18” or 19” on W209. Is there a difference?
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
W209
18” or 19” on W209. Is there a difference?
I ordered my first Benz a few weeks back. It’s silver CLK 500. The stock rims/tires are 17” with 225 (F) and 245 (R). I want to upgrade the wheels to either 18” or 19” ASA ST4’s. The price is not much different but my major concern is the ride quality and noise.
The 19”s ride with 265/30 and the 18”s ride with 255/35.
I have a 40 minute commute to work and back and want to maintain a nice luxury ride. My ride comfort is the first priority, good looks second and handling/performance third which size rim am I better off buying?
If anyone can tell me their experience or pros/cons with 18”s or 19”s on a W209 I would appreciate it.
Thanks for your help in advance.
The 19”s ride with 265/30 and the 18”s ride with 255/35.
I have a 40 minute commute to work and back and want to maintain a nice luxury ride. My ride comfort is the first priority, good looks second and handling/performance third which size rim am I better off buying?
If anyone can tell me their experience or pros/cons with 18”s or 19”s on a W209 I would appreciate it.
Thanks for your help in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,445
Likes: 3
From: WOT somewhere in the Bay Area
1951 Caterpiller D6
Went from 17 to 18 on my 208 CLK and the ride suffered terribly. Try to find the lightest wheels possible. This will help a little but IMO, the 19's will be more than you bargained for.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: virginia beach
clk 500 (wifey's); 350Z roadster (daily driver); 350Z coupe (track car)
I agonized over the same question before finally going with 18's.
One of my concerns was the car developing a lot of squeaks and rattles over time if the ride was too harsh.
I can assure you there is no perceptible difference in ride compliance between the 18's and the stock 17's (with the stock suspension) so that may be your "safe" option if comfort in combination with looks is your priorty.
Hope this is of some help.
One of my concerns was the car developing a lot of squeaks and rattles over time if the ride was too harsh.
I can assure you there is no perceptible difference in ride compliance between the 18's and the stock 17's (with the stock suspension) so that may be your "safe" option if comfort in combination with looks is your priorty.
Hope this is of some help.
Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
'97 Volvo 850 GLT
I have some wheels that I'm trying to get rid of. If your interested let me know my e-mail address is TrickDOut@bellsouth.net
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,583
Likes: 212
From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
TheRok, If you really want to maintain the comfortable ride keep the 17" on. Anytime you decrease the side wall of tires you lose comfort, period. Stay away from the 19". I have 18" and can imagine the horrible rid and damage that would be caused by 19" rims. I shudder every time I drive on bad road and run over a pothole.
Here are the two disclaimers Mercedes released after customers with low profile tires complained and Sued (I heard) over the easily damaged and uncomfortable ride:
"Z-rated tires are optimized for performance driving and may provide reduced ride comfort, increased tire noise, substantially increased treadwear and greater susceptibility to damage compared with H-rated tires."
"AMG 18" wheels and accompanying high-speed-rated tires provide substantially increased treadwear and reduced ride comfort compared to H-rated tirees. Serious wheel and tire damage may occur if the vehicle is operated on rough or damaged road surfaces or upon encountering road debris or obstacles."
Here are the two disclaimers Mercedes released after customers with low profile tires complained and Sued (I heard) over the easily damaged and uncomfortable ride:
"Z-rated tires are optimized for performance driving and may provide reduced ride comfort, increased tire noise, substantially increased treadwear and greater susceptibility to damage compared with H-rated tires."
"AMG 18" wheels and accompanying high-speed-rated tires provide substantially increased treadwear and reduced ride comfort compared to H-rated tirees. Serious wheel and tire damage may occur if the vehicle is operated on rough or damaged road surfaces or upon encountering road debris or obstacles."
Last edited by E55 KEV; Apr 8, 2004 at 09:38 AM.
