W218 CLS 350......incoming! (boredom warning attached as well as pics)

[Abb]

Something a little more interesting than mechanical faults was my quest for a new set of wheels! Prior to the MAF sensor issue, I had been on the lookout for a new set of wheels or at the very least have mine refurbed in silver. My desire for new wheels was too strong and the hunt began.
I didn't mind whether they were aftermarket or OEM, but wanted to keep the same size of 20" as I think it is the sweet spot for the CLS, had to be silver or a very light grey, black was a straight forward no go, so would have to be re coloured of I had found a set I really wanted.

Looked at very MB wheels in that colour and size, and came across the wheels fitted to the AMG GTS. These perked my interest, as they came in Himalaya grey with diamond cut faces, 19's up front and 20s on the rear. I figured if I could make this set up work, it would be a perfect balance of having a bit more cushion on the front with a larger sidewall whilst 20's on the rear complete the aesthetics, convincing myself the CLS could carry the 'look' off, IF I could make them fit, otherwise it is back to the drawing board.

Having used various calculators and experience on running other wheels and tyre combos, I set about my mission. Figured out I could make the wheels fit using spacers. The front remained the OEM size of 19x9 and the rears were 20x11 (which I was currently running 20x10.5). I opted to keep the tyre size the same as my current rear set up, of 305/25/20 and 255/35/19 at the front.

Only issue now was finding a set!

 

[Abb]

Wasn't too long before a used set came up for sale on the bay of dreams and it was about a 2hr drive away, They were described as 'as new' and having spoken to the owner, he stated they were removed unmarked and sat in boxes after he had the dealership change them for a different stye in black!

Sounded genuine enough so I made the drive and boy am I glad I did! All the wheels were as described, sat in boxes which the new wheels came in. A deal was done, the wheels loaded and off I went home!

Unloaded a short time later into the dining room......where else!

 

[Abb]

A quick wipe down and a few layers of wheel wax applied, they were ready to go on.

 

[Abb]

The old with the new....


Really pleased with the he look so continued and ended up with....

Covered the wheel bolts with caps, again it is the little touches that make the difference...

 

[Abb]

I appreciate it is not too everyones taste, running spacers, wheels which were not designed for that model, etc etc.
But......

 

[Abb]

So for now, that is it. Still need to fit the rear sensors into bumper (they have been bought and painted) and the window tints of course! The car drives extremely well, very nice, smooth and plenty of get up and go. Still loving the luxury of the cabin and it feels so much more luxurious and expensive than the price tags suggests. It has just the other side of 60k miles, but £ for £, this may just be the best value car I have ever purchased. Wouldn't hesitate recommending a well looked after example with a few options ticked (that is the hard part of finding one!)

 

[SmartAmg]

Wheels look awesome, Abb, and as a nice bonus, a tad easier to clean.

 

[Abb]

Wheels look awesome, Abb, and as a nice bonus, a tad easier to clean.

Cheers Tony. I do prefer them BUT not looking forward to the inevitable happening to the diamond cut faces. Nice while they last though!

 

[cp3377]

Lovely, and some great spec choices from the original owner. Love the nappa leather and the colour combo especially.

 

[cp3377]

Really like those wheels - a friend has them on an S560. Hope the ride is acceptable with them on. They certainly look the part.

 

[Abb]

Really like those wheels - a friend has them on an S560. Hope the ride is acceptable with them on. They certainly look the part.

The ride has actually improved with having the 19s up front! Are you friends wheels from the AMG GTS? Funnily enough I tried to source a set of S Class wheels, as fitted to the S class coupe but no such joy!

 

[Abb]

Also forgot to mention, I did use MAF cleaner as my initial attempt at fixing the MAF related faults but to no avail. Also the car had a plate change, sold my 2x2 plate with my initials and it now wears the plate which I bought for my daughter, but she has a few years to go until she becomes custodian!

 

[cp3377]

The ride has actually improved with having the 19s up front! Are you friends wheels from the AMG GTS? Funnily enough I tried to source a set of S Class wheels, as fitted to the S class coupe but no such joy!

I think they were a cost option upgrade wheel on the S560 Coupe

 

[E55BOF]

There's one glaring omission on that car.....

Never mind all the cosmetics; get it up to MSL and it will go better too. The 2013 CLS 350 CDI SB I just bought was also very well specced; same interior as yours, but Airmatic, Cavansite paint, and 19" wheels from new. Previous owners had added Apple Carplay and front and rear dashcams, but the biggest improvement is the MSL remap.

I don't much care for the way diesels deliver their power, and I found the same engine with a TDI tuning box in a 2014 E350 estate a little disappointing, but this isn't. I'd still prefer a V8 petrol, but this is quicker than the M113 E500 estate - stonking midrange in particular - and I can definitely live with that.

 

[Abb]

I hear what you are saying Dennis and having had the same lump remapped by John at BFT/MSL on our W166 ML, it most certainly does make a difference.
It has recently had the tuning box removed, which I had fitted after purchasing it from a forum member. Have decided I prefer a map for the car oppose to the tuning box, as good as it is, so it is on the to do list.

Must have missed the thread on your SB, was it a members car on here, as it sound similar to the one on here a while back. How are you finding it?

 

[cp3377]

There's one glaring omission on that car.....

Never mind all the cosmetics; get it up to MSL and it will go better too. The 2013 CLS 350 CDI SB I just bought was also very well specced; same interior as yours, but Airmatic, Cavansite paint, and 19" wheels from new. Previous owners had added Apple Carplay and front and rear dashcams, but the biggest improvement is the MSL remap.

I don't much care for the way diesels deliver their power, and I found the same engine with a TDI tuning box in a 2014 E350 estate a little disappointing, but this isn't. I'd still prefer a V8 petrol, but this is quicker than the M113 E500 estate - stonking midrange in particular - and I can definitely live with that.

What difference does the mapping make compared with the car’s standard numbers, and does it potentially affect engine/gearbox life and economy? I’m all for a little more effortless punch but wonder what the downsides are, if any.

 

[E55BOF]

Difference? Stage One, which is what I have, is 322 vs 265 hp, and 530 vs 457 lb ft of torque. The power and torque curves are fatter too, particularly above 3000 rpm. It does all make quite a lot of difference...

MSL reckon that their Stage One remaps stay within MB's limits, and they involve software changes only; the mechanical parts are standard.

The OM642 is basically a very strong engine, and the gearbox is the same as fitted as standard by MB to the W164 ML420 diesel and the W211 E500, to name but two. They both have just over 300 hp as standard, and istr the ML420 makes 510 lb ft torque. Like any power train, if you wear a baseball cap on backwards, and use full throttle, and rev to the red line, at every opportunity, sooner or later something will break, but driven sensibly, there should be no effect on reliability. I'm not worried.

The downsides are two. One is that if you have more urge, you will inevitably use it from time to time, so fuel economy is unlikely to be better than standard in the real world; the second is that it feels so utterly effortless above about 2000 rpm on even part throttle without the gearbox changing down, it is very easy to find yourself doing licence-losing speeds without realising it.

 

[cp3377]

Thanks for the detailed reply. Not insubstantial then... power levels not far off those of the new 400d engine. No wonder it has potential a licence-threatener. Must be fun in the right circumstances - and sounds like you can still potter around unaffected until you need/want to use it.

 

[E55BOF]

It's quite 'traditional Mercedes', in fact; classy looks, adequate but not exceptional power, smooth unstressed progress but can pick up its skirts and run when necessary or when the mood takes you. It's not going to frighten many AMGs, but that's not what I want it for. I'm not a fan of diesels, but this one, as it is now, suits the car very well.

 

[btiratsoo]

Hello ABB. cracking thread mate. Just read the whole lot. I don’t suppose you have the Vossens do you? I reckon they would look spot on fitted to my Obsidian Black Shooting Brake……..

Ben