CE750

Should I expect "noticeably" better handling from my W211 (non-DC) when I go from 16" OEM Rim w/ 225/55 to 17" OEM Rim w/ 245/45's?

thanks

E55AMG99

With the same type of tires, your handling should benefit from the shorter sidewalls. Your ride will suffer, however. Also, if the new rims and tires are heavier, handling, accelleration and braking will suffer. It will be worse with a light rim/heavy tire combo of a given weight.

CE750

They'll be Michelin's, but performance, rather than the all-season's that I have now.. so the rubber will be better..

I'm not worried about ride, as the current ride is very good, and I can stand giving up some of that for a better cornering.

I read the W211 E320 has a .83 200' skid pad.. but I've also read that certain tests have yielded .85g.. so I wonder if that's due to 16" vs 17" cars.

vraa

With 17's your ride quality won't be that harsh.

Getting wider rims (or even larger diameter) rims, will greatly improve your handling, everything will seem sharper.

On top of that, by moving to Michelin Performance tires (I hope you mean the PS2) you'll have so much grip, you don't know what to do with it.

Seriously, you'll have grip

CE750

Wow, I can't wait now! I think their Pilots (but not sure which models) they're stock on the Appearance package E350/E500's.. what ever those are.

Can't wait!

vraa

Try to make sure that they are PS2's. So many people have them and truly swear by it.

CE750

They're Pilot MXM4 what ever those are..

CE750

I don't think they are "Hi performance" but they're still better than the Energy M's I had on before.

vraa

Watch out for wet traction. I had those on my LS400 before and I slid.

CE750

Tire rack doesn't like their snow traction at all, but gives them good dry traction.. I think I'll heed your warning.. My next set (when there wear down) will be a set of "true" high performance like the PS2 you mentioned.

E55AMG99

My guess is that the difference between .83 and .85 is as much due to the different test tracks, drivers and methods as it is the different tires that MB OEMs. In other words, too close to call.