JohnnyC

Finally got my new wheels in after seeing another forum member running the same wheels. Going from 20" to 19" wheels.. Now to pick out some tyres.

Mmr1

Where do you live ? For -30 to 110f on road I'd recomend the new Michelin or Pirelli, (I have the Michelin ) I think Tire rack has good comparisons. Costco is cheapest , with real good warranty and free Nitrogen forever . Tires make a major difference in ride quality and inside noise, and handling safety . New tire compounds are great if you get what's best .

JohnnyC

Yeah looking at either the Michelin's Premier LTX or Pirelli's Scorpion. I currently have the LTX on my 20 inch wheels and have no issues with them. I prefer to NOT have run-flats, but if i get a better price might cheap out as I am ordering a third set of wheels.

I live in pothole infested Los Angeles by the way, so most tire shops only have all-season or summer tyres here.

Got my new Schrader TPM sensors in as well. I have no clue if they are a flawless install with my 2013 GLK350, but if they don't work out I will just go to the dealer to buy the sensors. I like how they are assembled in the UK.

mjhawkins2346

Why did you go 19 inch? Just curious. I've had 20's on my '10 GLK 4Matic and I've been happy with them. What do you gain?
I'm using Pirelli Assymetrico Scorpions and have been happy with tire life and handling. The ride doesn't seem rough on these miserable Cali roads either.
BTW, Costco has nothing that fits. I compared Tire Rack to American Tire Depot, Big O and a few others. American Tire had the best price.

JohnnyC

Well sole reason is I want the specific wheel design. I love the looks of these two. Also don't mind more sidewall to cushion.


This is currently available for the GLC, but only as 21" The rest are 19" for the E63 AMG, C450 AMG, C43 AMG.


This one that i just got is for the GLA and ML/GLE. But the GLE size is incompatible with our GLKs as it is too wide.

Lastly I am going to get my original wheels refinished in the Black Diamond Cut style that wasn't available in the USA:

B737

I just ordered these tires. ^

I am a die hard fan of LTX MS2s which are no longer made. I have never ridden on a quieter, smoother, better traction (all season) tire than the LTX MS2. The Defender MS and Premier replaced the MS2.

The Premier LTXs for the GLK are getting mounted this week.

I will put the defenders on my Tundra as soon as i wear out the factory ones too.

B737

new tires are on, have only driven the Premier's for a day, but so far they are great. smooth and very quiet. good luck on your new set, the wheels look great.

JohnnyC

So far so drove about 10 miles on the new tires! I am enjoying the wonderful new tire traction and stopping distance. TPMS works flawlessly. In case anyone was wondering I spent $1059 for the tires, tax, install, extended warranty in Los Angeles.

Here is the end result, excuse the dirtiness.

B737

wow dude, that is EXACTLY to the dollar what i paid too out the door. what are the chances.

they set the tires at nearly 40psi, when i aired them down to 33 the ride was just right. i really like the Premier tires, they are grippy and ultra quiet.

Amir_AMG

looks great! clean car

JohnnyC

Got my old wheels back from the shop. Tyres still have a few thousand left. I am also using black aftermarket steel wheel bolts that I ordered from Germany.

z71silverado78

Hey Johnny,

I was thinking of making the same change from the OEM 20’s to the GLA 19’s. Sounds like you kept both sets of wheels and just wondering which one you ended up using more often? Is the ride difference of the 19’s enough to lose the look of the 20’s?

Thanks

JohnnyC

My 19 inch wheels are Michelin Premier LTX 235/50/19. I've been driving on the 19" for most of my ownership (on both GLKs); occasionally I would put on the larger wheels but they sit in storage most of the time. I don't really notice a issue with comfort on either tyre size.

To help your decision: if you drive far and often then get the smaller wheels and bigger tyres.