W166 wheel size

[jabrielraja]

Have a W166 with airmatic. I'm thinking of switching from 21" wheels to 18" wheels and have a few queries which I'm hoping you might help with.

Is there a noticeable difference in ride comfort?

I'm hoping for better mpg but not sure how much of a difference this will make? 2, 3, 4 mpg? More?

Do I need to check the calipers first or will all oem amg 18" wheels fit?

Where is the best place to source these from?

What should they cost (ballpark)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[flowrider]

I think an 18" wheel on the W166 would look a bit lost. I would go with a minimum 19" wheel and 255/50 tyres all round.

 

[jabrielraja]

I know where you're coming from and agree. The reason for considering the smaller size is to maximise comfort. I didn't even realise 18" were possible until I saw the sticker.

Also, 18" may be more readily available and cheaper.

All that said, let's apply the same questions to 19" wheels as I haven't made my mind up just yet.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Have a W166 with airmatic. I'm thinking of switching from 21" wheels to 18" wheels and have a few queries which I'm hoping you might help with.

Is there a noticeable difference in ride comfort?

I'm hoping for better mpg but not sure how much of a difference this will make? 2, 3, 4 mpg? More?

Do I need to check the calipers first or will all oem amg 18" wheels fit?

Where is the best place to source these from?

What should they cost (ballpark)?

Thanks in advance.

Which model do you have?

Take a look here for wheel and tyre choices, with pricing:
Mercedes M Class Alloys (W166) - Alloy Wheels Direct

 

[jabrielraja]

I've got the ML350 (2012). I think it's the sport with the amg styling.

Thanks for the link. Will have a look.

 

[jabrielraja]

Some nice wheels on there. The 19s are a little more than I can afford. Other than ebay, is there anywhere else that I could search for used/refurbished wheels?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Some nice wheels on there. The 19s are a little more than I can afford. Other than ebay, is there anywhere else that I could search for used/refurbished wheels?

eBay is best unless you stumble upon a set on this or another owners forum.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

PS You May see a modest improvement in both ride quality and fuel consumption, but both will be difficult to quantify, so don’t expect it and be pleased if you detect it. For caliper clearance it’s difficult to say, I would refer to the MB parts department to be sure.

 

[jabrielraja]

Thanks Bobby.

 

[kid-jensen]

On my W164, I couldn't stand the crashing ride on the standard AMG 19" wheels with 255/40, so I changed to 18" with 285/50. Unless the state of our roads improves miraculously in the next few months, I won't be going back.

Had no problems at all unless you call more grip, MUCH better ride and less noise to be a problem...

I'll accept that some of the improvements could be down to a change in tyres (to Dunlop), but whatever tyre you choose, the extra sidewall height will give you a smoother ride, particularly if you're coming from 21".

It's possible that Mercedes put larger Callipers on as part of the change from W164 to W166, so a bit of Googling is required to find out if 18" will fit.

I would say the 18" wheels look just fine, and IMHo don't get lost in the arches. Obviously, the overall diameter is almost exactly the same.

 

[FinsDad]

I'm looking at purchasing a W164 and was wondering what, if, other models wheels would fit the ML300?

The few I have test driven have been a bit hash on the 20in wheels, but one with a set of 18's was so much smoother... Sadly the rest of the car let it down...

I don't know if there was a set of 18in AMG wheels produced which would fit? I just like the look of those more than the more bland items seen on most cars for sale...


Is there anywhere I can find out what other wheels would fit including the correct offset and bolt diameter?

Thanks.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Have a look at this in the first instance, the go to reference for Mercedes wheels:

Mercedes-Benz Fitting Chart and Wheel Fitment Guide | Alloy Wheels Direct

Comprehensive wheel fitting chart and guide for Mercedes. Information on tyre and wheel sizes, offsets and PCDs. Find out which wheels will fit your vehicle

www.alloywheelsdirect.net

I wouldn’t be surprised if there hasn’t been an 18-inch AMG wheel suitable for an ML since the W163 generation.