azzurribaggio

If I purchased an ML350 with the 20" wheels (appearance package) but later wanted to downgrade to 19's would the speedo and suspension (or anything else) also have to be adjusted?
Or is this a straight swap and re-alignment?

C-rod

to 19's in the winter and everything was fine.........l just switched back to my 20's..such as yours..wonderful look...............

Cal

The 19" and 20" wheels should be interchangeable with no need to re-adjust speedometers, etc, provided the 19" and 20" wheels are factory-sized. The reason they are interchangeable (provided they are factory-sized) is that the 19" wheels will have a bigger/taller sidewall (and different width) to compensate for the 1" smaller diameter. Given this, the overall aspect ratios of the 19" and 20" will be roughly the same, so no need for readjustment.

Since you are paying extra for the 20" wheels (appearance package), I would not swap them out for 19" wheels (which are cheaper) at the dealer. Might as well trade with someone and get some cash back along the way.

jl21

you still looking for trade for 19" wheels?

GregW / Oregon

As Cal alluded to, the two setups use different aspect ratios for the tires yeilding about the same OD. If you have any need for snow tires, you could use the 19s for that.

DC-IT

My ML came with 20" rims and the tire size: 265/45-R20.
If I want to use 19" rims I have to change the tires to: 255/50-R19.

Try Googling for Tire Size Calculator and check out the effect of changing rim & tire size.

azzurribaggio

Actually I'm now looking to trade for ML63 20" wheels

GregW / Oregon

I ran the ML63 wheels for a couple years, but it felt like the Airmatic was not handling the extra 5 lb. weight of those big meats (295/40 on 10" w.) too well. I ended up selling them. They look cool, though.

jon2002

Besides the cool looks, did your ML handle significantly better with the big tires? Better at the limit cornering? Not that i've dared corning the limit in my ml. My ML550 could certainly improve on its handling.

GregW / Oregon

No, I can't say I've ever pushed the ML to where I thought it needed more rubber; it's just not that kind of vehicle - that's what my M3 is for. The ML is fairly benign at the limit, it will just understeer. I'd say looks is the only reason for the big rubber, but it actually may make your handling worse because the suspension and shocks have more unsprung weight to deal with. Here is a weight comparison of 19s with the ML63 20s. The 19s would weigh a litle more with full tread. Both are pretty heavy.

GateKeeper

What are looking to get ?

and how much for the rims/tires you have ?

jon2002

That's not the news I wanted to hear...i've never owned a car before that didnt handle better from an upgraded wheel package...however i've never owned an suv before either.

Did your mpg suffer noticably?

Do the big tires at least help with off the line traction?

Thanks Greg

GregW / Oregon

Off the line traction is not an issue with the 268-hp V8 like it might be with the V8. I did not notice a mileage difference, but never tracked it closely. More unprung weight is detrimental in acceleration and braking and of course bumpy conditions. I felt like the suspension on mine was overtaxed with the larger wheels and tires. The ML63 has different suspension tuning that takes the difference into account. A good set of larger forged wheels that weighed less than stock would be the perfect solution, but expensive.

jon2002

I may have to consider a set of light weight forged 20x10" wheels instead. The last thing i want is to make my ML handle and ride poorer.

Surprising even with the ML's 50/50 split full time awd, it spins its 265 tires easily in 1st gear on dry roads if you have the steering wheel ever so slightly turned. I'm sure this is due to the open diffs front and rear. The 5.5liter V8 is quite powerful. I am hoping it wont spin tires at all with wider 295s.

tonyabarry1

I want to up grade my 2014 ml350 bluetec wheels to 20's but would like a wider look tire.
It came with 19" stock wheels.

I don't want to loose the luxury smooth ride or acceleration. The ride is so great!!
I found some 20' asanti classy rims for my diamond white new ML.
But really need some advice on tire size.
What's the widest tire I could go on a 20" rim for my ML that will still keep my smooth luxury ride. Not rough and bumpy

tonyabarry1

I got a diamond white 2014 ml350 blueTec 4Matic ( it's not air suspension )) .
I want to order a set of 20" asanti classy rims but I don't know what WIDEST tire size I can or is best to go with the 20" rims so It will still allow me to keep my smooth luxury ride. ( or if it's even possible to go with a wide tire to keep the smooth luxury ride ). I live down south and NO snow.
I really need some help with this. Can anyone help with some advice?

Thanks
Tonya

GregW / Oregon

A couple things. The width is not as much a factor in ride as the sidewall height. The typical goal is to keep the OD of the tires close to stock. That means each 1" large you go in the wheel diameter the sidewall decreases 1/2". This is done by lowering the aspect ration (height:width) of the tire.
While tire models have some variance in ride quality, it is unlikely a 20" tire will ride as well as most 19s.

The maximum width depends on wheel offset and width. The ML63 as you probably know came with 295/40-20s on 10" wide rims. I would not go wider than that. But you need to verify the offset and width are compatible with your vehicle.