R-Class (W251) Produced 2006-2013: R320CDI, R350, R420CDI, R500

22" rims on the R

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 11, 2013 | 05:30 PM
  #1  
silvastarr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
CLS55, a rare R-class
22" rims on the R

What do you guys think? Is it too aggressive?
Any forum member here had experience with riding on 22"? I imagine the ride could turn really harsh?

Specifically, I have my eyes on Lorinser RS9.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w251...uned-w251.html
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2013 | 06:05 PM
  #2  
xxGenericSNxx's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Do it!

I've got the OEM 21s right now and I don't think the ride is harsh at all. I can't imagine going to 22s and running a 35 series tire will be that much different than my 21 on 40 series.

IMO 22 is the absolute perfect diameter on the R. With such a big car, 20s easily get swallowed in those wheel wells. I think 22 is perfect without going overboard.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 12:30 AM
  #3  
supernsx's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 556
Likes: 4
2011 C300 4matic, 2015 Porsche Macan S, 2006 R500 (sold)
Originally Posted by silvastarr
What do you guys think? Is it too aggressive?
Any forum member here had experience with riding on 22"? I imagine the ride could turn really harsh?

Specifically, I have my eyes on Lorinser RS9.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w251...uned-w251.html
I had 22 in the past and I could feel all the bumps on the road. If you have airmatic, it may be a bit better since you can soften the ride at 'comfort" mode.

I eventually switched my wheels to 20" after couple of the 22" wheels were bent. Much happier.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 02:00 AM
  #4  
silvastarr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
CLS55, a rare R-class
Originally Posted by supernsx
I eventually switched my wheels to 20" after couple of the 22" wheels were bent. Much happier.
What happened? Drove over potholes a few times too many?
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 02:48 AM
  #5  
xxGenericSNxx's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
More specifically what kind of 22 in rims and what size tire? (35 profile?)

21 on airmatic feels no different than my 19s.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 11:10 AM
  #6  
silvastarr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
CLS55, a rare R-class
Wheels: 22x10 ET? I can't confirm the offset. Some sources say 65, others say 53.
Tires: 305/40/22
Definitely prefer a higher profile with 22" rims.
Should be okay?
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 11:21 AM
  #7  
bigben320e's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,764
Likes: 9
From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)
I went with 20's on the R for obvious reasons. 22's are rough, but it is up to you.

I tried out 20's on my CLS, and it was horrendous 19's were the way to go, just saying.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 11:28 AM
  #8  
silvastarr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
CLS55, a rare R-class
Originally Posted by bigben320e
I went with 20's on the R for obvious reasons. 22's are rough, but it is up to you.

I tried out 20's on my CLS, and it was horrendous 19's were the way to go, just saying.
Hah bigben, we have an almost identical stable.
Confirmed: those Lorinsers are 22x10 ET65.
Bigben, I'm tempted to get the 22" because I found a set of used ones and they are the same price as a set of used 21" AMG. I believe they go for >$5000 brand new. Your R500 has rear airmatic and front springs, right? I wonder if my R550's full airmatic would help soften the ride.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 12:47 PM
  #9  
supernsx's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 556
Likes: 4
2011 C300 4matic, 2015 Porsche Macan S, 2006 R500 (sold)
Originally Posted by silvastarr
What happened? Drove over potholes a few times too many?
Not enough tire/rubber to protected the 22" when they hit the pot holes. If you have airmatic, 22" can work as long as you know what you are getting yourself into.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 01:21 PM
  #10  
bigben320e's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,764
Likes: 9
From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)
Originally Posted by silvastarr
Hah bigben, we have an almost identical stable.
Confirmed: those Lorinsers are 22x10 ET65.
Bigben, I'm tempted to get the 22" because I found a set of used ones and they are the same price as a set of used 21" AMG. I believe they go for >$5000 brand new. Your R500 has rear airmatic and front springs, right? I wonder if my R550's full airmatic would help soften the ride.
Airmatic in front, springs with bags in the rear. I know the 22's are tempting, but...you will get it on those bumps and potholes.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 06:18 PM
  #11  
silvastarr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
CLS55, a rare R-class
Another interesting observation is that in general, 21" tires are double the price of that of 22" tires. I know I'm not making an "apple to apple" comparison, but in the context of available tires, that seems to be the trend.
This translates to an additional $1000 for new tires every 4 years if I chose 21" ... hmm ...
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 07:36 PM
  #12  
xxGenericSNxx's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Yeah something to keep in mind. My 21X9 wheels run on OEM spec 265/40/21 Continental SportConti2 and there are only three total tires made in this size. It's about $1600 for a set of four tires.
Another downside is that in this size they are only summer tires. A few European R63s I've seen stuck some all season or snow tires on their 21s in a 265/45/21 fitment, but IMO too much sidewall for my taste, it really makes the 21s look like 20" or even 19" wheels and you'll run into a slight speedometer accuracy issue since your overall diameter is slightly higher.

The upside is the rims were **only** $2,000 brand new on eBay vs. $1,040 a piece from the dealer.


It may be possible the Lorinser wheels run spacers. I know their older rims have spacers to make them easily fit other cars, maybe the newer rims are similar.
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2013 | 07:35 AM
  #13  
MMMMMBENZ's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2006 R350 >>> 2012 R350 Bluetech
These were my 22's, they did make the ride a little harder, but acceptable. Now I have a 2012 with 20" AMG wheels on the car, but I will still transfer these 22" on the new car. I am Just waiting for the new linkages to be installed on the full airmatic. The 22" look outweighs the slight discomfort for me. I do have a set of good condtion used H&R front springs with rear air ride linkages for sale if anyone is interested.




Last edited by MMMMMBENZ; Feb 17, 2013 at 08:18 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2013 | 01:53 PM
  #14  
xxGenericSNxx's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Your R had a Wald and Lorinser body kit?
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2013 | 04:58 PM
  #15  
MMMMMBENZ's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2006 R350 >>> 2012 R350 Bluetech
Originally Posted by xxGenericSNxx
Your R had a Wald and Lorinser body kit?
Originally, I bought the Lorinser 4-pc kit with Lorinser engraved exhaust tips, but my wife needed the car everyday for the kids and I couldn't find time to have it installed. Then, the Wald kit came out and I liked it so much. I went ahead to buy it and wanted to install Wald kit instead. But now, we like the new facelifted model , so I still have both kits but I can't install any of them. I know the sideskirts should be still the same, but, I am trying to figure out how do I make the front and rear work. Or, I should just buy something else instead. Looking around brands like Lorinser, Brabus, Wald and etc, I don't see anything available for the facelift model. Anyone has any ideas? If not, I will have to do something custom. I prefer selling the two kits I have now and get some money back. I do have the lowering kit and the color matched parking sensor for my last project for sale if anyone is interested. Thanks.

BTW, contributing to the thread, I found my wheel/tire setup receipt. I am running 22"x10" et50 with 265/35/22. Hopefully, this helps you.
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2013 | 05:05 PM
  #16  
MMMMMBENZ's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2006 R350 >>> 2012 R350 Bluetech
Originally Posted by xxGenericSNxx
Your R had a Wald and Lorinser body kit?
xxGenericSNxx
btw, nice ride, great combination, I wanted to have the same look so much. Where did you get your Wald kit from? I got mine from VIS, but fitment needed work when I dry fitted myself.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2013 | 02:47 AM
  #17  
xxGenericSNxx's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Wow cool! My friend had a full lorinser kit on his R350 and it's quite nice, but I like the Wald (front) better as it's even more aggressive.

Wish I knew you were selling the kit, as I paid retail for mine.

Is your Wald kit authentic? Mine has no issue with fitment. I got mine from Jonari which outsourced to a shop in Texas so they could throw in free shipping for me.


I've searched high and low and have not seen any body kits made for the facelift models. The only thing you can port over are those Lorinser fenders since that area of the car hasn't changed shape.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2013 | 04:55 PM
  #18  
houseofdiesel's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 144
Likes: 10
2008 R320 CDI, 2006 smart fortwo cabrio, 1983 240D, 1982 300SD, 1980 300SD
I ran 22" on airmatic with 265/40/22 it was a dream, after the suspension adjusted for the extra wheel weight. Very slight rubbing on the inner plastic fenders at max lock, I would not want a wider tire with the offset/width I have (30mm offset, 10" wheels). I drive on very harsh roads and never felt uncomfortable, but vibrations are an issues (used wheels with new cheap tires) and the R class is very sensitive to wheel balance it turns out so be careful with the tire and wheel quality or you will have shakes at highway speeds. I have three piece forged Asanti wheels black centers with chrome lip, very nice and understated in black on a burgandy vehicle. The ride is better then the 18" stock Michelin Lattitudes, but not as nice as the 17" Michelin snows. Handling is awesome.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2013 | 09:50 AM
  #19  
benzR350NYC's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
09 R350
I have an 09 R350 I don't know if I have airmatic. I do have the C/S button which I thought were for the tranny to shift faster in sport mode

I was looking to get 22in Mercedes concave wheels they are off the S63/65 AMG this is how they look, they are 22x9.5 and 22x10.. Don't know of I should get either the 9.5 or 10 all around. Don't want the staggered set up

Reply
Old Mar 7, 2013 | 11:57 AM
  #20  
xxGenericSNxx's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
All cars have the C/S button. You have air suspension if you have a Sport/Comf button on the switch row with what appears to be a shock icon. You also get a button to raise the car.

Second button to the left and third to the right indicates airmatic:

Reply
Old Mar 7, 2013 | 01:30 PM
  #21  
benzR350NYC's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
09 R350
Originally Posted by xxGenericSNxx
All cars have the C/S button. You have air suspension if you have a Sport/Comf button on the switch row with what appears to be a shock icon. You also get a button to raise the car.

Second button to the left and third to the right indicates airmatic:

That's weird I don't have the shock icon it's nothing there that's why I'm confused if I have the airmatic or not

Reply
Old Mar 8, 2013 | 08:06 PM
  #22  
xxGenericSNxx's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Like I said, if you have Airmatic, you have those aforementioned buttons. Since you don't, your car lacks the full airmatic system. All US cars without Airmatic have air springs in the rear for self leveling, with springs up front (and subsequently no buttons on the switchrow).
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2013 | 09:00 AM
  #23  
TopEndS62's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY/Tampa, FL
2005 BLK/BLK E-Double Nickel.
Originally Posted by xxGenericSNxx
Like I said, if you have Airmatic, you have those aforementioned buttons. Since you don't, your car lacks the full airmatic system. All US cars without Airmatic have air springs in the rear for self leveling, with springs up front (and subsequently no buttons on the switchrow).
Hey Generic,

Im in the market for a R500. None of the ones that i have seen has either of the buttons ( shock settings and raise) you've shown. Is it safe to say that only the AMGs came with full airmatic?
Also I thought most R500s came with Air struts on all 4 corners. I appreciate any info, I am planning on lowering but it would really suck if I cant raise her for driveways and things of that nature like my E55.
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2013 | 07:55 PM
  #24  
Spud_Racer's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
R500 + SLK55 AMG
Originally Posted by TopEndS62
Hey Generic,

Im in the market for a R500. None of the ones that i have seen has either of the buttons ( shock settings and raise) you've shown. Is it safe to say that only the AMGs came with full airmatic?
Also I thought most R500s came with Air struts on all 4 corners. I appreciate any info, I am planning on lowering but it would really suck if I cant raise her for driveways and things of that nature like my E55.
No, Airmatic was an option on the R350 & R500. But apparently a lot of people and dealers ordered them without it. My R500 has the full Airmatic suspension. With that said, I was amazed when looking for an R500 that not many of them were loaded. Mine also has the Bi-Xenon light package with corner tracking headlamps, side illuminating fog lights, and heated headlight washers. That appears to have been a very rare option.
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2013 | 07:05 AM
  #25  
TopEndS62's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY/Tampa, FL
2005 BLK/BLK E-Double Nickel.
Originally Posted by Spud_Racer
No, Airmatic was an option on the R350 & R500. But apparently a lot of people and dealers ordered them without it. My R500 has the full Airmatic suspension. With that said, I was amazed when looking for an R500 that not many of them were loaded. Mine also has the Bi-Xenon light package with corner tracking headlamps, side illuminating fog lights, and heated headlight washers. That appears to have been a very rare option.
thanks spud.

do you have a saks 5th avenue model by chance??

ive noticed that those that were equipped with that package, has full air suspension. Im just trying to pick the right car. IMO, its hard to find some concrete information on the W251 chassis/options. I think thats what makes me want it more!!!
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:56 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE