference in handling from the 47,5 offset.

shotgun_banjo

Just got my new wheels from tirerack....can't wait to get them mounted but first I need the dealership to realign the car with the 20" wheels as the car is pulling to the right.

evo2turbo

Please post pics as soon as you get them mounted. I'm ready to pull the trigger for winter shoes and those GT5s caught my eye. Thanks!

shotgun_banjo

I did ended up getting the 5 spoke AMG replica and it actually looks okay for me. The GLK looks like a real truck that can go for off-roading with the 17" rims. I did found the ride more pleasant actually (softer and less jarring) maybe because of more rubber. I might retire the 20" AMG wheels afterwards.....JOKE!

evo2turbo

I just ordered 18x8 MSW Type 12s from Tirerack with Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 tires.

I got them because they look similar to the factory 20s. Should look something like this:

shotgun_banjo

I just saw a glk with that exact rims in a mall parking lot and yes it does look like a mini 20" AMG rims. Too bad you can't put a OEM centre cap on it.

I also saw one with the 18" moda EB1 and it looks good as well. Post pics when you have it installed.

here is another view of my rims:

jonnyrt

I purchased my snow tires from Tire Rack in the USA, there was an option to purchase them with Mercedes-Benz centre caps for $11 a piece, I believe. Looks really good especially with winter rims, I am sure you could order some on ebay....

shotgun_banjo

i don't think the OEM centre cap will fit on the rims that evo2trubo just bought.

calemonlaw

If you are buying winter tires and rims, you cannot downsize the 17" to 16" on the 2011 or 2012 as the brake caliper is bigger and requires the 17" for clearance.

gsrjc

I've ordered all my snow tires and rims from tirerack so i go by their recommendations on offset.

shotgun_banjo

Just make sure if you are getting the less offset wheel you are prepared to see the wheel sticking out more out of the fender. I would not like more water and road debris hitting the side panels of the car unless you have the mud guards installed.

I think people who ordered winter rims from tire rack for their GLK should post some pictures for us to see what looks best on the GLK.

venchka

Sumthin ain't right with your left rear bumper. Please tell me it washed off.

Wayne

shotgun_banjo

it is mud and yes it washed off. that is a common thing to see in any car here in Canada without mud guards.