Barney

Question for you wheel experts.

I have a 2003 E320 with the standard (and not too good looking) 16-inch dual 5-spokes with Pirelli 225/55 R16s. Didn't want the full sport package but was getting the E-class sport wheels (5-spoke as shown in the brochure) with 245/45 R17s. Those wheels are delayed and I believe the dealer is offering me AMG 5-spoke 18s that he can get instead. My other option is of course to wait for what I originally ordered but it could be a while. I wanted 17s because they look a lot better and I thought the ride quality would still be good.

How much difference will there be if I go with the AMG 18s and the corresponding tire in terms or ride and noise? Is there much of a difference? I'm not planning on sticking with the 16s anyway so it is the difference between 17s and 18s I'm interested in. The post earlier in this thread of the platinum blue with 18-inch AMGs is just what I'd end up with and I think they look great.

ricoh64

I just recently installed a set of Carlsson 18's and kept the stock suspension on my E430. I did not feel a significant change in ride. In fact, either I'm too worked up about the great new look or something because I think it feels better than before, although all logic should be counter. I think the issue is when you lower the suspension in combination of a wheel upgrade, this is when you'll really feel a differance. I also shopped for quiet tires, that might have helped aswell. I'm using 38lbs of air in each tire. Relevant because this will also affect the ride.

Hope this helps.

brianw430

ricoh64, what tire did you decide to use? Always looking for tire feedback.

Thanks!

ricoh64

I got a staggard set-up w/ 8s in front and 9s in the back. The tires I bought were Falken ZIEX (or ZEIX?) 512. 235/40 and 265/35 respectively.

Falken also has an ST115 that was specifically designed to be quiet, but the treadwear rating I believe was a little lower. I was really siding in this direction but, ultimately went with the 512s because they had a treadwear of 360 and a 30K warranty, which is rare for an entry level tire. Just aswell research I did on the 512s, from user forums, always mentioned that they were quite so I figured some of what made the st115s quite might have been employed for the 512s so..that's the way I went.

Got all four delivered to my door for $600. Small web site called STOPANDGOTIRES.COM, not much of a selection but had Falkens and the older gentleman was very helpful and willing to beat the lowest price I had found. ( as for Nick )

As for the tires, had them installed this past weekend and they are great. And w/o a doubt, quiter and smoother than my stock michelins. Hopefully it will stay that way...I heard stories of tires getting louder w/ time and maybe that's what happened to my Michilin's because they were loud.

BTW...if you have Costco close by, they will r&r and Balance the tires for $10 each when you bring them the product.

I'am always in cost saving mode..Good Luck!

brianw430

Thanks ricoh, that is an interesting site with some tires there I've not heard of. Anyone know anything about the Avon tire? Ricoh do you have any prior experience with the Falkens? I'm looking for the quietest performance tire out there, and so far it sounds like the Yoko AVS db. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

ricoh64

I would say consider the st115s, i read some of the feedback on tirerack about the yokos and some folks said they got loud after some time and did not last. But if those aren't your priorities, that is, longevity, than may be the way to go. They may work fine for your application and it's a good name.

BTW.. falken tires are german and I had used them before, 8 or so years ago on a 911sc. they had good dry traction and OK wet, but that was quite awhile ago, hard to compare to today.

AJChenMPH

The AVS dB's are probably the quietest tire out there -- when new. I've heard stories that they get louder as they wear, and the wet and snow traction start deteriorating as well.

brianw430

Thanks for the replies guys! I was reading through some of the feedback on Tire Rack and found most of the noise related feedback came from lighter type cars; American, Acura, VW type cars...not sure if that makes a difference. But I was trying to read feedback from cars with the same type of rear wheel, weight application as the CLK.

Thanks again!

speedybenz

You might look at the Dunlop SP9000's. I had them on the front and they were very quite and forgiving tire. They are not a Bridgestone S03 as far as grip is concerned, but they are very good in the rain.

Jeff

Barney

I've also heard good things about the Dunlop SP9000's and that is what I should be getting, hopefully with the new 18-inch AMGs in the next few days.