TheRok

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.

E55AMG99

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.

reserved

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.

TheRok

Thanks for your help E55 and Reserved. What size profile did you end up getting on your tires?

E55AMG99

Pilot Sports
235/40/18 F
265/35/18 R

reserved

Same for me but Toyos.

Karsa

When I had 18" on my car, the ride quality is not really different. However, I felt I lost much power due to the heavy wheels.

Hope this help. Btw, please check your PM box.

Thanks

VakhariaR

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

TheRok

Karsa -

What kind of wheels did you get that slowed down your car? What model benz are you driving?

E55 KEV

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."

TheRok

Thanks E55

That’s the best explanation I have been given. If you get an 18” with a wide profile (40+) will that help the situation?

E55 KEV

a 40 series tire is still consider low-profile. anything under 60 series is low-profile.

Karsa

the rok, I had Carlsson 2/5 at that time.
Please check your pm

Thanks