I am planning to purchase either a 2011 E350 cabriolet or a 2009 350 clk cabriolet. I want to equip the car with higher profile/sidewall tires to avoid the harsh ride and tire mishaps. What suggestions do you have?

Check out the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S - they're a solid all season tire that'll give you the handling you're looking for, but also won't have the harsh ride of a super low pro.


-Dmitry

zeggate, for a smoother ride best to switch to a smaller diameter wheel and higher profile tire that matches the RPM (revolutions per mile) of the low profile tires on the larger diameter wheels. Refer to the technical data on the Tire Rack website and you will see what I am talking about. I recall that MB offered different wheel/tire packages some years back to appease potential buyers who objected to the harsh ride of the low profile tires. The Owner's Manual for those cars probably lists the optional wheel/tire combinations. In addition to the harsh ride the low profile tires are more prone to causing wheel damage when hitting potholes. My son has experienced that with a 2007 S550.

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Fred Hoelzle

I forgot to include this link as well - very helpful when you're looking for info on wheel fitment and spacing. Hope this helps!

Wheel Fitment & Spacing Guide


-Dmitry

Thank you for your help and the fitment guide is great. I am looking for a 60 profile tire and Tirerack says no.

zeggate, search for a 50 or 55 profile tire, but that will likely force a switch to 16" diameter wheels, so you maintain nearly the same revolutions per mile for the higher profile tires. Also, the higher profile tires will likely have a slightly narrower tread width ... which may improve your gas mileage. Maintaining nearly the same revolutions per mile is important to keep your speedometer and odometer accurate.

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Fred Hoelzle

Please post the tire size you are currently using and we can go from there.

The stock tires for the vehicles are 2009 Mercedes 350 clk 225/45/17 front- 245/40/17 rear
2011 Mercedes E350 Cab 235/45/17 front- 255/40/17 rear
Thanks