17" to 18" alloys?

[Wing Co]

My E-Class convertible sits on these 17" wheels with tyres with 5000 miles on them:

Mercedes alloy wheels | Genuine new 17" Mercedes 5 Twin Spoke | fits Mercedes E Class Saloon W212 | Alloy Wheels Direct Ltd

I am thinking about getting these and the new tyres:

Mercedes alloy wheels | Genuine new 18" Mercedes 5 Spoke | fits Mercedes E Class Convertible A207 | Alloy Wheels Direct Ltd

With tyres and centre caps and the top priced Conti tyres they are: £1825.68 Could be cheaper with lesser tyres.

What do you folks think, I guess I am unsure how much and how easy it would be to sell the old ones and tyres leaving a reasonable balance?

Or wait until the current tyres are worn out and replace then, although on my mileage this will be another 2 years! I might even be changing the car next year , which I realise will be a lot more, so just wait and spec them then?

 

[tpwuk]

Save your money! You'll never get anywhere near enough return on your old wheels. If you might be changing the car I wouldn't bother. If after next year you decide to keep it, maybe then look at changing your wheels.

 

[Wing Co]

That's the way I logically think, you know how the mind works though! You are right, I just need to shut it out, but thanks its the kind of sensible advice I need.

 

[x332race]

I have just done the opposite, gone from 18" to 17" wheels largely due to the state of the roads near me in the Chilterns. found 18" wheels to be uncomfortable and did not take kindly to potholes. Final straw came when we managed to drop a wheel into a pothole near Amersham bursting the tyre and damaging the rim.

Got a set of 17" off ebay for about £300 with two usable tyres...Got 2 new tyres and car now feels much better to drive overall. Comfortable and handling does not appear to be unduly compromised.

Stick to the 17" wheels fitted.

 

[Wing Co]

I have just done the opposite, gone from 18" to 17" wheels largely due to the state of the roads near me in the Chilterns. found 18" wheels to be uncomfortable and did not take kindly to potholes. Final straw came when we managed to drop a wheel into a pothole near Amersham bursting the tyre and damaging the rim.

Got a set of 17" off ebay for about £300 with two usable tyres...Got 2 new tyres and car now feels much better to drive overall. Comfortable and handling does not appear to be unduly compromised.

Stick to the 17" wheels fitted.

Many thanks. Ironically enough I am also right on the Chilterns and before my E Class I had a CLK Convertible Sport on 18", but with sports suspension. When I changed I decided that I did not want the sports suspension to hard, but to have 18" wheels factory fitted on the SE you had to have sports supension, therefore I stuck with the 17". It is just when you start looking around you forget your original reason and then think I wonder?

 

[gilberto]

17 - 18" alloys

I too have an SE,but went to 18's
Fitted the attached and the ride is only very slightly different
I would say do it!

 

[Wing Co]

No you see that's the trouble, I clear my mind of the idea and then gilberto posts some nice pictures!

I remember asking you before and you outlined that it had not cost you that much. I cannot see anyway around it as the wheels and tyres are the cheapest M-B ones I can find and much cheaper than a dealer and I would have to sell my old ones with tyres (5000miles) for I estimate around £600. Still leaves around 1400-1500 depending on tyres chosen and price for 17" wheels and tyres.

If I went for AMG like yours it would be even more expensive.

Any advice on where to buy and how much to sell for?

I guess if I change next year when it is 2 years old I can just go back to Sport trim, but with the Dynamic Handling Package - which I believe softens the ride.

 

[gilberto]

I was lucky,managed to pick these up of ebay.Brand new.I would not haven chosen the tyres but they are ok to run them off.
If you are patient some will turn up
All the best!

 

[x332race]

You can get genuine MB wheels on Ebay if you are careful.....if they need refurbishing, there is a very good chap in Flaundon near Hemel Hempstead who will do them for about £50 each.

Having just bought 17" wheels and tyres to replace my 18" I can vouch that you will not get much more than £350-£400 tops for your existing wheels / tyres. I have a very nice set of 18" AMG wheels that I tried to sell but was only offered silly money (less than £300) so I am keeping them now.

I still believe you are better off with 17" wheels unless you just drive on super-smooth roads...as soon a you meet potholes, you will be cursing.

 

[snoop51]

Keep your 17" wheels and put winter tyres on them, you won't regret selling them when the colder weather comes then.