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Just picked up a 2013 S550 and learning a lot thanks to this forum. This is my car (stole it from the dealer's website)
It is RWD with the staggered 19 inch wheel AMG package. I love the looks but the ride quality isn't as plush as I had hoped. I do like the compromise between luxury and non-boaty handling. From what I can tell it was just wheels and bumpers and not an upsize brake package, I think.
But I'm also a little worried about midwestern winters in a RWD only car. I'm a big snow tire advocate, and I think I'll be fine once I get some snow tires on the car, but I've only ever had FWD.
I'd like to put on a smaller wheel for my snow tires for a plusher ride as well. I know the stock rim is 18 inches--will a 17 inch rim fit?
I have no idea about the wheel size, but if you were insinuating that the AMG Sport Pack doesn’t have bigger brakes, it actually does. Albeit not much bigger, but they’re different part numbers and the discs are about 5-10mm larger (can’t remember.) As far as winter driveability, you’ll be fine. I live in southern Indiana and my 07’ S550 AMG Sport Pack is RWD too and the car did really well last year in the snow. We had about 5-8 inches for around two weeks and the car just trucked through it (albeit the Traction light was going mad when accelerating in rougher areas.) I have Pirelli P Zero Nero all seasons and they really have awesome traction in snow and rain, although that’s about the only compliment I give them. I was thoroughly impressed as I was not expecting it to be drivable. I came from a 2010 Camaro SS manual that made me feel like I was going to die if a snowflake hit the ground. The weight of the S really helps it in those situations.
Looks like the smalllest rim ever put on a W221 was a 17x8 ET 43.
I wonder if that would fit over the brakes; may have to stick with a 18 inch wheel instead for my winter tires.
Although I have 08 with AMG Styling Package with 19" AMG wheels, the front rotor for Sport Package wasn't the correct one. I had to buy the regular one, Part# 221421161207
Thanks for the link. These "Fat fives" look pretty nice--but pricey! Ebay also isn't throwing out a lot of cheapo options either. Maybe I just need to get some off of Tire Rack.
Jason--cool pictures of your car! I think I'm running 38 all around. I agree the tires may make a difference--especially if they were smaller in diameter with a thicker sidewall don't you think?
Consumer Reports just released a great review of the Michelin CrossClimate+; what an odd tread design. Pretty cool. I had some Continental DWS in the past on my Mini Cooper and they were great for all-seasons, but I do like running summers and winters on separate sets. I had been thinking X-Ice 3's for winter. Still, maybe it doesn't make sense to put a big luxury car on a hard Pilot Super Sport or the like during the summer especially if I'm complaining about ride quality.
Thanks for the link. These "Fat fives" look pretty nice--but pricey! Ebay also isn't throwing out a lot of cheapo options either. Maybe I just need to get some off of Tire Rack.
Jason--cool pictures of your car! I think I'm running 38 all around. I agree the tires may make a difference--especially if they were smaller in diameter with a thicker sidewall don't you think?
Consumer Reports just released a great review of the Michelin CrossClimate+; what an odd tread design. Pretty cool. I had some Continental DWS in the past on my Mini Cooper and they were great for all-seasons, but I do like running summers and winters on separate sets. I had been thinking X-Ice 3's for winter. Still, maybe it doesn't make sense to put a big luxury car on a hard Pilot Super Sport or the like during the summer especially if I'm complaining about ride quality.
First off, let me tell you that your S550 is STUNNING. good luck with it.
I have an 08 in black, an S550 4 Matic and it is gorgeous. 125,000 on the clock. You say that the ride is not as plush as you might have wished. I feel the same way. A bit rougher than I had expected. I am riding on Pilot Sports that seem pretty hard. Perhaps after the Boston winter, I wilt some summer tires. I hope they make a difference in ride quality.
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