taranch

Hello to all,

I am getting a new R320 for the Mrs next week. I was wondering if I could downsize on the wheels for winter tires. The 09 R320 comes with 255/50/19 on 19" rims. I want to get smaller rims, say maybe 18"s or ideally 17"s for the winter.

Any responses will be much appreciated.

Cheers

lkchris

Good idea--smaller wheel means narrower tire, which is the way to go for snow. Cheaper, too.

chilledbenz

Something to keep in mind, if your getting the Bluetec R320 the tires are run flats. A quick once over at the dealership and I couldn't even find a jack (urea tank and filler reside where the spare and jack would be in a R350), might want to keep that in mind when changing tires. Since you said they were for winter use then this shouldn't be much of a problem, but if you were to swap out the factories for another brand as everyday use, then you might run into trouble.

lkchris

Yes, forgot about that.

If you install tires that aren't runflats, you'll be driving not only with no spare tire but with tires on which you cannot drive to the repair shop when punctured.

JTReeves

That suggests getting a spare wheel and tire and a jack! Then there's the matter of the tire pressure monitoring system. The wheels must have the monitors installed. Tire Rack (www.tirerack.com) is a good resource for ready-to-mount wheels and tires. I've earmarked a set of four for my R500. The prognosticators are calling for snow in my neck of the woods this winter.

Just checked at Tire Rack. They have a 17-in package with Bridgestone Blizzaks for $1797. Package includes 4 tires, 4 painted steel wheels (RIALs, made in Germany), 4 TPMS modules, road hazard, mounting and balancing, and shipping from DE to No. VA.

JR

lkchris

There's no place to put them, unless you put the tire on the roof.

taranch

Thanks guys, I am aware that the 09 R320 has no spare and that it runs on "run-flats". I tried going to the TireRack site to see if they have any options, and unfortunately, they say I have to call them for info. It's just finding the time to place the call. I was hoping that someone may have bought a set of "winter rims" and winter tires, and that they would be able to steer me in the right direction.

Thanks

chilledbenz

If your just going to run them through the winter than I think the whole no spare tire and no where to put one might not be a real big problem. Look into Nokia tires, they are awesome winter tires and all weather tires as well, you can also check the C class threads and the ML threads for information on replacing tires and tire pressure monitor problems that might arise. I've seen lots of info on such topics here, just not under the R class thread.

taranch

Thanks! I'll have a look.

Take care