W210 - seeking advice on 18" wheels - Benzworld.org

wvudrew@mac.com · 08-08-2008, 10:44 AM

I have a 2000 E320 4-matic. Looking into buying some 18" rims and wheels from local dealer. Specifically the Panther 531C and Nexus tires (235 blah, blah, blah 18). Any suggestions? Any advice on the clearance under the wheel well, ride impact or 4-matic system? I have an ML320 I'll run during the West Virginia winters so I'm not worried about all season too much, but just wondering what experiences others have had with 18" wheels on that vehicle. Thanks very much for your thoughts!

**JOE55** · 08-08-2008, 03:34 PM

Off you go to W210 4-matic NON-AMG Section.

Cheers,
JOE55

gregs210 · 08-08-2008, 03:47 PM

Welcome to the forum, Drew. If you're in WV you should look up MusikMann and have a beer together.

18" are fine if you run the proper size tire and they are offset for the W210 chassis, more info is in the sticky at the top.

However, we're not the best folks to ask as far as fitment detail, rely on your seller so if there is an issue they will make good on it.

It sounds like you're asking more generally though, and all you'll really notice is a decent jump in ride harshness. Well, and the thinner sidewall will also make that gap over the front tires seem that much larger...and lowering the 4matic is an expensive proposition.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

**Musikmann** · 08-08-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregs210

Welcome to the forum, Drew. If you're in WV you should look up MusikMann and have a beer together...Greg

Hi Drew,

I'm in Huntington and there are precious few other West Virginians on here. There's another ML owner in Charleston and some guy in Beckley I've noticed (W124 I think) but that's about it. The ML guy and I talked about getting toether but it never happened. I might still have his nickname in my Private Messages if you're curious I can PM that to you since you two have the same series.

I've met the people at Astorg in Parkersburg and deal with Smith Motors in Charleston and would like to know more about University Motors up where you are.

Please feel free to drop me a PM and welcome to the forum,

Musikmann

wvudrew@mac.com · 08-08-2008, 07:47 PM

Thanks very much for your comments, Greg. Much appreciated (despite my being in the wrong forum, God forbid.)

Musikmann - will do. Bought my first M and E from Smith - best dealer in the world. They would drive to my office in Winfield to leave a car for me and pick mine up for oil changes.

Kajtek1 · 08-08-2008, 08:36 PM

I put 22" wheels on our ML55AMG and I regret it.
We have so bad roads in Bay Area that driving the sport truck on low profile tires give us headaches. That didn't happened when we took the truck to San Diego.
So the wheels look good, but make your priorities straight.

**Musikmann** · 08-09-2008, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvudrew@mac.com

...Musikmann - will do. Bought my first M and E from Smith - best dealer in the world. They would drive to my office in Winfield to leave a car for me and pick mine up for oil changes.

That sounds like them, and I give them a plug on here whenever I get a chance.

BTW, I mis-understood your PM. I though you were considering 18" on the ML, my bad. I've thought about the 17" that came with the E320 sports package and E430 myself, but when I priced new MB wheels, they were $500 each (dealer). I'm sure I could do better, but haven't done the homework.

ruBENZ_00E55 · 08-09-2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvudrew@mac.com

I have a 2000 E320 4-matic. Looking into buying some 18" rims and wheels from local dealer. Specifically the Panther 531C and Nexus tires (235 blah, blah, blah 18). Any suggestions? Any advice on the clearance under the wheel well, ride impact or 4-matic system? I have an ML320 I'll run during the West Virginia winters so I'm not worried about all season too much, but just wondering what experiences others have had with 18" wheels on that vehicle. Thanks very much for your thoughts!

Clearance should remain near OEM specs; thus, no issues. Plus sizing produces a lower side wall to maintain near OEM diameters. If you live in area littered with rough roads, you will feel the difference. Tire tread wear rating plays a role here too. If you are nearing a 400 tread wear rating, the ride becomes harder, and louder. Good luck.