Anybody Have 18" Wheels on their W222?
11-07-2014, 12:16 AM
#1
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Anybody Have 18" Wheels on their W222?
I know that most guys here are after that zero sidewall look, but I am after the most comfortable ride. I just ordered a new S550 with 18" wheels. I'm not thrilled with the look, but a smooth, quiet ride is my main concern. Anyone here have 18's on a 2014 of 2015? If so, how do you like them? Advantages over 19's or 20's?
11-07-2014, 08:29 AM
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'15 S550 4matic; '10 RX350; '14 E350 Cabriolet
I have 18" wheels on my '15 S550, as I too appreciate the comfortable ride and less risk to curb rash with the larger wheels (and less rubber sidewalls).
With the larger wheels, there is also the higher risk to getting wheel damage from pot holes. I've never had the 19" or larger wheels on my sedans, and really don't have a comparision for ride, but sure see a lot of damaged 19" and 20" wheels at the MB dealer's parts department...
For me, it's the more practical choice up here in the Northeast.
With the larger wheels, there is also the higher risk to getting wheel damage from pot holes. I've never had the 19" or larger wheels on my sedans, and really don't have a comparision for ride, but sure see a lot of damaged 19" and 20" wheels at the MB dealer's parts department...
For me, it's the more practical choice up here in the Northeast.
Last edited by hstmercedes; 11-07-2014 at 08:32 AM.
11-07-2014, 09:20 AM
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I have 18" wheels on my '15 S550, as I too appreciate the comfortable ride and less risk to curb rash with the larger wheels (and less rubber sidewalls).
With the larger wheels, there is also the higher risk to getting wheel damage from pot holes. I've never had the 19" or larger wheels on my sedans, and really don't have a comparision for ride, but sure see a lot of damaged 19" and 20" wheels at the MB dealer's parts department...
For me, it's the more practical choice up here in the Northeast.
With the larger wheels, there is also the higher risk to getting wheel damage from pot holes. I've never had the 19" or larger wheels on my sedans, and really don't have a comparision for ride, but sure see a lot of damaged 19" and 20" wheels at the MB dealer's parts department...
For me, it's the more practical choice up here in the Northeast.
11-07-2014, 02:21 PM
#4
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I also opted for the 18" wheels since I am more concerned about comfort than I am about looks. I now have almost 12,000 miles on my 2014 S550 and I have absolutely no regrets about my wheel choice. Btw, I kept the RFT's. I have had no issues with them. I also get great gas mileage compared to some folks here. I'm not sure if the 18" wheels is the reason, but in any case, I am enjoying the car ride with these wheels.
11-07-2014, 03:34 PM
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I can understand in colder climates why smaller wheels would be preferred, but potholes, roadhazards or whatever other issues one would have from large wheels seems like an operator issue and not an equipment issue......I only have 19's, but I constantly scan and watch for anything in my way......I'm not fumbling with radio controls....on a phone or something else that would prevent me from seeing an obvious pothole or obstacle in my path.......I'm also guessing larger wheels that have lifetime structural promises have certain exemptions? like pot holes or other road hazards?
we have to step up and take some extra personal responsibility with cars like these eh?
we have to step up and take some extra personal responsibility with cars like these eh?
11-07-2014, 04:11 PM
#6
19" vs. 18"
I had originally ordered 18's but changed them to the 10 spoke 19's after reading several postings by those who had them and were happy with them. I was hesitant as I live in the Northeast and our roads are rife with potholes, but again those who have them were ok with them.
11-08-2014, 01:16 AM
#7
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Well, I sort live in the exact opposite area of country: Orange County, CA, but I feel much the same as you. How many magazine road tests did I read--especially with BMW's, where they complained about having to replace severely damaged--very expensive wheels, after hitting a road hazard that most vehicles would simply bound over unscathed? I like the look of a bit larger wheel, but I refuse to give up anything in the way of ride quality for a bit of "bling." In addition, I plan on switching out the RFT for a set of Bridgestone Serenity conventional tires as well. I guess I just wish MB would give us more practical folks more than one choice when it comes to the 18" wheels.
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11-08-2014, 11:30 AM
#8
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Also, everyone needs to know that with the AirMatic suspension, 18's vs 19's doesn't really make a huge difference. What makes the big difference is getting rid of those run flats. You could have a 18" wheel with run flats, and go to a 19" without run flats and it would still feel better I bet.
11-08-2014, 01:30 PM
#9
Those of use who actually understand how tires work, do not like the zero sidewall look.
The only people served by the zero sidewall look are people who need to put massive brakes inside those massive wheels. The rest of the people who do this are posers.
Taller sidewalls have:: Better ride, more longitudinal traction, more lateral traction, harder to damage either tire or wheel or both; and in my opinion actually look better.
The only people served by the zero sidewall look are people who need to put massive brakes inside those massive wheels. The rest of the people who do this are posers.
Taller sidewalls have:: Better ride, more longitudinal traction, more lateral traction, harder to damage either tire or wheel or both; and in my opinion actually look better.
11-08-2014, 01:34 PM
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11-08-2014, 03:10 PM
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265/35/20 
11-08-2014, 04:47 PM
#12
Yes, Really.
Unless you have a good technical reason to like a harsher ride, lower longitudinal traction, lower lateral traction, and more easily damaged wheels and tires; yes.
{Note; style is not a good technical reason.}
{Also note; if you do it for style, you are posing.}
Unless you have a good technical reason to like a harsher ride, lower longitudinal traction, lower lateral traction, and more easily damaged wheels and tires; yes.
{Note; style is not a good technical reason.}
{Also note; if you do it for style, you are posing.}
11-10-2014, 07:14 AM
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Those of use who actually understand how tires work, do not like the zero sidewall look.
The only people served by the zero sidewall look are people who need to put massive brakes inside those massive wheels. The rest of the people who do this are posers.
Taller sidewalls have:: Better ride, more longitudinal traction, more lateral traction, harder to damage either tire or wheel or both; and in my opinion actually look better.
The only people served by the zero sidewall look are people who need to put massive brakes inside those massive wheels. The rest of the people who do this are posers.
Taller sidewalls have:: Better ride, more longitudinal traction, more lateral traction, harder to damage either tire or wheel or both; and in my opinion actually look better.
Yes, Really.
Unless you have a good technical reason to like a harsher ride, lower longitudinal traction, lower lateral traction, and more easily damaged wheels and tires; yes.
{Note; style is not a good technical reason.}
{Also note; if you do it for style, you are posing.}
Unless you have a good technical reason to like a harsher ride, lower longitudinal traction, lower lateral traction, and more easily damaged wheels and tires; yes.
{Note; style is not a good technical reason.}
{Also note; if you do it for style, you are posing.}
never heard someone throw around 'poser' like this......very odd indeed mr newbie
but you seem quite sure of your convictions so to each his own.....now lets see the Fcar
11-10-2014, 07:35 PM
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Those of use who actually understand how tires work, do not like the zero sidewall look.
The only people served by the zero sidewall look are people who need to put massive brakes inside those massive wheels. The rest of the people who do this are posers.
Taller sidewalls have:: Better ride, more longitudinal traction, more lateral traction, harder to damage either tire or wheel or both; and in my opinion actually look better.
The only people served by the zero sidewall look are people who need to put massive brakes inside those massive wheels. The rest of the people who do this are posers.
Taller sidewalls have:: Better ride, more longitudinal traction, more lateral traction, harder to damage either tire or wheel or both; and in my opinion actually look better.
11-10-2014, 10:00 PM
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I completely agree with you and I really don't know how tires work, other than the fact that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that a taller sidewall will give a better ride. As for looks, I also agree. I don't want my big, elegant S550 to look like it is riding on Indy tires. I really wish MB would offer something like a 16" wheel on the S550, but all they seem to think about today is building aggressive looking cars. Too bad.
