E63 with Forgestar F14s for Winter
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
E63 with Forgestar F14s for Winter
In case you were curious how they would look on a W212, here are some photos of Forgestar F14s on my car with Blizzak snow tires for the winter. They are 18*9 (37 offset same as stock) fronts and 18*9.5 (40 offset - 12 mm more aggressive than stock) in the rear with 255/40R18 all around. I know, 19s would be ideal but these are for winter only.
Please note that the stock offsets with 18s on the rear wheels do NOT work, as the curve of the rear wheel does not leave enough space for the rear brake calipers - thus the need for the more aggressive offset on the rears. I found that out the hard way.
A very special thanks to WheelSTO (Northbrook, IL) for identifying the clearance issue on the original set and working with Forgestar to get the correct fit for the rear wheels and to Forgestar for making it happen. In my view that was great service by both WheelSTO and Foregstar. You don't find that enough (great service) these days and wanted to commend it when I did find it.
Please note that the stock offsets with 18s on the rear wheels do NOT work, as the curve of the rear wheel does not leave enough space for the rear brake calipers - thus the need for the more aggressive offset on the rears. I found that out the hard way.
A very special thanks to WheelSTO (Northbrook, IL) for identifying the clearance issue on the original set and working with Forgestar to get the correct fit for the rear wheels and to Forgestar for making it happen. In my view that was great service by both WheelSTO and Foregstar. You don't find that enough (great service) these days and wanted to commend it when I did find it.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 720
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
2004 E55 AMG
The wheels look great for a winter setup. You should do a photoshoot in the snow. The contrast between the blue and white would be killer!
Blizzaks are hands down, the best snow tires you can buy, short of studded tires, IMO.
Blizzaks are hands down, the best snow tires you can buy, short of studded tires, IMO.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: NYC
W212 E63
Some argue that Nokians are the best Winter tires you can buy.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
Thanks for your positive comments. Unlike those of us who are fortunate to live in sunny So Cal, we will have the winter set on for the car for roughly one-third of the year. So why not try to get a good look without breaking the bank . . .
Mockbam 5, I have always had good luck with the Blizzaks. Going back to my former E55 also with the Blizzaks, I have never had a problem getting around in the snow and never (knock on wood) have gotten stuck. The only challenge with the E63 is that it has so much more power than the E55 (2001 version) that you have to be extra careful not to break the rear tires loose when driving in snow - even in comfort mode with traction control on. Also, the Blizzaks handle reasonably well at lower speeds on dry roads and only start to feel "floaty" relative to the performance tires at highway speeds around 65 or up.
Mockbam 5, I have always had good luck with the Blizzaks. Going back to my former E55 also with the Blizzaks, I have never had a problem getting around in the snow and never (knock on wood) have gotten stuck. The only challenge with the E63 is that it has so much more power than the E55 (2001 version) that you have to be extra careful not to break the rear tires loose when driving in snow - even in comfort mode with traction control on. Also, the Blizzaks handle reasonably well at lower speeds on dry roads and only start to feel "floaty" relative to the performance tires at highway speeds around 65 or up.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 2
Various
Thanks for your positive comments. Unlike those of us who are fortunate to live in sunny So Cal, we will have the winter set on for the car for roughly one-third of the year. So why not try to get a good look without breaking the bank . . .
Mockbam 5, I have always had good luck with the Blizzaks. Going back to my former E55 also with the Blizzaks, I have never had a problem getting around in the snow and never (knock on wood) have gotten stuck. The only challenge with the E63 is that it has so much more power than the E55 (2001 version) that you have to be extra careful not to break the rear tires loose when driving in snow - even in comfort mode with traction control on. Also, the Blizzaks handle reasonably well at lower speeds on dry roads and only start to feel "floaty" relative to the performance tires at highway speeds around 65 or up.
Mockbam 5, I have always had good luck with the Blizzaks. Going back to my former E55 also with the Blizzaks, I have never had a problem getting around in the snow and never (knock on wood) have gotten stuck. The only challenge with the E63 is that it has so much more power than the E55 (2001 version) that you have to be extra careful not to break the rear tires loose when driving in snow - even in comfort mode with traction control on. Also, the Blizzaks handle reasonably well at lower speeds on dry roads and only start to feel "floaty" relative to the performance tires at highway speeds around 65 or up.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
Yes - all went well with the Blizzaks this winter. I had the biggest test of all when I drove into Chicago the afternoon after our monster blizzard of early February and made it in (and back) just fine (albeit slowly). The only issue I found on that day was ground clearance - with 14 inches on the ground I had to wait until the plows had done at least one pass on the streets before I would venture out. One other note, I found the MCT transmission in comfort mode allows for really easy throttle modulation when starting out in the snow - which helps a lot.
Hopefully that info is helpful.
This is the best car I have ever owned so I would support your decision to move to an E63 as a daily driver in Chicagoland. Good luck!
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 2
Various
Wow -that's simply amazing that you were able to drive during that storm. Thank god you made back ok! Thanks so much for the info!
Sbkim:
Yes - all went well with the Blizzaks this winter. I had the biggest test of all when I drove into Chicago the afternoon after our monster blizzard of early February and made it in (and back) just fine (albeit slowly). The only issue I found on that day was ground clearance - with 14 inches on the ground I had to wait until the plows had done at least one pass on the streets before I would venture out. One other note, I found the MCT transmission in comfort mode allows for really easy throttle modulation when starting out in the snow - which helps a lot.
Hopefully that info is helpful.
This is the best car I have ever owned so I would support your decision to move to an E63 as a daily driver in Chicagoland. Good luck!
Yes - all went well with the Blizzaks this winter. I had the biggest test of all when I drove into Chicago the afternoon after our monster blizzard of early February and made it in (and back) just fine (albeit slowly). The only issue I found on that day was ground clearance - with 14 inches on the ground I had to wait until the plows had done at least one pass on the streets before I would venture out. One other note, I found the MCT transmission in comfort mode allows for really easy throttle modulation when starting out in the snow - which helps a lot.
Hopefully that info is helpful.
This is the best car I have ever owned so I would support your decision to move to an E63 as a daily driver in Chicagoland. Good luck!
