Tires Upgrade
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
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2004 CLK320
Tires Upgrade
For my 2004 CLK-320 coupe, I plan to upgrade the tires from stock 16-inch all-season to 17-inch performance next summer.
Besides looking great, what should I expect the changes in ride, cornering ability, etc?
Besides looking great, what should I expect the changes in ride, cornering ability, etc?
TR Moderator & Tire God
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 5
From: SouthBend, IN USA
depends on the weather
the 4 basics
ride will be firmer but, not harsh
handling will be greatly improved
cornering body roll will be increased
visual impact will be greatly enhanced
ride will be firmer but, not harsh
handling will be greatly improved
cornering body roll will be increased
visual impact will be greatly enhanced
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,744
Likes: 1
You will get more body roll because the higher performance tires will generate more lateral g's before loosing grip. In street situations, this increased body roll is merely annoying. Stiffer springs and/or sway bars will reduce body roll and may offer even more grip. If the CLK55 AMG has larger sway bars than your car, that may be a good mod to go with the tires. Many C class owners on this forum are using bars from the C32 AMG. They reduce the body roll with only a very small effect on the ride quality.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: San Francisco, CA
1996 C36 AMG, 1995 Volvo 850 Turbowagon
there's nothing much to worry about with putting 17" on an mb... the chassis is so solid to start with...the suspension doesn't have to be tuned so stiffly...so ride comfort is still pretty good...
just becareful of potholes...the thinner tires are more prone to breaking upon impact...keep pressure between 32 and 36...should be good there...
just becareful of potholes...the thinner tires are more prone to breaking upon impact...keep pressure between 32 and 36...should be good there...
