Can any new 2014 owners look in their owners manual and check on the tire pressure monitor sensors for me? Is there a part number or are they built into the hub as a few people have suggested (new thing for MB). I am looking to get some winter wheels and tires and want to make sure I get TPMS if needed.

Thanks,
X

 

Would be interested to know what you end up doing regarding wheels/tires/tpm etc, as I probably will need to investigate winter wheel/tire packages for my 2014 when it arrives.

Cheers!

 

Called dealer. Parts guys says TPMS is the same part as in 2013 so nothing new or crazy.

I am probably going to go with some black multispoke MS189 wheels from SonicTuning. For wheels I am going to do Michelin Alpin PA4 snow tires which are highly rated in European snow tire testing. And TPMS...Total quote was just over $2600 shipped.

Other option for wheels is a set of split 5 spoke reps from Power Wheels Pro, but same tires.

Regards,
X

 

Are you going with the exact same tire sizes as the stock wheel combo on the staggered wheel sizes? The MS189 look pretty much like the new 2014 wheels and black is a smart choice. I had a really bad time with previous snowsets in chrome/alloy with the salt/sand combo they use here in Colorado. After I got some black wheels, no issues at all!

 

The MS189s come in either square 19x8.5 all around or you can do 8.5" fronts and 9.5" rears which I am going to do since the rears will fill out fenders better. I will run 255/35 19s all around for better snow performance even though I won't be able to rotate them. Sacrifices one makes for looks

X

 

Do you have any thoughts or concerns about how the tire size difference will affect the AWD system?

I know the difference between the 285/30s and the 255/35s is only about 0.25" in diameter but is this enough to effect the 4matic? Also won't the sidewalls of the same size tire have a visual difference in how much they 'bulge' on the two rim sizes?

I'm definitely not criticizing here, i'm only enquiring because I've never had staggered wheels before and this is all new to me!

 

I've asked this question on the PL and didn't get an answer. The stock tires don't have the same rolling diameter, so there is play in the system. just how much play hasn't been revealed.

 

Yes, there will be a difference in side wall appearance from front to rear. I have this same type of set up on my X5 M sport with 20" snows. The tires are 275 all around with 9" front wheel diameter and 10" rear wheel diameter. The minimally stretched appearance Ian willing to deal with so as to have the more concave appearing wider rear wheels and the lack of tuck in the back. Alternatively you could run spacers in the rear with square wheel setup but I prefer the look of the wider wheels. Personal preference.

In regards to the differences in circumference of the fronts and rears coming from the factory, chancing it by less than 1% doesn't bother me at all. Having had 3 previous AWD cars and SUVs where I put alternate sized winter tires and wheels on there has never been an issue. There is always tolerances built in. Using 2-3%. VW R32, bmw E90 335xi, BMW X5 35i and 50i.

X

 

I wonder how sensitive the 4matic is to varying wheel diameters. Some AWD system will require replacement of all four tires if one tire has an unrepairable damage and the diameter difference between new tire and the old three tires is too much to cause strain and damage on the AWD system.

 

Since the E63 uses a fixed split, I think that means you can consider it hard-geared, and so it wouldn't matter if you ran different diameters. There's no type of clutch or differential that distributes the front-to-rear torque. The Porsche 911, for example, uses a viscous coupling that sends torque to the front when it detects an axle-speed difference and so rolling diameter is important. But we won't have something like that.

 

Speaking of winter tires and wheels, has anyone considered running 18" wheels? Chicago has huge potholes! Does anyone know what the owners manual says about this? Apparently past e63 manuals have said to run 255 width tires all around, on 18" or 19" wheels.

 

We'll find out as soon as the wheel guys start trying to run 20s.

I kind of want to know as it will affect my winter wheel choice. I'd prefer to buy 20s for summer and run my OEMs in winter. Car arrives in six weeks and ill want it on winters for delivery

 

Not sure about the '14 model, but you can spec 18" wheels as an option for around $500 more with MY '12 and '13. Of course, it's a psychological pain having to pay more to go from 19" to 18".

Yes, big potholes at Chicago, that's why I have 18". Of course, I can go up in size now since I no longer live anywhere near Chicago.

 

No 18" option for 2014. Running 255 square in 19"s for my winter wheel.

X

 

Have you confirmed that the manual continues to suggest 255 all around? I'd hate to find that MB no longer wants us to do that for whatever reason.

It's a tough call to buy 18" or 19". 18" wheels in black shouldn't look too obviously small, and will be more resistant to getting bent, provide a better ride, and tires will be cheaper. With 19", ironically the wheels can be cheaper (e.g. Sonic Tuning).