ML350 with MAN wheels!!!! 21" AMG
 

Hello Guys,

One of you guys turned me on to some 21" AMG wheels off of a GL550!!! Being here in Miami I was able to easily find some takeoffs from a great guy who gets the more than 8 area dealer's take offs!!! Here it is!!! Tell what you think! I will happily give you guys his number!

I like the one shown in the 3rd picture the best! It really make a difference!

Nice! What's the difference in ride?

They did come with tires but the GL tires (40) are to big... So, Patrick had some lower profile (35) Pirelli Zeros at 80% tread and he gave me a great deal on wheels, tires, sensors and he mounted them!!!

From stock spongy girly 19" wheels/tires... they immediately feel heavier, sure footed, thicker!!! I went immediately to the highway and cruised at 70mph and ramped up to 100mph!!! They drive incredible!!!!! and look f-ing rugged!!! It has been a head turner all day!!!

I did have to get use to the look... I was worried they were to butch!!! But they don't protrude beyond the edge of the top lip and now I am blown away by the look!!! I will post better pics tomorrow.

I love how aggressive they look and the concave certainly looks nice on the shorter chassis of the ML. It really fills out the profile well.

I have the same wheels on my 2011 ML...21 inch with continental tires..they look great and are not harsh riding but because they are low profile i am lucky to get 20000 kms out of them..

Those look nice and match the overall design of the new ML too!

They look fantastic. I've noticed the wheels on GLs and wished they could go on my ML, so it looks like they can!

Hey, does anyone know the difference between these 21 inch AMG GL wheels and the AMG 21 inch wheels for the ML? Wouldn't they be the same?

Can you tell me the model number of these GL AMG 21s? And what what the tire size you ended up with?

Thanks!

Yes they can!!!! I think the ML63 spec is the 21" X 10"! The tire size is 295/35 ZR 21... Note- the ML63 has an extended fenders so these wheels look like they are busting out of the ML350 wells. Initially I was a bit conscious about it but last night and today they just look mean!!! Even that out with the OEM AMG cleanliness and they are perfect!!!!

While I am a Michelin consumer the slightly used Pirelli's are incredible!!! These wheels have made my ML elegantly distinctive!!! Like all my MB's I stick with OEM AMG gear and definitely within the spec. No 22's !!!!

So, those AMG GL 21s you have, they are also 21x10, yes?

I wonder what the real difference is between putting on those AMG GL 21inchers and the W166 AMG ML63 20 x 10s, like here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...ly-modded.html. Is it only a little smaller sidewall?

It looks like the GL 21s fills up the wheel well more, or is this just an optical illusion? But those GL 21s are a bigger wheel and tire, does this throw off the speedmeter/odometer?

The difference is the offset.

Try this: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Do u think one sticks out more than the other?

Yes big difference. GL is ET37 while ML is ET56.

Use this guide that I use. It has pretty much all modern MB rims with specs on diameter, width, and offset.

http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mercedes_alloy_wheels

Then to run the calculations on how much they stick out or go in I use this very handy calculator:

http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp


I've been using this method for a long time to find out exactly if a new set of MB rims will be compatible on a different MB.

Another Pic
 

Another Pic

Given how they stick out just a little, I wonder how it would look with some fender flares like they put on the BMW X5 Sport? The X5 Sport I used to drive had a staggered setup of 20x10 in the front and 20x11 in the rear (see picts). I think they gave the X5 a very rugged and 'planted' look, especially from the rear.

Those tires made me feel super secure and planted on hairpin turns as high speed (particularly on & off ramps and mountainous driving). Only drawback was the ride quality due to the X5s stiffer suspension. I also think that the tire width picks up more road imperfections by the simple fact that there is more contact with the pavement. Unfortunately, the relatively rough ride of the X5 would make my fiancee carsick, and while the X5 performed like a sports sedan (with the Dynamic Handling system added), it never felt like a luxury ride.

For model year 2014, they are suppose to add an air suspension to a new X5 and you can dial in a 'comfort' mode, like with the ML. However, if it will be anything like the 'comfort mode' in the BMW 535 Gran Turismo that I test drove a few months ago, I think it will still be a rougher ride than the ML in any setting.

For me, it seems the Holy Grail is the 'corner-flat' performance of an X5 and the smooth ride of the ML, but without sacrificing road feel.

I ordered the expensive Active Curve on my ML550, since it will help with the corning performance, as well as the multi-contour seats to help me stay planted in my seat when the G-forces get more intense. However, I know the ML suspension will still not perform like the X5 when it comes to corning and performance handling through windy mountain passes. But I at least want to duplicate the 'stout' look of my old X5, and I think those AMG 20x10 or 21x10 would do the trick.

The only reservations I still have with that setup is the ride quality: How much is lost when you go with 20x10 or 21x10, vs the stock 20x8.5 (that is coming on my ML550)?

I also wonder if the complete tire diameter is different on the 20x10 vs 21x10. Or is the only difference a lower sidewall on the 21x10? Certainly, its a cooler look from the side with the wheel well filled up to the max.

I also still wonder: what, if any, is the difference between the W164 ML63 AMG 21x10 wheels and the X164 GL AMG 21x10 wheels...they are both AMG 21x10. Someone said there may be an offset difference.

I would at least like to figure out the model number for the GL 21s, then I could compare it to the data I have on the ML63s 21s. Thanks!

Dude, just read my post a few comments up. It has ALL of the information you need regarding OEM wheels, part numbers, offsets, and how to measure.

:eek: That looks very nice and butch! This is why it is always good to go with MB designed alloys as they complement the car very well.:y

I wonder if some wheel arch moldings are in order? looks fine without but just curious.

See how they stick out
 

Here is a rear shot... BTW- compared the the odometer readings yesterday with a GPS on the highway... dead on!!!

xxGenericSNxx, thank you! I had overlooked your posting. This is great info...I'm checking it out now....

Couldn't leave well enough alone!!!! ML63 Wheels
 

Couldn't leave well enough alone!!!! The guy who sold me the GL wheels called yesterday and asked me to come by for a ML63 wheel upgrade!!! While you would think that the decision was easy it really was not! I really liked the GL wheels. But my partner in crime (8 year old son) opted for the ML63 wheels!!!

I have to agree, those do look more stylish. Do u find there is any functional/performance or physical difference, besides the looks?

They are definitely lighter in weight so they feel more nimble.