Reducing wheel sizes?

[nooney]

Can I replace my 225/40/18 wheels and tyres with a smaller size to improve ride quality as my B Class Sport has a harsh ride. I thought if I got new wheels and tyres with a deeper sidewall then the ride would be less harsh?
I realise speedo readings would be altered .

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Yes, you can reduce wheel size and with an increased aspect ratio (sidewall height) you should get a better ride.
If you get the aspect ratio correct then there will be no speedo issue as the overall diameter will be the same.

Check your fuel filler cap / owners manual and you should see a list of wheel and tyre sizes that your car could have had from new.

Depending upon size of brake callipers you should be able to get 16” or 17” wheels on easily

 

[NJS5]

Welcome nooney

Blobcat is dead right - a wise decision to move to a better wheel size.

NJSS

 

[Blobcat]

Just checking Mercedes page they have 205 60 R16 as a standard wheel for the B-Class

 

[JBell]

No problem

7x17" ET49 fitted with 215/45 R17" all round

6x16" ET46 fitted with 205/55 R16" all round

You could also try dropping your tyre pressures by 2psi all round

 

[nooney]

Thanks to all of you that replied .I have checked handbook and fuel filler cap for size info and plenty listed BUT when I check it seems wheels I have on the Sport are 18 x 7.5 but all "official chart" only indicates a 17 x 7.5 .
Will a 16 x6 fit or will I have to stick with a 17 version?
Filler flap lists include 205/55/16 so will it fit seamlessly as I don't want to order wheels and tyres and find they do not fit.
The handbook indicates my 18" tyres as 7.5 and the 16" as 6.5 . To confuse me(does't take much nowadays) all the winter tyres listed on the same list are 6.5"
HELP !!

 

[ZZZZ]

I had an A200 C169 with factory lowered sport suspension and 18" AMG wheels, standard tyres were 215/40, I went for 225/40 shortly after I bought it, and liked it much better.

Last winter I had a chance to directly compare my 225/40 R18 with 205/65 R16, as I bought a new set of alloys with winter tyres from Mercedes.

The difference in ride quality and comfort was very noticeable. My wife said we should keep these for the summer

I sold the car two months ago, so didn't have to face that dilemma

 

[sonic]

My E class came with 18" wheels but I much prefer the 17" winter wheels.
The same with the SLC came with 18" but now on all season 17" much better.

 

[JBell]

Thanks to all of you that replied .I have checked handbook and fuel filler cap for size info and plenty listed BUT when I check it seems wheels I have on the Sport are 18 x 7.5 but all "official chart" only indicates a 17 x 7.5 .
Will a 16 x6 fit or will I have to stick with a 17 version?
Filler flap lists include 205/55/16 so will it fit seamlessly as I don't want to order wheels and tyres and find they do not fit.
The handbook indicates my 18" tyres as 7.5 and the 16" as 6.5 . To confuse me(does't take much nowadays) all the winter tyres listed on the same list are 6.5"
HELP !!

The width of the wheel is related to the width of the tyre so a 205/55 R16 will be perfect on a 6" wide wheel

 

[sonic]

The width of the wheel is related to the width of the tyre so a 205/55 R16 will be perfect on a 6" wide wheel

I had 205/55 R16's as winter tyres on my CLK 209. It would go anywhere with the narrow profile.

 

[Blobcat]

I had 205/55 R16's as winter tyres on my CLK 209. It would go anywhere with the narrow profile.

That’s what I have on my SLK for winter

 

[sonic]

That’s what I have on my SLK for winter

We had the on the first 2004 SLK, but the front calliper was too big on the later 2010 SLK. Had to go to 17" 225 profile.
But they are great in winter, go anywhere.

 

[rifiki]

I have 205 55 16 tyres, instead of 225 17 on my CLK and the narrow tyres are far better on rain soaked roads.

 

[nooney]

Took the plunge and purchased smart new alloys and all season tyres 205/55/R16 just in time for the first snow around here and what a difference. The B Class sport ride is quieter, softer and no problem as yet in the snow.

 

[sonic]

I have 205 55 16 tyres, instead of 225 17 on my CLK and the narrow tyres are far better on rain soaked roads.

Had them as winter tyres on my CLK, would go anywhere in the snow.