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Noise levels of 18" vs. 17" rims

Old Apr 21, 2015 | 01:01 AM
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Noise levels of 18" vs. 17" rims

Hello everyone,

I just bough a new (to me) 2008 E350 with the sports package.
My wife has a E320, so I though I knew what I am getting into; the new car is much sportier (which is good), but I am really annoyed by the new car being much noisier.

It's weird - the noise is present even at low speed - 35-40 mph, but it doesn't really get bad even at 70 mph.
Seems to be coming from the back - back seat area or the trunk. Sounds like wind/tire noise, but I am not sure.

I am wondering if the 18" rims/low profile tires are causing it.
One of my front tires just blew up, so I may use the opportunity to change the rims.
Car has 57K miles/Continental tires.

I don't have much experience with different size rims/tires on the same car.
Are the Conti tires known to be noisy?

Any help will be appreciated.

Cheers,
Simon
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Old Apr 21, 2015 | 01:05 PM
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The diameter of the wheels and/or the size of the sidewall will not contribute to the noise.
The tire material and tread design will.
Find out the exact model of the tire and look at reviews.
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 02:08 PM
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Thank you, Zoo, I ordered two new rear tires (Michelins, supposed to be quiet), will report what's the difference once they are installed.
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Old Apr 25, 2015 | 09:50 AM
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I have an 08 sport also and I have 19s on mine. The tires won't have any bearing on noise outside of the quality of tire that you have. If the tires don't fix it unfortunately take a look at the rear diff. I've seen a few of those go bad including my own. Hopefully that's not the case for you.
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