champaigntaste

I live in a location where roads are relatively flat, straight and in mostly good condition. Potholes exist, but are rare. Surfaces susceptible to tramlining are nonexistent. We get snow, but not in great quantities. The last four or five years we have averaged only a handful of snows each year where the accumulations resulted in the roads not being cleared relatively quickly. Temperatures can dip below zero, but this has been rare, especially in the last four or five years. I drive at high speeds, but usually in a straight line without hard cornering. I typically only push the limits of the vehicle when swerving to avoid objects or accidents when that becomes necessary. I drive about 15,000 miles a year. I estimate that 4,000 - 5,000 of the 15,000 mile average per year will be one or two long trips.

I am considering buying a new E320. If I decide to purchase an E320 I plan to update the wheels and tires from the stock 16 inch rims. Note that most E320’s I have seen on lots within 150 miles of my area have Continental ContiTouringContact or Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus tires. I am leaning toward 18 x 8 AMG Double Spoke or ASA ST4 rims with Pirelli PZero Nero M+S 245/40 18 tires all around. My primary reason for different wheels is to improve the appearance of the vehicle without lowering the car or making suspension changes. How will performance, handling and ride be affected by this combination? Are 18 inch rims the proper size given the background information provided? Any other comments?

champaigntaste

I got an E500 that has the Continental ContiTouringContact tires. I am still considering the 18" upgrade, although I am less inclined to do this now because I like the 17" rims on the E500 better than the E320. Is the 18 x 8 AMG Double Spoke or ASA ST4 rims with Pirelli PZero Nero M+S 245/40 18 tires all around still a good match for this car given my driving conditions?

champaigntaste

See title

Luke@tirerack

Sorry for the delay in responding to your thread but ... here goes ....


I think you are making a very, good well thought out upgrade to your car and I like your choice of tire also ..... I still do not for the life of me understand MB putting 16's on that car

champaigntaste

Thanks for responding Luke, I wasn't implying you were taking too long. I just wanted to get up near the top of the list when you began responding.

By the way, the E500 has the 17" rims, which look a lot nicer than the 16" ones. I am less inclined to get the 18" rims now than I was

I definitely want to get newer tires, but am going to want to wait a little while.