W205 Difference Between 17" vs 16"

[CharlesP]

I have a 2015 C200 SE that despite being SE spec has the optional 17" wheels with 225/50 tyres. To be honest it's not the best car at disguising poor road surfaces and whilst potholes are really difficult to mask you really notice a road surface that is anything other than smooth.
Does anyone have first hand experience of the difference in ride quality between these 17" wheels and the factory spec 16" wheels with 205/60 tyres? A 60 profile tyre is quite tall by modern standards, so may deliver the extra comfort I'd like
Opinions welcomed before I start looking for a set

Thanks

Charles

 

[Gazwould]

Comfort at this level of aspect ratios is actually more about the weight of the wheels .

 

[W1ghty]

It’s noticeable comfort wise on both my cars when I go for 16’s on winter wheels and narrower tyres than both cars 17’s in the summer

 

[CharlesP]

It’s noticeable comfort wise on both my cars when I go for 16’s on winter wheels and narrower tyres than both cars 17’s in the summer

Thanks. What is the profile difference between your 16's and 17's?

 

[CharlesP]

Comfort at this level of aspect ratios is actually more about the weight of the wheels .

I'd like to know more please. Lighter better?
I can't imagine that there's much difference in weight between MB factory 16's and 17's (but I haven't weighed them).

c

 

[190]

I wouldn't assume 16" wheels will make a dramatic improvement in the ride. Not a direct comparison but I have 195/60/R16 on my W204 and it's not the best riding car I've ever owned. I do find a small reduction of 4.5% in tyre pressure makes for a noticeable improvement without causing abnormal wear or excessive tyre temperature. I have no other options left other than making comfort my priority when I come to choose new tyres.

 

[Gazwould]

I'd like to know more please. Lighter better?
I can't imagine that there's much difference in weight between MB factory 16's and 17's (but I haven't weighed them).

c

All about unsprung mass heavier and the damper doesn't work as accurately and that's not the only physics..

 

[CharlesP]

Thanks.
A P7 205/60 R16 is 22lb and the same tyre in 225/50 R17 is 24lb. I can't find the difference in wheel weights but the narrowness of the 16" wheel probably helps keep it the same or less. All told the unsprung weight is probably less for the smaller wheel/tyre plus the added cushioning benefit of the taller tyres must be beneficial, although whether it's noticeable is still unclear, hence the desire for real world feedback

c

 

[W1ghty]

Thanks. What is the profile difference between your 16's and 17's?

E class summer 245.45.17. Winter 225.55.16
CLK 245.45.17 & 225.40.17 staggered. Winters 205.55.16