JohnnyMack

As a long time reader and first time poster I want to thank all the members here who have helped me spec out a new 2013 ML350. Went with arctic white and black MB text, P1, and all the great recommendations that been made on this site including the upholstery wrapped dash, ambient lighting, heated wheel, anthracite poplar trim, black headliner, passenger memory, etc.

Sadly, the 20" wheels we're not available at the time of order but I have since sourced some 20x9.5" AMG replicas which seem to be exactly what I wanted (pictures to follow). That said, I would love to hear input on the tire size you would run with this set up. I suspect the popular answer will be a 275/45r20 however I really prefer a bit less sidewall than that (am i wrong on this?). From the research I've done, it seems like there are really only two other options: 1) run a 265/45r20 like the OEM sport wheels but I fear those may be a bit narrow on a 9.5" wheel, or 2) run a 275/40r20. This is really my preference but I have a concern that the larger amount of wheel well showing may not look quite right. I do not have the airmatic so cannot lower it nor do I plan on changing the springs and lowering it. Again, I would love to hear opinions on this and also see any pictures if anyone is running a 275/40r20 tire on a factory W166 suspension without airmatic.

I really appreciate and value the members input here as this one has me a bit stumped and reference points on this setup seem hard to come by. BTW, all your recommendations on offset configurators, etc. have been outstanding and I do plan to share all those details once I finalize the tire size but first I need some professional opinions on this, so let 'em fly guys...

Thanks in advance for your input!

DrFox1969

I can't comment on the technical aspects of your question, however in comparison, I have the 21" AMG 5 spoke alloys (21 x 9) on 265/40 R21 Continental Cross Contacts. Granted i have the Airmatic suspension, but the tyres dont look bad at all (see attached). Also have to think about the ride comfort as you will compromise this if you go too low.

If you are really bothered about the wheel arch gap, forget the 20's and go for 21's.

iankayem

265/45R20 tyres will be fine on 9.5" rims. So will 275/40R20 but they are 28.7" diameter v 29.4 for the 265/45R20. I would rather go to275/45R20 at 29.7"

The 265/40R21 are 29.3 which is virtually standard so they will not fill the arches differently, but will be pretty stiff to drive without airmatic.

I would stick to the 265/40R20 unless the choice of brands retricts you.

Cyber GS

[/QUOTE]

Great looking wheels and ML

DrFox1969

Great looking wheels and ML[/QUOTE]


Thanks.....I know you guys in US cant order the AMG Sport pack or twin spoke AMG 21" alloys as an option....shame as I think its the best looking version.

Masterbuyer

No shame, really, since I don't think I would want those AMG Sport Pack wheels if I went for 21 inch, as the AMG 21" offered for non-ML63s in Canada are not the same as the AMG 21" for the ML63...the former is a narrower wheel, 9j rather than 10j. (See the attached from the Canadian dealer order guide). So, while they'ld look nearly the same from the side, from the rear they will not look as wide (and therefore not as cool).

I would go for the real AMG wheels, even if they came close to slicking out a bit.

JohnnyMack

Thanks for all the feedback so far guys! The 21" is really not an option for me as I already own the 20x9.5 AMG replicas (which actually do not look too dissimilar to those 21" AMGs). So far, the one recommendation is to go with the 265/45r20 tire. Anyone else feel strongly about that option vs the 275/45r20 or the 275/40r20? Again, just trying to avoid too much or to little sidewall here. The visual aspect is more important to me than any ride quality differences or speedometer variance.

Edit: just learned that a 295/40r20 could work on that 9.5" wheel so let's throw that into the mix as well. Thoughts?

hutch300

Go to the tire shop pick what you think will be best and have them test fit one tire and see if its the look you want. They can mount it and just air it up. I vote for: 275/45r20