SW20S

Its correct, "height" "thickness", I'm using these terms interchangably. What I'm talking about is what you describe as "height".

There are of course minimum standards for thickness, as in the thickness of the sidewall rubber itself but thats a variable. Thicker sidewall rubber hurts ride quality (thats why runflats ride harder)

Rockland

The dealership told me 8 days to get the OEM Pzero MO-S. They put me in a loaner.

Baloo588

Agreed. When I compared my 2021 Audi RS7 on the 285/30R22 Michelin 4S to the 2022 S580 on the 21s with the 285/30R21s in the rear I could immediately see how beefier and more thicker looking then the thinner wimpier Pirellis. I am getting the Pilot Sport 4S mounted on the Mercedes tmw.

Baloo588

So I finally got the Michelin Pilot Sports 4S mounted and road force balanced on my S580 21s and its worlds better than the Pirellis. More smoother, quieter and far better over bumps and dips in the roads. No vibrations on highway etc. Pirellis have this weird vibe in the chassis on highways which Michelins do not have. Michelins feel like you are on cloud. The steering is more precise and more heavier now.

As you can see in the pics, the 4S is more beefier looking then the Pirellis. I have not had any blow outs, puncture, etc with these tires on any of my cars since 2018 when the 4S came out. I usually get 35k miles on a set so about 3 years since I always switch my wheels/tires to winter set from Nov to March. Lots of people over on the Audizine forums with the new RS6 and RS7 have not had any issues with their low profile rims and these tires in size 285/30R22s.

JSL555

I would add to all that has been written here, two points; First, while the 20’s and 21’s do improve the appearance of this good looking car, the 19’s, the intended size, without a doubt, provide the best overall ride. I have 19’s on my 2022 S580. (I had 20’s on my 2020 S560 and my 2016 S550.)

Having said that, if you are a performance driver then the 20’s or 21’s will increase the performance. The lower profile tires, with shorter side walls, handle better because they don’t flex as much under the centrifugal force which occurs when cornering. I have 21’s on my 2019 911 Carrera S and they ride rougher (I had 20’s on my 2016 911) but handle so much better.

Kezza

You all having your say about tire size etc. Could anyway pls tell me why merc wont let you order 21s with 4 wheel steer.?? I got my S580 with 4 wheel steer 20s but want to put 21s on it. Thanks

JSL555

Quite simply, there is not enough fender clearance for the rear wheels to turn with the 21s.

sjdille

Actually, I have 4 1/2” rear axle steering with 21” wheels and tires on my S580. And, your wanting to go to 21” from 20”. My recommendation….don’t. ( reasons: see earlier threads above). If you lived in the San Diego area, I’d gladly swap my 21s for your 20s, no charge!

JSL555

Correct, they allow 21's with the 4.5 but not with the 10 degree rear steering.

Sean._.S

We will probably end up with the Y-Style 20’s found on the executive line since so many features aren’t available on the Amg line. It’s honestly sad that I cannot spec an S-class how I want.

Kezza

I think I will have a go at fitting 21’ to my 4 wheel steer.
Happy to buy a set of anybody wanting to go to 20s. ??
im I’m Queensland Australia. Can have DHL pick up.

Kezza

I live in Australia unfortunately. Happy to buy some 21s. Thanks for your comments.

rw594

Thank you kind sir, I believe you just saved me a thousand bucks!


My Mexican S450 came standard with these god-awful R19 five-spokes (picture below), and I was just about to import a set of R21 bicolour rims, complete with the OE Pirellis, before I came upon this post.


Now my order will be for the rims only!


Btw, can you specify the exact size of these PS4S for me? It was impossible to tell from your photos.






uhhhhh

Baloo588

The tires size are 255/35R21 front and 285/30R21 rear. I am loving the tires so far no issues on bad roads. Very smooth at all speed.

rw594

Much obliged, sir, much obliged

crabman

In actuality increasing the wheels size at 19" hurts every measurable performance metric: Acceleration, braking, economy, measurably increase turn in force required, reduced conformity to road surface leading to lower traction, are heavier when comparing like wheels in different circumferences, increased unsprung weight, have an overall less advantagous moment of inertia even at the same weight, increase rotational inertia,etc. When Porsche was pressed by the media on how they had overcame physics to produce better performance with larger wheels on the 992 they at first refused to answer. When pressed for data showing their amazing ability to overcome known laws of physics they eventually changed their claim to improved dynamics. I'm not going to argue dynamics, but I'm thinking the wider track, new steering rack, quicker steering ratios, stiffer torsion bar for the steering shaft, new electronic assist controller, softer roll bars, stiffer springs, new dampers and springs, greater spread on compression and rebound, and other tidbits may have had a hand in improving those dynamics rather than the tires. What can be shown to be improved was the uptake of their more expensive wheel options; previous owners had been forced to the aftermarket to purchase larger wheels they couldn't previously get from Porsche.

You're not wrong in a sense because for quite some time bigger wheels did help improve performance but it's been a while since there was anything to gain as the sweet spot is between 17 and 19" on a road car, and we're well past that nowadays. At that sizing current tire technology easily overcomes tire roll and squirm even in track duty but the myth goes on; largely propelled by manufacturers that want to upsell wheel options to increase profit. And of course, it's in style. Ever notice how at the track the real track rats all have reduced their wheels sizes down to the smallest that will clear the brakes? Doesn't matter if it's the Corvette guys, M3 types, Porsche boys, they all do it. There is a reason for that.

My take would be stick to the 19" wheels and put good rubber on them if you care about performance. You gain the added benefit of a bettter ride and reduce your chances of losing a wheel or tire which is my kind of extra gravy. Of course, if form matters more than function, it's wide open.

dan3141

Few questions...
I have a 21 S580 AMG with 21" wheels and Pirellis. So far 3000 miles on the car and two tires popped on crappy bay area roads..
Which wheels did people get? Which tires are best for bad roads? Also I saw somebody with a spare tire, I'd love to do that, where did you get that?

Dejan

Baloo588

I replaced the pirellis with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires on the 21 inch rims which are much better than the soft pirellis. No issues on these in 6 months and plenty of driving on highway etc in Michigan. Michelin tires are far more durable. They are smoother and quieter then the garbage pirellis.

sjdille

I have the same set up on my S580 as you, Dan3141, and I’ve had 3 “pothole failures” on bad San Diego roads. I’ve read of other same failures in this forum, all with Pirelli P Zero tires. I feel these tires may have a weaker sidewall than others, especially Michelin. But, I believe, a big problem causing tires to fail after hitting potholes is the inherent low profile design. There is just too little sidewall between the wheel and the road when the tire is compressed hitting an obstacle at speed. Maybe a tire with a stronger sidewall could handle that.
What to do? I am going to replace the Pirelli soon with Michelins or Falkens (a Japanese tire I am very familiar with, having spent 31 years in the tire business). An even better idea is to replace the wheels and tires with 20” or 19” setups, although that is VERY expensive.
Meanwhile, do what I do. Keep yr eyes peeled for large potholes - a very uncomfortable way to enjoy our expensive cars!

dan3141

Its insane. at least they should put a spare tire in there. I really dont like this "no spare" movement that car manufactures are doing.

D

Streamliner

Just curious, with you having been in the biz, for the softest, quietist, most comfortable ride, which brand & model would you suggest for an S580 with 19’s? I live in Orange County, never see snow, rarely drive in the rain and I don’t care how quickly a tire might wear out, IF it delivers great ride quality. Thanks!

crabman

I switch cars regularly and peruse the forums for whatever it is in the garage and I've got a few observations...

It's not easy to find a complaint about PS4's on the user side at the various forums. You know the type, "At first (tire X) was smooth and quiet running but it quickly became louder and ran rough." You see all sorts of various complaints regarding the different options but you just don't see much of them with the PS4's. The Corvette, Porsche, M, forums don't have much of them. Sports car, sedan, doesn't matter; people like their PS4's.

Another way to look at the PS4's is to do a search for the best overall summer performance tires and see what pops up. You'll see it frequently taking the number one spot; in 5 clicks I got 3 wins with a high placement in the rest.

Sizing and road hazards... Every forum will have drivers popping wheels and tires, pay attention to the wheel size; you're going to see a lot of 21 and up with a much smaller representation along the people with smaller wheels. Doesn't matter what car, what tire, or where they live; bigger wheels suffer more losses.

You also see commentary from the poster who says he never has a problem with any wheel size; claims you just need to remain vigilant and slow down to a speed that the larger wheels can take whatever hazards you encounter. He won't be wrong: Watch the road like a father leading his kids through a herd of child molesters and slow to a near stop for potholes and anything which might be a pothole and your wheels will hold up fine.

JSL555

Well, it happened. 2100 miles on my 2022 S580; 19” Hankook tires hit a pothole and rubber tire compressed/bottomed out (I’m told by my dealer) and the wheel itself effectively made a 1” slice on the rubber sidewall. I originally thought the tire just gave out, but the dealer showed me the scrape on bottom of the car (right front) where it hit the street from the pothole.

Dealer has no 19” tires in stock, ordered them, gave me a loaner and said it may take a week.

I asked whether I should upgrade to a better tire. He said the Hankooks are actually first rate, high quality tires that MB has specified on most of their new cars.

What do I do? Replace the Hankook and/or change all 4 tires to another brand? Any suggestions?

dan3141

Did anybody figure out if any spare wheels for other MB cars would work on this S class?

odesskiy

After reading all this I did not want 21” wheels but unfortunately the car I’m getting came with them. Seems like every single AMG Line I’ve seen on dealer lots has that option. I’d much rather save 2k. I did get wheel and tire insurance. A couple of people told me they had blown tires and even cracked rims replaced for no cost to them without any issues. The dealer bills insurance directly, there’s nothing to deal with on the customer’s end. I’m paying like 1900 for 5 years of coverage and it can be cancelled and refunded (prorated) if I don’t keep the car that long. Tires suck but my main concern is the rims. With such low profile tires it’s extremely easy to damage them and they are about $1500 a pop to replace. $2k+ with a tire. What a nightmare.