C63 18's or 19's?

[AndrewIC]

Looking at getting a used C63 estate, 2012, normal suspension and trying to come to a conclusion on whether to get the 18 inch wheels, or go for 19's. I prefer the look of the 19's, but I'm worried the ride will become too hard. I have driven cars with both wheels on a 10 min drive on the road and found the 19 to be a little bit firmer, but not by much, the sales people said they could not notice the difference, but everything is subjective.

I'm just looking for some real world opinions and experience from you guys? It would be mostly used in London, with the odd run out to the country a couple of times a month max. I have tried to search on ph but couldn't find anything on here or mbworld which was very clear.

Thanks guys.

[ecain63]

Depends on what the roads are like round your way.

Mine is on 19s and its no more harsh than my M5 was in sport suspension mode. It does suffer over heavy pot holes but keen eyes should see you steer any car around any hole that could cause discomfort.

[ghibbett]

Try this: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Also info in here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

My advice. Test drive both and see what works for you.

[RG63AMG]

I have 18s on my 507, much better ride but not as good looking IMHO,

Also I just happen to be selling my set as I have the oem 507 on the way, only done 600 miles going to Rassay and back and running in.

[AndrewIC]

ghibbett said:

Try this: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Also info in here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

My advice. Test drive both and see what works for you.

Thanks, have driven both and seen those threads, just trying to get some good tips as people seem to have very mixed views. I don't want to make a very expensive mistake.

[ghibbett]

What did you think when you drove both?

[marky1]

Get the 19's. The 18's look way too small on this car at the back.

[Simz]

Stunning car, one day!!

[Alex L]

We have the 19s for the summer and 18s for the winter. If any thing the ride is harsher on the 18s but that's because we run higher pressures on the winter tyres.

In my opinion the 19s look much better as they fill the arches but are a pain to clean



The photo of the car on 18s is a bit crap so hard to compare

Edited by Alex L on Wednesday 22 January 22:07

[AndrewIC]

ghibbett said:

What did you think when you drove both?

As I said above, I thought the 19's were slighty firmer, but hard to tell on a 10 min drive... was a saloon too, so not sure if this makes a difference?

On another note, I thought the seats were fantastic!

[HammyHamster]

I actually prefer the design of the 18's. But the 19's fill the arches better. The 19's ride absolutely fine unless you drive into potholes.

[ghibbett]

I couldn't distinguish any ride or handling differences between saloon and estate. The only difference is the estate has more exhaust noise due to the open-ness of the boot space to the cabin.

Back to the ride, if you felt on your 10 min drive that the 19"s were too firm, then that won't improve on a longer drive. If however you felt they were acceptable to you, then I doubt they'll be an issue.

[swilding]

I've 18's on mine and I really would like the 507 19's as they look lovely. Just get the 19's if your speccing the car as you want it. Unfortunately I could only have 18's as its a lease type deal.

[AndrewIC]

Thanks for the views guys, will try and get a car with 19's then.

[AMG Merc]

Andrew, I drive a C350 Sport with 18s and a C63 with 19s. The 350 in (optional)sport mode rides a bit like the 63 does in Comfort mode and is perfect for speed humps, etc. The 63 does definately ride harsher, it feels more direct but jiggles somewhat on anything uneven. I do more motorway than town miles so the 19s are livable but if I drove mostly in London I'd go for the 18s.

As far as clean wheels, my 19s are the black turbofan design - so don't show the dirt