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I'm about to pull the trigger on a '14 or '15 GLK250 up here in Canada, just outside Vancouver.
I plan to use it for lots of winter driving, and tons of exploring logging roads/gravel roads/fire service roads. As such, I want to put All Terrain tires on it. I've seen several shops in the US fitting 255/55R18 BFG KO2s onto GLKs, so that's my plan - Problem is, none of them have responded to my emails and messages asking what wheel sizes and offsets they used. I just need to figure out the correct width/offset to make it happen.
Considering I'll likely be dropping $2500+ on this setup, I want to make sure I get it right the first time without spacers or anything.
I started this thread in the hopes that someone can post clearances they can measure from stock front wheel and tire to the strut. Also if anyone has any specific info on the stock wheel and tire setup - anyone know how much it weighs?
Going off the manufacturers specs, I'm anticipating using an 18x8 w 38mm offset - Got my eye on the KMC KM721 Alpine, or the KMC KM708 Bully. Using those, and the 255/55r18 KO2, my new wheel/tire combo will end up at 68-73lbs per corner. (Is this way higher than stock?)
For anyone else interested - I'll keep this thread updated after I get it sorted out, to help others have some more options for a proper A/T tire for the GLK platform.
I would opt for the 17" wheels used in europe for a taller sidewall and better ride. I would look carefully at weight of the tire to keep it down to minimize wear on the front differential that seems to like to fail early. I have run the BFG AT KO on jeeps with sturdier drive trains, but I would not consider it for a GLK.
I just put in the order for a set of Falken Wildpeak A/T Trails (235/60R17) and dropping down to a 17" x 7.5" rim (45mm offset) from Replika Wheels. The Falken's seem to be getting really good reviews and are specifically designed for CUV/SUV's. Look pretty aggressive but not too crazy. Toyota is putting them on the new TRD Rav4's. I recently moved from BC to New Brunswick and the roads are pretty bad so I wanted more sidewall to help with ride, plus there is alot of off road trails out here I'd like to start exploring and the bonus of winter/snow capability A little over $1600 all in.
I just put in the order for a set of Falken Wildpeak A/T Trails (235/60R17) and dropping down to a 17" x 7.5" rim (45mm offset) from Replika Wheels. The Falken's seem to be getting really good reviews and are specifically designed for CUV/SUV's. Look pretty aggressive but not too crazy. Toyota is putting them on the new TRD Rav4's. I recently moved from BC to New Brunswick and the roads are pretty bad so I wanted more sidewall to help with ride, plus there is alot of off road trails out here I'd like to start exploring and the bonus of winter/snow capability A little over $1600 all in.
Hoping to have them on by end of next week!!
Thanks Jay, let me know how you like them!
I live in Victoria, BC, but travel to the interior, and up into the mountains etc. I'm looking for a pretty aggressive snow tire (or preferably A/T), because generally I either won't see any snow, or it will be 6+ inches unplowed when I'm driving through it.
Not a flattering pic but things are coming along!! The Falkens are pretty chunky, had marginal affect on MPG's...just installed a 2" hitch receiver to pull my dirt bike into the trails. Not a true "off road'er" but I think alot underestimate just how capable the 4matic system is...not just to get Karen to the shopping mall in the snow
Not a flattering pic but things are coming along!! The Falkens are pretty chunky, had marginal affect on MPG's...just installed a 2" hitch receiver to pull my dirt bike into the trails. Not a true "off road'er" but I think alot underestimate just how capable the 4matic system is...not just to get Karen to the shopping mall in the snow
Jay i'm probly gonna run that exact setup just on different rims. Gonna look into getting a spacer lift kit just to get an extra 1" of clearance. Can you snap pics of how close those rears sit to the spring perch? Great lookin 250 man!
Can you snap pics of how close those rears sit to the spring perch? Great lookin 250 man!
Thank's!! I will try to post a pic of that soon but so far this set-up has proven to be a worth while upgrade over the low profile OEM wheels and tires. Rides and handles pot holes, rough roads much better and I have alot more confidence getting into some back roads for a little trail riding!!
Looking good! I would second the lift, and probably plan on 2-3 inches of height. The corners of that bike carrier look too close to the ground. The taller tires help but I think you'll need to spend some coin on an adjustable coilover setup or think about bagging it even.
Looking good! I would second the lift, and probably plan on 2-3 inches of height. The corners of that bike carrier look too close to the ground. The taller tires help but I think you'll need to spend some coin on an adjustable coilover setup or think about bagging it even.
The only suspension stuff i've been able to find were spacer lift kits. Did you have a link to other stuff to lift one?
Sorry, no easy links that I'm aware of. There isn't much in the way of ready-to-go bolt-on parts for making the GLK into a trail king. You'll likely have to experiment a bit, search around and ask others that have done it (there aren't many), but we wish you luck nonetheless.
Thank's!! I will try to post a pic of that soon but so far this set-up has proven to be a worth while upgrade over the low profile OEM wheels and tires. Rides and handles pot holes, rough roads much better and I have alot more confidence getting into some back roads for a little trail riding!!
Looks absolutely awesome man, great choice. I've ordered the 30mm lift spacers, and I'll do a bit of a writeup when they arrive and I get to install them.
In the meantime, I've managed to ding the DEF Injector about 2 weeks ago, and got thrown into the start countdown - I just pulled the trigger and did a full delete and tune from ECUPROGRAM in Calgary. Having some mixed experiences with them, but I'll report back in more detail once it's resolved.
I did pick up a rooftop tent though, and spent a few nights camping about 20km into deactivated FSRs. The GLK is absolutely impressive offroad for what it is, even on the H/T tires with no lift as it is right now.
Throwing a few photos up for some more inspiration for everyone!
And a few more from 2 weeks ago, before the rooftop tent. This was in Port Renfrew, BC. Some more deactivated FSRs!
For all the naysayers/anti-offroaders... Just drive slow and know your limits, and it will be fine. I very lightly brushed gravel with the front passenger corner once on this trip, and beside that there was 0 damage, 0 scraping, 0 high-centres.
Installed a 30mm lift spacer set. Front wasn't bad to DIY, rear was quite challenging. (Including very challenging to get to the rear upper shock mounts to install the spacers.) Unfortunately I was in a rush, so I didn't document it or take any photos worth sharing.
For wheels and tires, I picked up a set of KMC Bully 17x8 ET38, with Falken A/T Trails, in 235/65/17. Fit great, no issues or rubbing. (I might even get some spacers to bump out the rears a little more, maybe 10 or 15mm.)
As below, they do surprisingly well in snow! (Although some of that is definitely the MB awd system, which is super impressive.) Including pulling a nissan pathfinder out of a nasty 4ft ditch with 4" snow on unplowed roads - definitely needed ESP off and some wheelspin.
At the end of the day these tires still aren't true snow tires with winter compound, so I might put a set of studded snow tires on my OEM wheels next year, depending on how much more time I spend pushing the limits of this thing in snow.
For those interested in fuel economy:
- I was seeing about 6.5-7 L/100km when fully stock (50/50 highway 100kmh and downtown city driving)
- about 7.5-8 L/100km with the roof tent
- About 8.5 L/100km with the roof tent, 30mm spacer lift, and larger wheels and tires mentioned above.
Without the tent, the best fuel economy on the highway was around 95kmh. Because of the added drag at that speed, I'm seeing best fuel economy at 75-80kmh. I can still get sub 6L/100km, as long as I stay around 75-80kmh and minimal elevation change.
Next on the list: more camping gear, more time using it, and I'm drawing up a hidden 6k lb SxS winch mount in CAD. We'll see if that project ever gains traction or not.
Last edited by maxmeyer; 02-27-2021 at 07:31 PM.
Reason: Adding fuel economy info
Looks right at home in the elements! We're considering turning the GLK into a bit of an off-roader as well. I would really want some taller springs for the extra ground clearance.
Thanks! Unfortunately because of the multilink suspension design, a 30mm lift is as tall as the GLK will ever reasonably get. (As someone who's designed custom lifts in the past.) Technically someone could do a long-arm system, but it'd be very challenging for not a huge gain. Plus getting into fibreglass fenders or something to tuck the wider track width and bigger tires.
Right now with the 30mm spacers, 2 of the 3 front arms are juuuuust about touching each other at full extension. Next time I swap my tires I'll try to remember to get a couple photos, or shoot some video to clarify.
I wish I could go a tad higher too, but 30mm + larger tires does make a surprising difference. With such a short wheelbase you'd likely be shocked at what you can get through and over.
Not a flattering pic but things are coming along!! The Falkens are pretty chunky, had marginal affect on MPG's...just installed a 2" hitch receiver to pull my dirt bike into the trails. Not a true "off road'er" but I think alot underestimate just how capable the 4matic system is...not just to get Karen to the shopping mall in the snow
Hey I life in the interior, drive a glk and dirt bike. 🙂
Love the tent! Where did you get your mounting and what tent kit is that? I would like to do exactly as you did...
Originally Posted by maxmeyer
Follow up:
Installed a 30mm lift spacer set. Front wasn't bad to DIY, rear was quite challenging. (Including very challenging to get to the rear upper shock mounts to install the spacers.) Unfortunately I was in a rush, so I didn't document it or take any photos worth sharing.
For wheels and tires, I picked up a set of KMC Bully 17x8 ET38, with Falken A/T Trails, in 235/65/17. Fit great, no issues or rubbing. (I might even get some spacers to bump out the rears a little more, maybe 10 or 15mm.)
As below, they do surprisingly well in snow! (Although some of that is definitely the MB awd system, which is super impressive.) Including pulling a nissan pathfinder out of a nasty 4ft ditch with 4" snow on unplowed roads - definitely needed ESP off and some wheelspin.
At the end of the day these tires still aren't true snow tires with winter compound, so I might put a set of studded snow tires on my OEM wheels next year, depending on how much more time I spend pushing the limits of this thing in snow.
For those interested in fuel economy:
- I was seeing about 6.5-7 L/100km when fully stock (50/50 highway 100kmh and downtown city driving)
- about 7.5-8 L/100km with the roof tent
- About 8.5 L/100km with the roof tent, 30mm spacer lift, and larger wheels and tires mentioned above.
Without the tent, the best fuel economy on the highway was around 95kmh. Because of the added drag at that speed, I'm seeing best fuel economy at 75-80kmh. I can still get sub 6L/100km, as long as I stay around 75-80kmh and minimal elevation change.
Next on the list: more camping gear, more time using it, and I'm drawing up a hidden 6k lb SxS winch mount in CAD. We'll see if that project ever gains traction or not.
05-13-2020, 06:17 PM
A little over $1600 all in. 
