Looking to pass my 2004 s500 down to my daughter who wants to change the look slightly. Currently have 17" wheels. Will the addition of 18 inch wheels provide any sportier look and will it have any negative effect on the ride? Any recommendations are appreciated

 

I've had two S Class, an 06 S500 with the 18" AMG wheel package, and my current S430, which came with 17" wheels. I prefer the 18's. The car rides great with either tire, but the 17's were just a little too squirmy. My first order of business was to get another set of the 18" staggered AMG wheels.

There are a lot of wheel choices out there. OEM wheels are insanely expensive, and since your daughter likely isn't a hard line Benz purist, I'd suggest a nice 18" replica wheel package. There are several established, reputable vendors on EBay.

For specs, steer clear of replica wheels that are advertised for the S class...they almost always have the wrong offset. Look for 18" wheels that fit the 2008 and up C Class, which will have a near perfect 45mm offset. (The S wants 44mm in the front and 46mm rear).

I just put a set of 18" AMG replica wheels on my S430. Have your daughter take a look and see if this was something along the line she was thinking. Post a pic of the actual car and I'll give you some more sporty suggestions that she might like.


There are several designs available, but I'm partial to a classic split 5 spoke without a lot of fake rivets. Here's a link to the wheels I have, around $650 shipped: 18" AMG STYLE STAGGERED WHEELS 5X112 RIM FITS MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS 230 300 350 | eBay

Or, do a search on ebay for "AMG STYLE !8"". Those will all have the right bolt pattern (5x112) and the right center hub bore (66.6), so all you need to verify is that the offset is correct.

For tires, you'll need 245/45/ZR 18's up front with XL load ratings, and 265/40/ZR 18's in back, also XL. My favorite tires by far on both my S's are the Continental ExtremeContact DW. They ride smooth, are very quiet and last a long time. See them here:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....port%20Package

Most EBay wheel vendors will sell you a complete tire and wheel package, and ship the wheels already mounted and balanced.

My car has also been lowered about an inch and half using a technique that cost $155 in parts, installed without tools by myself in my driveway, and did nothing to the ride quality (although it did necessitate an alignment). The car can also be returned to stock height by reversing the technique. A lowered car looks a lot more sporty and aggressive. The kit is here http://www.adjustableairride.com/

Lowering does wonders for changing an "old lady" S Class in to a sinister "bad" S Class. I highly recommend it.

Good luck!

 

MJK5215,
WOW! you have been very helpful. For the sake of long term costs I feel that I can maybe accomplish her vision by going without the stagger and matching tire sizes front and back. Don't think she would know the difference. What is your opinion on that and how do I determine the offset for my paticular vehicle? Again, thanks so much.

KMM

 

A square set up will save some money over time since you can rotate the tires. I would want four rims 18 x 8.5 with 45mm offsets. (Or you can look for genuine Mercedes wheels for the W220, or W221 which should be a 46mm offset)

Factory spec for your S500 in an 18 x 8.5" is a 46mm offset. You can be a mm or two high or low without any issues.

Many vendors advertise their 35mm offset wheels as a fitment for the W220. Based on my experience, that's too great a variance and not good for the car, especially up front. If you find wheels you like but the vendor doesn't list offsets, look for wheels they offer for the 2008 and up C Class. Also, their advertised wheel sets will usually be staggered. Just call them when you order and tell them you want square instead.

For tires on that set up I'd want 255/40/18's since they're a bit wider and have a slightly shorter sidewall, although 245/45/18 is stock.

These guys have some nice sets for under $500: http://www.usarim.com/mercedesbenz-18-inch-c-6_64.html
They don't list offsets. Rims that will fit your car will say "Fits 2008 and up C-Class, S-Class all years"