E63S Winter tires - another option?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta
2014 E63S AMG Sedan
E63S Winter tires - another option?
Winter is coming and I need to decide on a winter setup for my 2014 E63S. I've read everything on this topic on this forum and would still appreciate input. I'm looking at either 1. A square set-up on dedicated winter wheels (255/35/R19 tires/19x8.5x32 or 35 offset wheels) or 2. Staggered set-up on OEM wheels (changing tires on same wheels summer and winter). My questions:
1. I'm basing the 32 or 35 offset on what comes up for my vehicle on various websites,when looking at 19x8.5 wheels. Will these offsets work ok for Option 1? I've also seen a 45 offset come up for this wheel size. Would 45 work?
2. Setting aside the cost of having tires changed on the same wheels twice a year with Option 2, how significant is the risk of damage to the wheels from the frequent changes, if I use the same wheels year round?
3. I've often read that only the Pirelli Sottozero Series II are available for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels and that is the only option that comes up on Tire Rack' site. However I've read mixed reviews on those tires especially on snow. It seems many prefer the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4. I notice the Michelin Canada site shows the Pilot Alpin PA4's available in 285/30R19/XL 98W and 255/35R19/XL 96V. Slightly different load and speed ratings, but would this be another option for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels, or am I missing something?
Sorry for the long post (and for a new thread on this old subject), but I would appreciate your comments
1. I'm basing the 32 or 35 offset on what comes up for my vehicle on various websites,when looking at 19x8.5 wheels. Will these offsets work ok for Option 1? I've also seen a 45 offset come up for this wheel size. Would 45 work?
2. Setting aside the cost of having tires changed on the same wheels twice a year with Option 2, how significant is the risk of damage to the wheels from the frequent changes, if I use the same wheels year round?
3. I've often read that only the Pirelli Sottozero Series II are available for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels and that is the only option that comes up on Tire Rack' site. However I've read mixed reviews on those tires especially on snow. It seems many prefer the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4. I notice the Michelin Canada site shows the Pilot Alpin PA4's available in 285/30R19/XL 98W and 255/35R19/XL 96V. Slightly different load and speed ratings, but would this be another option for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels, or am I missing something?
Sorry for the long post (and for a new thread on this old subject), but I would appreciate your comments
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 728
Likes: 112
2018 E63S
I ran the pirellis on OEM wheels for a winter in Denver. Spent almost every weekend (and some weekdays) in the mountains. Had absolutely no issues driving in cold weather, snowy weather, etc. Roads were typically well plowed, but I did experience some tougher driving and the tires/car held up very well and inspired confidence. I'm not a super experienced winter driver by the way; just took my time.
I'm in Calgary a good bit, and realize your winters are a bit ' more', but hopefully this helps a tad.
...never driven another winter tire, so can't compare.
I'm in Calgary a good bit, and realize your winters are a bit ' more', but hopefully this helps a tad.
...never driven another winter tire, so can't compare.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 40
CLS63 AMG
I have a set of 18" c63 rims mounted on winter tires.
Would I be able to use these on winter tires for the e63s and if so,which winter tire sizes would be the best to run them on?
right now they are mounted on a square 235/40/18 setup on pirelli winters. Not sure if this would work on this car.
Would I be able to use these on winter tires for the e63s and if so,which winter tire sizes would be the best to run them on?
right now they are mounted on a square 235/40/18 setup on pirelli winters. Not sure if this would work on this car.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 394
Likes: 21
From: Bainbridge Island WA
?
Winter is coming and I need to decide on a winter setup for my 2014 E63S. I've read everything on this topic on this forum and would still appreciate input. I'm looking at either 1. A square set-up on dedicated winter wheels (255/35/R19 tires/19x8.5x32 or 35 offset wheels) or 2. Staggered set-up on OEM wheels (changing tires on same wheels summer and winter). My questions:
1. I'm basing the 32 or 35 offset on what comes up for my vehicle on various websites,when looking at 19x8.5 wheels. Will these offsets work ok for Option 1? I've also seen a 45 offset come up for this wheel size. Would 45 work?
2. Setting aside the cost of having tires changed on the same wheels twice a year with Option 2, how significant is the risk of damage to the wheels from the frequent changes, if I use the same wheels year round?
3. I've often read that only the Pirelli Sottozero Series II are available for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels and that is the only option that comes up on Tire Rack' site. However I've read mixed reviews on those tires especially on snow. It seems many prefer the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4. I notice the Michelin Canada site shows the Pilot Alpin PA4's available in 285/30R19/XL 98W and 255/35R19/XL 96V. Slightly different load and speed ratings, but would this be another option for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels, or am I missing something?
Sorry for the long post (and for a new thread on this old subject), but I would appreciate your comments
1. I'm basing the 32 or 35 offset on what comes up for my vehicle on various websites,when looking at 19x8.5 wheels. Will these offsets work ok for Option 1? I've also seen a 45 offset come up for this wheel size. Would 45 work?
2. Setting aside the cost of having tires changed on the same wheels twice a year with Option 2, how significant is the risk of damage to the wheels from the frequent changes, if I use the same wheels year round?
3. I've often read that only the Pirelli Sottozero Series II are available for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels and that is the only option that comes up on Tire Rack' site. However I've read mixed reviews on those tires especially on snow. It seems many prefer the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4. I notice the Michelin Canada site shows the Pilot Alpin PA4's available in 285/30R19/XL 98W and 255/35R19/XL 96V. Slightly different load and speed ratings, but would this be another option for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels, or am I missing something?
Sorry for the long post (and for a new thread on this old subject), but I would appreciate your comments
Dedicated 19", the 20" in the snow and ice have an extremely low profile. the first ice bump or small sinkhole in the pavement and you will buying a brand new wheel.
The Pirellis are just OK, more like an more winter oriented all-weather tire. I have a set with literarily 265mi on them and replaced then with Nokians and their own wheels. now the car is so much more stable and does not rattle itself to pieces.
look for a post I followed someone's setup.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 54
FF. W212 E63 M156 non-pano 18" P2 ParkT NightV (gone but will be missed).
I would get dedicated winter wheels. "Replika" brand wheels have some good choices. Canada Wheels carries the brand. Touchless mounting equipment along with skilled operators wouldn't hurt the wheels. I have more concern with the stretching done once or twice a year to both the regular and winter tires from mounting and dismounting. Doing so after a few seasons also don't make economic sense.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 26
None
+1
Winter rims can be had without spending a fortune if you're not too fussy on style. Swapping tires twice a year gets expensive, especially when with just a jack, you could do the rim swap yourself for free.
I also would worry about risk to the TPMS sensors.
My first choice of tire, based on numerous reviews I have read is the Pilot Alpin PA4 - unless you could find the Hakka 8s in a size that worked for you, and you don't mind the noise of the studs.
Winter rims can be had without spending a fortune if you're not too fussy on style. Swapping tires twice a year gets expensive, especially when with just a jack, you could do the rim swap yourself for free.
I also would worry about risk to the TPMS sensors.
My first choice of tire, based on numerous reviews I have read is the Pilot Alpin PA4 - unless you could find the Hakka 8s in a size that worked for you, and you don't mind the noise of the studs.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 203
Likes: 28
From: Thornhill, ON
2018 GLC 43 & 2014 SLK 350, gone 2016 E63 Wagon
I purchased Replika wheels and Michelin Alpin PA4's along with TPMS sensors for my 2016 E63S wagon last year and they were perfect (255/35R19's) Dedicated winter rims are the way to go.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 811
Likes: 5
From: Calgary, Canada
'10 F150 FX4 SCrew. '14 S212S
I have a set of 18" c63 rims mounted on winter tires.
Would I be able to use these on winter tires for the e63s and if so,which winter tire sizes would be the best to run them on?
right now they are mounted on a square 235/40/18 setup on pirelli winters. Not sure if this would work on this car.
Would I be able to use these on winter tires for the e63s and if so,which winter tire sizes would be the best to run them on?
right now they are mounted on a square 235/40/18 setup on pirelli winters. Not sure if this would work on this car.
The 2014+ require 19" wheels to clear the AWD shields.
I'm running 255 Square on OEM wheels with PA4 tires in Calgary. Works good.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 40
CLS63 AMG
What would be the best choice of all season tires to run that would perform well in all weather conditions?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 394
Likes: 21
From: Bainbridge Island WA
?
If your driving temperatures are at around freezing a winter (snowflake in the US?) will give you about 7-16% molding than an all-weather, keep tire temperature, and reduce coupling/uneven tread wear(?). sorry English is not my first language
There is a great article written by the Citroen and Michelin rally teams somewhere in their sites.
the Pirellis will be better in traction than an all-weather but have a very thin sidewall and are a compromise between a 19" winter and a 20" all-weather.
Winter and summer tires are good for a couple of changes after that you need a new set so consider that too.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,229
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
the tires plus alignment out the door was 1300
Last edited by PeterUbers; Sep 11, 2016 at 01:37 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 54
FF. W212 E63 M156 non-pano 18" P2 ParkT NightV (gone but will be missed).
Those shields are only in the front. Thus the rear can still take 18". Of course that might look a little funny.
Conti DWS is the best out there at this time IMO.
Conti DWS is the best out there at this time IMO.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta
2014 E63S AMG Sedan
Thanks, would appreciate the details of what wheels you purchased - model no., size, offset.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,229
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
I'm curious how my new Conti dws will perform in the snow this year ... I don't plan on doing much driving in the snow in this thing but will once for curiosity's sake
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E550
This may be a characteristic of all wide tires, not just the Contis.
Experiments were in Whistler...
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 396
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
2016 C63S, 2012 ML350
As for the offsets, the stock rear offset is 52, which is millimeters, on a 9.5" wide rim so dropping down to an 8.5" rim, which is ok with a 255 tire, would give you 1/2" or 12.7mm a side so 52 - 12.7 = 39.3...
A 35mm offset would bring the wheel out 4.3mm & 7.3mm out for the 32 offset, no problem there.
As for the front which has a 37 offset on a 9" rim, so 1/4" or 6.35mm a side, the 32 offset wheel would put it in more by only 1.35mm vs 4.35 with the 35 offset
Last edited by crazy1eye; Sep 14, 2016 at 04:10 PM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 203
Likes: 28
From: Thornhill, ON
2018 GLC 43 & 2014 SLK 350, gone 2016 E63 Wagon
I purchased Replika R157 (black). I am not sure of what offset my tire store purchased but I do not have any clearance issues with the installation. Here is a picture of the installation.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta
2014 E63S AMG Sedan
https://www.replika.ca/ either the R157 or the R183
As for the offsets, the stock rear offset is 52, which is millimeters, on a 9.5" wide rim so dropping down to an 8.5" rim, which is ok with a 255 tire, would give you 1/2" or 12.7mm a side so 52 - 12.7 = 39.3...
A 35mm offset would bring the wheel out 4.3mm & 7.3mm out for the 32 offset, no problem there.
As for the front which has a 37 offset on a 9" rim, so 1/4" or 6.35mm a side, the 32 offset wheel would put it in more by only 1.35mm vs 4.35 with the 35 offset
As for the offsets, the stock rear offset is 52, which is millimeters, on a 9.5" wide rim so dropping down to an 8.5" rim, which is ok with a 255 tire, would give you 1/2" or 12.7mm a side so 52 - 12.7 = 39.3...
A 35mm offset would bring the wheel out 4.3mm & 7.3mm out for the 32 offset, no problem there.
As for the front which has a 37 offset on a 9" rim, so 1/4" or 6.35mm a side, the 32 offset wheel would put it in more by only 1.35mm vs 4.35 with the 35 offset
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta
2014 E63S AMG Sedan
Thanks for your reply. The post before yours helped me with the offset question and suggested a couple of options for Replika rims, one of which was the R157 you chose. The picture you posted really helped. I think the rims look great! I have the sedan in diamond white. I thought black rims would look good with the white body, but that black rims and black tires might be too much black. However I can see by your pic that the red brake calipers add color and show up really well against the black.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 396
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
2016 C63S, 2012 ML350
Thanks for the detailed reply. Have to admit offsets were just a number to me before, but your analysis really helped. And thanks for pointing me to the two Replika rims. I like them both, particularly the R183, but would be concerned that the machined lip on that one might not wear well, with the salt used on Calgary roads in winter.
Yes, Montreal too loves using salt. Yes the unpainted lip might now wear to well but it would break up the black wheel/tire combo.
When it comes to snow tires, the narrower the better for cutting through the snow.
Last edited by crazy1eye; Sep 15, 2016 at 06:32 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 52
Likes: 7
From: Toronto, Canada
2016 E63 Wagon
I really appreciate you posting the pic. They look good. Still not sure if I'm going to buy dedicated winter wheels or switch rubber twice a season (as I've always done before).
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 203
Likes: 28
From: Thornhill, ON
2018 GLC 43 & 2014 SLK 350, gone 2016 E63 Wagon
Thanks for the info, Tylbran. I have the same car as you (2016 E63S Wagon, night package) and am considering these wheels. How do you feel about the quality? How shiny is the finish compared to the matte black our OEM wheels came with?
I really appreciate you posting the pic. They look good. Still not sure if I'm going to buy dedicated winter wheels or switch rubber twice a season (as I've always done before).
I really appreciate you posting the pic. They look good. Still not sure if I'm going to buy dedicated winter wheels or switch rubber twice a season (as I've always done before).
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: NH
2015 E63s, 2012 E63-all done , Saab 9-5 Aero (2) Honda CBR 929-sold
my experience with DWS
I used CONTIS on my SAABS before trying them on E63, and never had issues, Before the DWS came out, they had the Extreme Contact, which performed almost as well as a dedicated snow. I also talked directly to Continental, and they assured me those DWS in the OEM size would perform well. I purchased them for my 2012 E63, and as expected , they did a satisfactory job in any winter conditions. There was a problem however, on dry roads. These tires in the OEM sizes have softer sidewalls, and this can be problematic in cornering and any direction changes that are not slow and gradual. Even strong cross winds had an effect. Traction was not an issue, and you can get a false sense of confidence. A sticky tread and a flexing sidewall is a problem combination, somewhat analogous to a tankslapper on a motorcycle. And they label these tires as Ultra High Performance . Maybe this condition is no longer with the AWD E63s, but this was my experience with the RWD. ymmv... regards, Tom
