patrickxkim

I have 17" stock wheels and was considering upgrading to 18" AMGs.
I live in NY and the roads here are terrible. I was wondering how 18" wheels hold up in these road conditions. Do they get bent really easily?

I really want to get the 18s but don't want to be paranoid all the time thinking i might damage the rims.

02S430

should be fine, where in NY are you?

patrickxkim

NYC Area

wyatt earp

If you decide to go with the AMG's, Ive got a nice set for sale in the classifieds.
Wyatt

fkong777

I dont live in NY but just be sure to get the OEM size tires.
which is 245/45-18 275/40-18

This is a 5% more sidewall profile than the popular 18" profile

wyatt earp

Mine have 245/45X18 front and 265/40X18 rear, which was standard for the AMG option in '03.
Wyatt

patrickxkim

I think its recommended not to run staggered wheels on a 4matic.

wyatt earp

Don't know about the 4-matic. Let me know what you decide.

02S430

i believe you cant have staggered wheels on a 4matic because all 4 tires are moving not just the rear and having staggered will cause some to spin faster then the others causing a problem, but thats only what i heard so dont take my word for it, hope this helped

newton22

I hear the same, don't run staggered on a 4-matic Benz. Porsches have a different AWD system that allows them to run staggered.

cbeastwood

I had a slow leak on my right front tire so I took it in. Turns out the tire was fine but the wheel was cracked. It had a hairline crack on the inside lip going from the tire in perpendicularly. New AMG wheel cost me $820.

I live in Pennsylvania where the roads are AS BAD if not worse than yours. I've owned other sports cars and have never had a wheel problem like this, though. Unfortunately I can't point to any one event that may have cracked the wheel...One day it was fine, the next, it was cracked....

SSM AMG

It depends on the quaility of the rims. I have aftermarket 19" rims and they bend easily(name brand) but my brother inlaw's stock 19"s have taken a beating with no problems. 18's will be fine just still watch out for the potholes.

norm1909

I love my S600, but FORGET about it with ANY snow - and tire chains CAN NOT be used. Also, the AMG Monoblock rims should be BETTER than the 17" factory rims, despite the lower profile tires. I say go for it