|
|
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Hi All,
I am contemplating upgrading the stock 225/55-16 Michelin Pilot HXs on my E 500 to 245/45s on 17x8.5 AMGs. Objective for change is greater control and not racing. I have two questions of directed towards those of you have made a similar wheel upgrade (I understand there is an unquantified variable here, namely the tyre specific): 1 RIDE CHARACTERISTICS The 500 rides quite luxuriously (I feel) with the stock wheel/ tyre combination. How much has the ride comfort changed? 2 ROAD NOISE How much increased road noise a) by virtue of the tyre itself (please mention model) b) by virtue of increased contact patch of 245/45 Finally, what wheels have did you install? Any pics...? Thanks in advance as always farrukh |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
As you know, I run on AMG 5 spokes with Michelin XGT-Z4 245/45-17. The ride is 99% as nice as ever, and the handling is dramatically improved. Road noise is actually down, but that's compared to Pirelli P6000s which I think are horrible.
You're gonna love it!
__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss Michael 2014 E63S Estate 2006 SLK55 1995 E500 1986 Porsche 944 turbo |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
If you are considering a 17" upgrade, I would consider a staggered setup to allow for more rubber in the rear. We all know the E500 is a beast, an has tons of power, more rubber, the more efficiently and quickly the power is put down. May I recommend 245/45/17 up front and 275/40/17 in the rear. A good combination for this would be the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Assymetricals. Great handling, decent wear, great wet and dry.
__________________
Chirag (Charlie) Patel -------------------------------------------- - 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12 - 97 Acura NSX-T - 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP - 04 Lexus RX330 - 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8 4 Sale: - 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
I have 94 E-500 which I installed a staggered set-up 18" AMG monobloc replica's by RH Alurad (a better wheel in my opinion) about the same price as the AMG's. I run 245x40 x 18 on the front & 275x35x18 on the rear. They look great and don't protrude from under the fender wells. Handling was dramatically improved & I honestly did not notice any deterioration in ride. I was very surprised as I expected a much harsher ride. The tires are Michelin Pilot Sports.
If I was going to the expense of changing wheels I would definitely recommend going to 18" wheels. You don't have to run a staggered set-up if this is not your cup of tea. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
see below for wheel/tire combo.
they ride a little firmer...the tires are quite grippy so occasionally the car tries to follow the ruts. road noise is up slightly, but handling is improved. one caveat: when choosing a wheel diameter, don't forget that the greater the diameter, the lower the aspect ratio and the less protection the wheel has from those nasty potholes that jump out at you. i know someone with 18 inchers on his car and he's running 40 series tires (i think) and he needs to straighten his rims once a year. if you're going to spend a wad on rims...consider the conditions of the streets you'll be driving on. Just a little advice [Edited by yhliem on 03-21-2001 at 02:47 AM]
__________________
'94 W124.036 249/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs '93 W124.036 199/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs, up in flames...LITERALLY! '93 W124.036 481/040 leder; euro delivery; 8.25x17 EvoIIs '88 R107.048 441/409 leder; Euro lights '87 W201.034 199/040 leder; Euro lights; EvoII brakes; 8x16 EvoIs - soon: 500E rear brakes '70 R113.044 050/526; factory alloys; Euro lights |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Thank you all for the insights.
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
1992 500SL Suspension Question | Vinalf | Mercedes-Benz SL Discussion Forum | 2 | 02-06-2003 11:07 PM |
Suspension Question | Vinalf | Tech Help | 2 | 02-04-2003 07:51 AM |
84 500 SEL question | pmckechnie | Tech Help | 4 | 02-01-2003 08:10 PM |
New ML 500...question on brakes... | jco | ML, GL, G-Wagen, R-Class, Unimog, Sprinter | 1 | 12-14-2001 09:50 AM |
500 SL (R129) Brake Question | jgl1 | Tech Help | 2 | 11-15-2001 12:39 PM |