jeremy156
Senior Member
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2005
- Messages
- 158
- Reaction score
- 20
- Location
- Bordon, UK
- Your Mercedes
- W202 C200 (1999)
Folks - it's decision time. I bought my W221 wearing 20" AMG alloys, but felt the ride could be improved. I since found a set of (Geniune Mercedes) 18" alloys from eBay, which do improve the ride, the trouble is they don't look quite as visually arresting as the 20s. Now... I didn't think this would matter to me, my car is for my pleasure and comfort and not for everyone else's fleeting appreciation as I pass by..... however I am finding myself looking back at the car when I park and thinking "hmmmm", looks a bit "old man". I'm nearly 40!
So, surprised that I'm bothered by it, I've put the 20s back on to test the difference in ride quality - and it is pronounced - low speed ride is lumpier and lots more noise on the motorway (exactly the same width, 255 front, 275 rear, but less sidewall to absorb the vibrations, hence more noise transmitted up). Also there are no "grand touring" type tyres for the 20" wheel, only "ultra high performance"... compared to squishy Michelin Primacy HP on the 18s.
But it looks good. Damn. The bigger wheels seem to tighten up the lines of the bodywork, like a tailored suit vs a loose one.
Over to you folks to help me decide. 18s with "FAT" tyres or 20s with "PHATT" wheels that make me look like some sort of wannabe drug dealer?
So, surprised that I'm bothered by it, I've put the 20s back on to test the difference in ride quality - and it is pronounced - low speed ride is lumpier and lots more noise on the motorway (exactly the same width, 255 front, 275 rear, but less sidewall to absorb the vibrations, hence more noise transmitted up). Also there are no "grand touring" type tyres for the 20" wheel, only "ultra high performance"... compared to squishy Michelin Primacy HP on the 18s.
But it looks good. Damn. The bigger wheels seem to tighten up the lines of the bodywork, like a tailored suit vs a loose one.
Over to you folks to help me decide. 18s with "FAT" tyres or 20s with "PHATT" wheels that make me look like some sort of wannabe drug dealer?