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I have exactly the same conundrum - new GLS450 on the way fitted with optional 22" rims which will be useless in NH winters. A few thoughts.
As far as I can tell, only the Pirelli Scorpion AS tires are made in the OEM sizes (285/22R45 front and 325/22R40 rear) - they are about $1000 each! For the nearly $4000 that a set costs, I figure you can get another set of near mint used MB rims (not 22's) and winter tires - and maybe even save a few $ in the process.
Not sure you can go with e 22' "square" set-up by replacing the stock rears (22 x 11.5, 47 mm offset) with the same as on the front (22 x 9.5, 45 mm offset) - the key will be if they clear the brakes OK. Once mine is delivered, I'll try mounting a front rim on the rear and see how it works.
The rears are the problem. Some websites say that you could mount a 285/22R45 on the rear 11.5" rim (at the very limit of OK rim widths), but likely would have unusual wear. There are some moderate price AS tires available in 305 widths that should be OK on the 11.5" rims and not be too far off when it comes to diameter.
Maybe someone out there that is knowledgeable can comment on the max difference in overall diameter that's OK for front vs. rear tires on a GLS?
If you go with "standard" 21" rims (10 x 21, 44 mm offset front, 11 x 21, 42 mm offset rear - offsets may be different with the AMG brake package) there are many more reasonably priced AS tire choices available in the stock 275/45 R21 and 315/40/R21 sizes. The problem is, that the overall tire diameter is going to be about a full 1.25" less than the 22's with significant speedo error. A dealer may or may not be able to reprogram the car for 21's - lots of talk on this site about doing that, but not from anyone who actually had it done. You can increase the aspect ratio of front and rear to 50 and 45 respectively and come close to the original diameter of the 22's. Higher profile tires should be fine, even better for winter driving.
If there's any moral to this story, it's beware purchasing a GLS with 22" (or 23") rims if you live in a climate where winter driving will be required. Be prepared for significant expense for winter tires and/or another set of rims and tires!
@mschirmer those $1,000 tires are likely Aston Martin spec. Some on the forum have been stuck with those when MO or MO1 spec tires are in short supply.
At the track, I wish I had 22-in uhp tires. The rest of the year, I'm glad I got 21s.
The specs you post on 21-in staggered wheels will work on the big red brake set up.
We opted for a second set of winter wheels in a 22" square set up with custom offsets to give the staggered look without the use of spacers. This allowed us to get an AS tire that was VERY close to the 23" total circumference and great winter performance.
I have exactly the same conundrum - new GLS450 on the way fitted with optional 22" rims which will be useless in NH winters. A few thoughts......
Read full post, H&R 23mm spacers made for the X167 and you can run front wheels in the rear that stick out the exact amount as stock. I have 20k miles on this setup, even tire wear, no vibrations, etc. These aren't cheapie eBay/Amazon spacers.
If you're someone who likes to run winter tires, a second set of wheels makes sense. I navigate our New England winter ski trips on 3PMSF all seasons.
I was looking at a similar spacer to provide a bolt pattern adaptation, but the minimum spacer thickness was 3/4" (19mm) which was more offset than I was comfortable with. I assume there's a similar minimum thickness for the H&R?
21.6mm is the calculated theoretical size of spacer needed if wanting to remove a 11.5" 47mm offset rear wheel and replace with a 9.5" 45mm offset front wheel.
Therefore 23mm spacers are logical. I also like that the original lug bolt length can be used, therefore the Mercedes OEM wheel locks can be used.
Last edited by Missourian; Aug 16, 2025 at 10:14 PM.
21.6mm is the calculated theoretical size of spacer needed if wanting to remove a 11.5" 47mm offset rear wheel and replace with a 9.5" 45mm offset front wheel.
Therefore 23mm spacers are logical. I also like that the original lug bolt length can be used, therefore the Mercedes OEM wheel locks can be used.
Agreed, ability to use stock lug nuts was important for me also. We have the goofy MB flower style lug nuts on our 580, wanted to keep things as stock looking as possible.
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