Rough ride , what size rim?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 342
2013 glk 350
Rough ride , what size rim?
2013 Glk 350, I need new tires, and ride is rough. I think I have 19 regular factory, silver color. I was told to get different smaller rims so I have more sidewall. What size should I pick for best bumpy city roads . I’m getting Michelin Cross country since plows are always late on Chicago side roads , looking at Tire Rack for whole package with tpms. 16” 17” 18” ? I need the most comfort I can get, I don’t get it now. I see 17” as the smallest, what about 55 vs 50 for hight as well. I think Habby said he used 55 and only rubbed when locking front wheels. That seems like the biggest sidewall I can get
Last edited by Mmr1; Nov 28, 2024 at 03:29 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 280
From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
There's a "Tire Rim Calculator" on this forum site, on the Tools menu (above).
Plus there are other TR Calculators out on the web, no doubt at Tire Rack's website, and so on.
Plus there are other TR Calculators out on the web, no doubt at Tire Rack's website, and so on.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 342
2013 glk 350
The representative at Tire rack is helpful. Most places now it’s hard to talk to anyone. These guys get a commission so they want to talk, I can’t figure out tires and don’t have the time . I’ll make a mistake
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 691
2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
If you go to a 17 inch rim, make sure the rim will not interfere with the front brake calipers.
19 inch rims on a GLK350 were probably standard with 235/50R19 tires. If the 17 inch rims don’t interfere with the front brake calipers, then 235/60R17 tires should fit with better ride, no rubbing, and less than 1 MPH speedometer error as long as the offset of the new rims is the same as the stock ones.
Check all this with your tire and rim dealer to be certain.
19 inch rims on a GLK350 were probably standard with 235/50R19 tires. If the 17 inch rims don’t interfere with the front brake calipers, then 235/60R17 tires should fit with better ride, no rubbing, and less than 1 MPH speedometer error as long as the offset of the new rims is the same as the stock ones.
Check all this with your tire and rim dealer to be certain.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 280
From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 728
Likes: 271
2011 GLK 350 4Matic
Here's a very helpful link showing all the combinations that the GLK came with (including 17" rims).
https://www.wheel-size.com/size/merc...m-glk-350--302
Of course, you have to work out offset and total tire diameter and width, if you stray from the stock combinations. But the options you'll see at that link should give you a really good baseline.
FWIW, when I got my current GLE 19" wheels, I test-fitted them to determine the proper spacers to install (by measuring the distance from the sidewall to the fender lip, at the likely contact points). And yes, my GLK's ride quality improved significantly going from the stock 20" "sport wheels" to the 19" GLE wheels. No doubt going to 17" or 18" will make a bigger difference, which can only be a good thing for Chicago streets.
https://www.wheel-size.com/size/merc...m-glk-350--302
Of course, you have to work out offset and total tire diameter and width, if you stray from the stock combinations. But the options you'll see at that link should give you a really good baseline.
FWIW, when I got my current GLE 19" wheels, I test-fitted them to determine the proper spacers to install (by measuring the distance from the sidewall to the fender lip, at the likely contact points). And yes, my GLK's ride quality improved significantly going from the stock 20" "sport wheels" to the 19" GLE wheels. No doubt going to 17" or 18" will make a bigger difference, which can only be a good thing for Chicago streets.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 490
Likes: 150
From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
My snow tires are 225/65/17. The ride is so much smoother on our horrible Quebec roads that it's almost worth giving up the handling of the 20 inchers the rest of the year.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 342
2013 glk 350
S shadow. Are those 17” rims ? I do know snow tires are a softer compound to stick to ice snow. I’m thinking I need 17” rims vs stock 19. My ride is like an old truck now with 19”. Oh it handles well. But I need bump absorption.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 490
Likes: 150
From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 342
2013 glk 350
235/65/17 Michelin cross country 17” rims , one size oversized on hight for more sidewall. And 2” more from rims, new non oxidized rubber, better riding tire . It should ride like a MB now , not a 74 Truck
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 342
2013 glk 350
225/65/17 do you notice any problems with 65? That’s what I ordered. So you have the same sidewall depth I will have ! I think that’s all the comfort you can get! 17” rim. 65 sidewall height. My present tires are about 7-8 years old , getting stiff.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 490
Likes: 150
From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
No problems at all. There's a huge improvement in comfort and honestly the car still handles very well. It's not a sports car. My Alfa fills that spot.
Last edited by Silver Shadow; Dec 1, 2024 at 05:00 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 342
2013 glk 350
I made a mistake , my new 235/65 Michelin cross climate 2 , 17” rims, at 34 lb are rougher riding than the 8 yr old Michelin Premier 235/60 with 19” rims , I’m sending them back. What I had on was better . So I start over . 😡😭😞 I still need new tires . This is stress I don’t need .
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 490
Likes: 150
From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
Have a look at Goodyear Assurance Weather Ready and Bridgestone Weatherpeak if you're looking for a 4 Season tire.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 342
2013 glk 350
Ok, I’m wondering if cross climate sidewall is thicker on 65, load rating is a bit higher. Even tire rack said “17” is best for comfort. I do want Michelin . My Michelin Permiers 8 years ago stated, a new compound they developed keeps grip even as they wear. It’s true , I’ve never had a tire that didn’t oxidize and go slippery like after 4-5 years. Usually after 4-5 years they have no grip and I change them. These still stick ! Just getting hard and low tread . Not good for deep snow .
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 691
2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Ok, I’m wondering if cross climate sidewall is thicker on 65, load rating is a bit higher. Even tire rack said “17” is best for comfort. I do want Michelin . My Michelin Permiers 8 years ago stated, a new compound they developed keeps grip even as they wear. It’s true , I’ve never had a tire that didn’t oxidize and go slippery like after 4-5 years. Usually after 4-5 years they have no grip and I change them. These still stick ! Just getting hard and low tread . Not good for deep snow .
If you change tires, the Michelin Primacy Touring A/S is a very compliant tire that absorbs road imperfections well. It’s all season, but it’s not 3 Peak Mountain/Snowflake rated like the Cross Climate tires.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 319
From: WI
GLK 250
I picked up a new set of Pirelli AS+3 to replace an old set of Michelin Premier LTX, and I knew the new tires would be a little stiffer (XL vs SL) but we do many road trips where the trucklet is fully loaded. It's nice to have that extra bit of carrying capacity and safety built right into a set of tires. I've found that running them right at the recommended PSI (33) makes for the most comfortable and stable ride.
I guess it would be unfair to say it rides a little tougher than before, mainly because I've also replaced the OE worn out shocks with Bilstein B4, which are going to be a little stiffer than stock anyway.
OP, if new tires are too stiff/rough for your liking, double-check the PSI and adjust accordingly. Also should be aware that in sub-freezing temps, most rubber compounds will stiffen up and result in a somewhat tough ride. Unless you get dedicated snow tires which are made from a different compound entirely, that's just the nature of the beast.
I guess it would be unfair to say it rides a little tougher than before, mainly because I've also replaced the OE worn out shocks with Bilstein B4, which are going to be a little stiffer than stock anyway.
OP, if new tires are too stiff/rough for your liking, double-check the PSI and adjust accordingly. Also should be aware that in sub-freezing temps, most rubber compounds will stiffen up and result in a somewhat tough ride. Unless you get dedicated snow tires which are made from a different compound entirely, that's just the nature of the beast.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 342
2013 glk 350
Oh I have old Premier Xlt now , great tire still sticks after 7 years . I tried the cross climate 235/65/17 at 34 lb 35 outside .it was more harsh than the old XLT . I expected the opposite . I don’t know what I’m doing .
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 728
Likes: 271
2011 GLK 350 4Matic
A couple thoughts on the Michelin Cross Climate 2...
The review that included them mentioned that they're stiffer than the other snow tires tested, and that the tread produces a "noticeable growl". I know the tread pattern is similar to the Z-rated "summer-only tires" I used to run on my "hot" BMW, and they weren't close to quiet tires. Doesn't sound like the ones you got are the best bet for a quiet tire.
Also, the size you selected results in a 1" reduction in the height of the tire (half an inch less ground clearance). You could have opted for a tire with a taller sidewall (with a sidewall ratio of 70 or even 75), though of course your handling would suffer (not that you're going to be tracking the car with snow tires). ;-)
FWIW, I had a (nearly new) set of 20" all-season tires on my GLK last winter, and got to experience some snowy, icy roads in Maine. The car did so well that I was getting pretty bored with the whole thing - until I drove my granddaughter's FWD Toyota Corolla... it was a white-knuckle experience. The true "snow tires" I've used in the past are noisier than all-season tires, and honestly I've never felt they worked much (if any) better in snow.
The review that included them mentioned that they're stiffer than the other snow tires tested, and that the tread produces a "noticeable growl". I know the tread pattern is similar to the Z-rated "summer-only tires" I used to run on my "hot" BMW, and they weren't close to quiet tires. Doesn't sound like the ones you got are the best bet for a quiet tire.
Also, the size you selected results in a 1" reduction in the height of the tire (half an inch less ground clearance). You could have opted for a tire with a taller sidewall (with a sidewall ratio of 70 or even 75), though of course your handling would suffer (not that you're going to be tracking the car with snow tires). ;-)
FWIW, I had a (nearly new) set of 20" all-season tires on my GLK last winter, and got to experience some snowy, icy roads in Maine. The car did so well that I was getting pretty bored with the whole thing - until I drove my granddaughter's FWD Toyota Corolla... it was a white-knuckle experience. The true "snow tires" I've used in the past are noisier than all-season tires, and honestly I've never felt they worked much (if any) better in snow.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 490
Likes: 150
From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
He dropped 2 inches in wheel size from 19" to 17". That size are 3/4 inch larger in diameter and have 2 inches+ more sidewall than stock.
Last edited by Silver Shadow; Dec 4, 2024 at 08:17 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 728
Likes: 271
2011 GLK 350 4Matic
The new tires are 235/65/17 and the originals are 235/60/19. Since the width of two are the same, the sidewalls are calculated at width (in mm) times profile (in %). That means that the sidewalls on the 17" tires are only 5% taller than the sidewalls on the 19" tires (235mm x 5% is just under 12mm, or 1/2" taller). Times two (top and bottom sidewalls) leave the 17" tires 1" shorter than the 19" tires.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 280
From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Exactly ... and if you check Post #2 in this thread, there is a suggestion to check the Tire Rim Calculator FOUND on this website.
Should we spend a whole 60 seconds using it?
Orig: 235 / 60 / 19
New: 235 / 65 / 17
... result:
Inner Clearance:8.35mm less
Outer Position:extend by 4.35mm
Diameter difference:-1.07" (-3.70%) <----
... confirmation of @habbyguy !!
Okay, let's spend a few more seconds checking other possibilities :
New: 235 / 70 / 17
... result:
Inner Clearance:8.35mm less
Outer Position:extend by 4.35mm
Diameter difference:-0.15" (-0.50%) <----
New: 235 / 75 / 17
... result:
Inner Clearance:8.35mm less
Outer Position:extend by 4.35mm
Diameter difference:0.78" (2.51%) <----
Seems the "70" would have been a better (closest to original diameter) choice.
Should we spend a whole 60 seconds using it?
Orig: 235 / 60 / 19
New: 235 / 65 / 17
... result:
Inner Clearance:8.35mm less
Outer Position:extend by 4.35mm
Diameter difference:-1.07" (-3.70%) <----
... confirmation of @habbyguy !!
Okay, let's spend a few more seconds checking other possibilities :
New: 235 / 70 / 17
... result:
Inner Clearance:8.35mm less
Outer Position:extend by 4.35mm
Diameter difference:-0.15" (-0.50%) <----
New: 235 / 75 / 17
... result:
Inner Clearance:8.35mm less
Outer Position:extend by 4.35mm
Diameter difference:0.78" (2.51%) <----
Seems the "70" would have been a better (closest to original diameter) choice.
Last edited by calder-cay; Dec 4, 2024 at 11:49 PM.
