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Been chatting with Bobblehead re winter set up and suggested I get some views from the forum.
I’m thinking of a winter set up, but possibly going to 19” wheels to improve the ride quality. The other option is just to switch to 20” winter tyres, likely Continental WinterContact TS860S.
I wondered whether there was a noticeable difference between 19” and 20” or would I see a difference just by switching tyres on the 20”.
Anyone who just switched tyres on 20” wheels, did you see an improvement in ride quality? Any thoughts re 19” v 20”
I've always had great results with the Dunlop 3D on my E wagons... I've installed a Squared setup using the front tire sizes all the way around on my stock silver E63s 20Inch wheels and moved my PS4s to a new set up the same wheel in black.
I drove 2000 miles from NYC to Kentucky and back and the tires are fabulous on the dry and wet roads... you can't tell that they are dedicated winter tires. I strongly recommend them (in the past with an E500 4matic wagon I've driven numerous times to VT in 12-16inch snows only ever having issues when I finally didn't have the ground clearance).
Unless you drive like an idiot on the public roads... you aren't going to notice hardly any difference other than a better ride with the Dunlops. I have reduced my PSI to 40 front and back.
As soon as we get some snow here on the East Coast I will update with pics.
I've always had great results with the Dunlop 3D on my E wagons... I've installed a Squared setup using the front tire sizes all the way around on my stock silver E63s 20Inch wheels and moved my PS4s to a new set up the same wheel in black.
I drove 2000 miles from NYC to Kentucky and back and the tires are fabulous on the dry and wet roads... you can't tell that they are dedicated winter tires. I strongly recommend them (in the past with an E500 4matic wagon I've driven numerous times to VT in 12-16inch snows only ever having issues when I finally didn't have the ground clearance).
Unless you drive like an idiot on the public roads... you aren't going to notice hardly any difference other than a better ride with the Dunlops. I have reduced my PSI to 40 front and back.
As soon as we get some snow here on the East Coast I will update with pics.
no. Your front offset is 20 factory and you will need to be in around that figure. Otherwise, your aftermarket front offset with 40 could cause rubbing
So it proved to be very difficult to get some 19 in rims that fit the E53. The shop I was dealing with ordered some in and were supposedly a "confirmed fit" for the E43 but it was rubbing. I ended up putting winters on the stock 20s because they had a set in stock and I could get them on that day. There was a storm coming the next day and the P-Zeroes weren't going to cut it! Maybe there will be some more options for it next year.
Been chatting with Bobblehead re winter set up and suggested I get some views from the forum.
I’m thinking of a winter set up, but possibly going to 19” wheels to improve the ride quality. The other option is just to switch to 20” winter tyres, likely Continental WinterContact TS860S.
I wondered whether there was a noticeable difference between 19” and 20” or would I see a difference just by switching tyres on the 20”.
Anyone who just switched tyres on 20” wheels, did you see an improvement in ride quality? Any thoughts re 19” v 20”
I went with 19" square setup at Luke's recommendation (Tire Rack). Flow One F4 and Blizzak LM-32s (255/40-19). The ride is a little bit softer/more compliant. Steering and responsiveness is slightly softer/less feel but overall not a huge difference. 19" wheels and tires were cheaper and give me an extra bit of protection for horrible potholes which I will inevitably hit.
I went with 19" square setup at Luke's recommendation (Tire Rack). Flow One F4 and Blizzak LM-32s (255/40-19). The ride is a little bit softer/more compliant. Steering and responsiveness is slightly softer/less feel but overall not a huge difference. 19" wheels and tires were cheaper and give me an extra bit of protection for horrible potholes which I will inevitably hit.
So it proved to be very difficult to get some 19 in rims that fit the E53. The shop I was dealing with ordered some in and were supposedly a "confirmed fit" for the E43 but it was rubbing. I ended up putting winters on the stock 20s because they had a set in stock and I could get them on that day. There was a storm coming the next day and the P-Zeroes weren't going to cut it! Maybe there will be some more options for it next year.
Our E53/63 offsets are pretty odd and not many close to factory offset aftermarket wheels are found out there, unless one would also need to put spacers to make them fit.
I went with 19" square setup at Luke's recommendation (Tire Rack). Flow One F4 and Blizzak LM-32s (255/40-19). The ride is a little bit softer/more compliant. Steering and responsiveness is slightly softer/less feel but overall not a huge difference. 19" wheels and tires were cheaper and give me an extra bit of protection for horrible potholes which I will inevitably hit.
X
hate to be a copy cat but looking hard at this for my wagon. I want the BBS CH-R but can’t justify the extra $$$ for winter shoes !
Having bought the same wheels (Flow Ones), but the F1s instead of F4s (also 19s at Tirerack's suggestion, and a square 265mm set up), I can report that they are a perfect fit. Doing the math I thought there might be a slight under extension on the back tires and that this might looks less desirable than the OEM 20s, but the fit actually looks good as well. When I asked tire rack about adding spacers if I wanted to they just said, since they are winter tires, do I really want all that muck slinging up the side of the car as you go wider? So I think this worked OK.
Having bought the same wheels (Flow Ones), but the F1s instead of F4s (also 19s at Tirerack's suggestion, and a square 265mm set up), I can report that they are a perfect fit. Doing the math I thought there might be a slight under extension on the back tires and that this might looks less desirable than the OEM 20s, but the fit actually looks good as well. When I asked tire rack about adding spacers if I wanted to they just said, since they are winter tires, do I really want all that muck slinging up the side of the car as you go wider? So I think this worked OK.
Looks great !
More pics?
19 x 9 or 8.5 ?
Last edited by northern2020; Jan 23, 2019 at 12:25 PM.
Reason: ask q
Yes exactly, 9 inch wide. Once you go to tirerack, put in E63S Wagon, 19s, and filter to only 9 inch wheels there are but a few options but they will fit perfectly. I learned the hard way and went with what came up, before going to 9 inch only (assuming if they were options they should work - but not). BL, I had ordered another wheel only to find out it would not work because it was 8.5. Anyway, whether Flow One F4s or F1s or other from Flow One, I don't think you can go wrong. These are pretty light weight also. Hope this helps.
In regard to more pics... It is tough getting good ones in central Germany this time of year... Maybe a sunny day soon, when the car is also clean... rare combination!
Yes exactly, 9 inch wide. Once you go to tirerack, put in E63S Wagon, 19s, and filter to only 9 inch wheels there are but a few options but they will fit perfectly. I learned the hard way and went with what came up, before going to 9 inch only (assuming if they were options they should work - but not). BL, I had ordered another wheel only to find out it would not work because it was 8.5. Anyway, whether Flow One F4s or F1s or other from Flow One, I don't think you can go wrong. These are pretty light weight also. Hope this helps.
In regard to more pics... It is tough getting good ones in central Germany this time of year... Maybe a sunny day soon, when the car is also clean... rare combination!
I have the CCB's - they can't 100% guarantee they will clear the brakes
I have the CCB's - they can't 100% guarantee they will clear the brakes
Tire Rack has Flow Ones in 20x9 et35. 20s will obviously clear and if lower offset is still needed then spacers will be required. They also have Sport Editions in 20x9.5 with front offset of et38. This is an other (and much more economical, if not as esthetically pleasing) option. One of the members here has them for winter in 19s.
The beauty of Tire Rack is that you can order one wheel mounted with tire and sensor, then return if does not fit or do not like it. Usually it will "cost" about $65 if returned for shipping both ways and dismounting.
Having bought the same wheels (Flow Ones), but the F1s instead of F4s (also 19s at Tirerack's suggestion, and a square 265mm set up), I can report that they are a perfect fit. Doing the math I thought there might be a slight under extension on the back tires and that this might looks less desirable than the OEM 20s, but the fit actually looks good as well. When I asked tire rack about adding spacers if I wanted to they just said, since they are winter tires, do I really want all that muck slinging up the side of the car as you go wider? So I think this worked OK.
Where did you find the black Benz center caps to fit the Flow Ones?
Tire Rack has Flow Ones in 20x9 et35. 20s will obviously clear and if lower offset is still needed then spacers will be required. They also have Sport Editions in 20x9.5 with front offset of et38. This is an other (and much more economical, if not as esthetically pleasing) option. One of the members here has them for winter in 19s.
The beauty of Tire Rack is that you can order one wheel mounted with tire and sensor, then return if does not fit or do not like it. Usually it will "cost" about $65 if returned for shipping both ways and dismounting.
I got the center caps on Ebay (and not OEM). Search for 75mm ones. I also ordered a set of the black and silver "heritage edition" AMG design caps, but I seemed to prefer the very simplistic look of the MB Symbol. Also, they look black but are really a very dark grey. Hope this helps!
yes. I had HRE make me a set of 19s that easily cleared the CCBs. Now I’ve sold the E63s and still have the wheels. I guess I’d better list them for sale.
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