2012 ML250 BlueTEC (W166) 21 Inch Wheels

Jan 1, 2013 | 09:26 PM

pjb89

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From: Toronto, CANADA

2015 GLK250

2012 ML250 BlueTEC (W166) 21 Inch Wheels

I have been offered a new set of 21 inch AMG wheels for my yet to be delivered ML250. I haven't actually seen the wheels yet, so am not too sure whether or not they are the 265/40 R21 on 9Jx21 (ET53) or 295/35 R21 on 10Jx21 (ET56).

The dealer has indicated that these wheels will not void my insurance and will be fine as they are MB optional parts for the ML250 and will be included in the vehicle description on the policy, but I am not so sure.

These are optional wheels for the ML63 which has all the kit, however, my car does not have the AIRMATIC suspension and/or AMG pack, so I am interested in clearance (particularly in the case of the 295/35 R21), ride quality, excessive wear/scrubbing of the big tyres etc.... This wheel combination has almost the same rolling circumference as the standard wheels, so do not believe this is a show stopper. Note that I do not intend to use this vehicle off road, and we don't have to worry about snow 'down under' in Australia like a large number of other MB forumites...

I also have the option of a set of 265/45 R20 on 9Jx20 (ET57) which are an option for the ML250 in Australia, but am pretty keen on the larger diameter wheels if my concerns are resolved...

Thanks

Peter

Jan 2, 2013 | 01:26 AM

iankayem

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Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 625

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From: Australia

X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003

With 21's and no Airmatic, be prepared to visit the dentist more often to get those fillings replaced.

Other problems like insurance and clearance are nothing to worry about.

Jan 2, 2013 | 02:52 PM

GMW

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From: UG

2013 ML63 AMG PP

I would think they are giving you the 265/40 R21s which are officially optionally available for the ML250 and look quite nice if I may add. The 295/35 R21 require wider front wheel arches which are only available for the ML63. Also as iankayem mentioned without airmatic expect a stiffer ride either way.

Last edited by GMW; Jan 2, 2013 at 02:54 PM.

Jan 7, 2013 | 03:13 AM

pjb89

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From: Toronto, CANADA

2015 GLK250

GMW

The MB dealer has confirmed that the wheels are off an M63, ie 295/35 R21 on 10Jx21 (ET56). When I asked again about them fitting under the guards (no rubbing etc), they adivsed that they have fitted the same combination before to another ML250 and that there are no problems...

Now I'm confused....

Jan 7, 2013 | 08:09 AM

GMW

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From: UG

2013 ML63 AMG PP

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjb89

If the dealer has done this before then it should be fine. I also think the std ML arches can fit wider tires than what is offered. You can ask the dealer to fit them on the front axle and you can then check the clearance and do a full lock to right or left turn as you drive in their parking to test and hear if they rub. Please take pics when you are done. I'd love to see how they look on your ML!

Jan 7, 2013 | 09:41 AM

GregW / Oregon

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From: Lake Oswego, OR

2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe

ML63 wheels on ML250

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjb89

Yes, they will fit. Stick out a little further, but not too far. I ran those on my W164 350; they do weigh about 5# more than stock each, and on that car with Airmatic I thought the weight was detrimental to handling (suspension not tuned for it).

Jan 23, 2013 | 09:57 PM

pjb89

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From: Toronto, CANADA

2015 GLK250

After a lot of soul searching we decided to stick with the 265/45 R20 on 9Jx20 (ET57) as the 21 inch rims originally offered by the dealer were eventually determined to be second hand set (albeit in very very good condition) and were not the current AMG pattern. We couldn't see the point in putting a set of rims that were not current on a new car...

Our 2012 ML250 has now turned out to be a 2013 compliance plated car due to the delay in its delivery to Australia. I'm not sure I fully appreciate the significance of a 2012 build, with 2013 complaince plate, but suspect that it will improve the resale value which if this is true is good to know.

Anyway we are looking forward to picking up our new car on Saturday (am) so will post some pics later...