19" alloys nightmare

[mark24r]

I've got a 2015 e350cdi estate (amg night edition) with 19" alloys (standard) and they're a nightmare. I've had to replace one rear one due to multiple cracks & now the front 2 are damaged (not cracked) which causes a constant tremor/vibration at motorway speeds.

I want these wheels gone & replaced with smaller rims that (a) don't grind on the kerb and (b) don't break when I go over pot holes. I can see that Merc sell 16 & 17" wheels that are compatible with this car (https://configurator.mercedes-benz-accessories.com/en-MB/e-class-s212-0321/Wheels/Light-alloy_wheels?cartransporter=car)

Does anyone have any experience with 'downgrading' (read: upgrading) to smaller wheels (proper Merc oem, not some random wheels) in terms of insurance premiums & any ride/handling problems?

[mark24r]

Scrump said:

I have a 2014 E350 AMG sport which came with 18 inch wheels. Four years of ownership and no problems with the wheels (apart from the common corrosion).
I would say the 18s or smaller are going to be better.

With regard to the insurance, if you fitted 18s which were standard on the 2014 car and use tyre sizes presumably shown on your tyre pressure label then how would they know they weren’t standard?

Thanks for everyone's replies - all useful. Interesting to see that you have the 18's & they are ok for you. Yes, this model came with the 18" & 19" options so they are both totally standard.
Re the smaller sizes - entering my vehicle number from the (what used to be called) log book on the Merc wheels page it tells me the 16" & 17" are compatible with my specific car, which is interesting.

[mark24r]

Paddymcc said:

Check your spare wheel in case its a smaller wheel and you can check if it will clear your calipers.

Had similar problems years ago with 2 x sets of 19" AMG rims cracking. In the end i went aftermarket 19" rims and never had the issue repeat itself.

Interesting you didn’t have the same issue with aftermarket 19”. I don’t have a spare wheel - this is now the adblue tank with this model. This one comes with a can of foam & a compressor.