CLA250 18" wheels and summer tires

28889 Views 88 Replies 27 Participants Last post by milazzo, Nov 10, 2013

bubblewrap

Discussion Starter · May 21, 2013

I thought I had reviewed everything before I went into the dealer on Saturday to place my order, but one thing threw me. If you are ordering the CLA 250 with the 18" 5-spoke wheels (R31), they only come with the summer tires (R01). The all season tires couldn't be configured. Was this one of those details that I just failed to study, or was (is) this news to you too?

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Sue Esponte

· #2 · May 21, 2013

Summer only tires on the 250 seems contrary to the alleged non-sporting intent of the car (as it has been described by journalists). It's a strange requirement from MB. Then again, so too is MB choosing the sport suspension as the standard (and only) suspension set-up for the US bound 250s when Europe gets a softer option. The Germans have a history of sending the softer suspended cars to us folks on the other side of the pond. All of this suggests, to me at least, that MB has (or had) something more sport oriented in mind with respect to their target buyer.

If it's true about the Summers being required on the OE 18s you're definitely going to need a set of snows for the Winter in Illinois! At least it gives you a reason to pick up a 2nd set of rims for Winter use if you're looking for one! lol

-Eric

bubblewrap

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 21, 2013

Sue Esponte said:
Summer only tires on the 250 seems contrary to the alleged non-sporting intent of the car (as it has been described by journalists). It's a strange requirement from MB. Then again, so too is MB choosing the sport suspension as the standard (and only) suspension set-up for the US bound 250s when Europe gets a softer option. The Germans have a history of sending the softer suspended cars to us folks on the other side of the pond. All of this suggests, to me at least, that MB has (or had) something more sport oriented in mind with respect to their target buyer.

If it's true about the Summers being required on the OE 18s you're definitely going to need a set of snows for the Winter in Illinois! At least it gives you a reason to pick up a 2nd set of rims for Winter use if you're looking for one! lol

-Eric

Yeah, when the dealer was entering my build it kept getting an error for the all season tires when combined with the 18s. If that is the case, then I will definitely need something to handle the long winters in Illinois.

Am I the only one who faced this issue? I can't be the only one getting the 250 with 18s. Anyone?

Spartaholic

· #4 · May 21, 2013

Hey Bubble, thanks for your updates. Did you happen to see these wheels when you ordered this weekend?

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Automotive design Alloy wheel

I am going to be getting 18s as well and will definitely need snow tires if you can only get summer performance tires.

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bubblewrap

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 21, 2013

Spartaholic said:
Hey Bubble, thanks for your updates. Did you happen to see these wheels when you ordered this weekend?

View attachment 841

I am going to be getting 18s as well and will definitely need snow tires if you can only get summer performance tires.

The program to configure the car was just a list of all of the various options - no pictures. From what I recall from the list, there was only one option for 18s and it was R31. If there were multiple 18s to chose from, then I would have asked to see pics. If I had to guess, I don't think it's those because he gave me a brochure for the CLA and the pic shown for the 250 is the same mountain grey model that we've all seen before that has 18s (and they aren't the ones you are interested in). I would suggest calling or emailing your local dealer to just be sure. Sorry I can't be of more help!

Spartaholic

· #6 · May 21, 2013

No worries, Bubble. Those wheels are available in Europe but it sounds like not available here unless dealer can figure out a way to make it happen. I will definitely try as it gets closer to launch.

tjames6410

· #7 · May 21, 2013

Do you know if the 18" tires with the sport package are summer only tires? I was under the assumption that they were all season. thanks

Endaar

· #8 · May 21, 2013

No option for all-season tires seems insane, though if that's the case I'm guessing they would make all-season tires standard on the 4MATIC. Which of course is not available until AFTER this winter. Odd.

scott

· #9 · May 21, 2013

All-season (Goodyear run-flat) will be available on the CLA45. This tells me all-season should definately be available on the 250.

bubblewrap

Discussion Starter · #10 · May 21, 2013

tjames6410 said:
Do you know if the 18" tires with the sport package are summer only tires? I was under the assumption that they were all season. thanks

I don't know for sure, since I didn't get the sports package. However, I confirmed again today with my dealer for my order that summer tires are only available on the 18s.

bubblewrap

Discussion Starter · #11 · May 21, 2013

scott said:
All-season (Goodyear run-flat) will be available on the CLA45. This tells me all-season should definately be available on the 250.

The all season are available on the 250 if you go with the standard wheel, but, I confirmed again today with my dealer for my order that summer tires are only available on the 18s. Lame.

bubblewrap

Discussion Starter · #12 · May 21, 2013

Endaar said:
No option for all-season tires seems insane, though if that's the case I'm guessing they would make all-season tires standard on the 4MATIC. Which of course is not available until AFTER this winter. Odd.

Yeah, and even for the FWD with them arriving September timeframe, it doesn't allow for much driving on the summer tires before winter-time (Well at least here in Illinois).

Spartaholic

· #13 · May 22, 2013

bubblewrap said:
The all season are available on the 250 if you go with the standard wheel, but, I confirmed again today with my dealer for my order that summer tires are only available on the 18s. Lame.

Bubble,

With living in the Midwest, like myself, weren't you planning on a set of snow and summer tires w/o the 4matic?

bubblewrap

Discussion Starter · #14 · May 22, 2013

Spartaholic said:
Bubble,

With living in the Midwest, like myself, weren't you planning on a set of snow and summer tires w/o the 4matic?

Nope. I have only owned FWD cars - currently a Jetta. I have only ever purchased all season tires and they have suited me just fine. I guess I'm kind of low-maintenance like that - or one that hadn't taken advantage of optimal handling.

livestrong191

· #15 · May 22, 2013

If I get the CLA I am looking to put the vossen cv1 19" on . Look them up they are DEAD SEXY

Reactions: 1

Rocket88

· #16 · May 22, 2013 (Edited)

I have opted both 18" summer and winter tires for my CLA200 lease contract.
We have option 645 in the pricelist.. wintertires M+S instead of summer tires.

Edit : option 645 is only for 16" and 17" rims.. my bad :disappointed:

Spartaholic

· #17 · May 22, 2013

bubblewrap said:
Nope. I have only owned FWD cars - currently a Jetta. I have only ever purchased all season tires and they have suited me just fine. I guess I'm kind of low-maintenance like that - or one that hadn't taken advantage of optimal handling.

Well, I guess you'll soon find out how you'll like having both summer and winter tires

Honestly, I haven't had both either, but I'm looking forward to it in Michigan winters instead of splurging (and waiting) for the 4-matic. My question is should I buy separate rims for the winter tires?

bubblewrap

Discussion Starter · #18 · May 22, 2013

Rocket88 said:
I have opted both 18" summer and winter tires for my CLA200 lease contract.
We have option 645 in the pricelist.. wintertires M+S instead of summer tires.

Edit : option 645 is only for 16" and 17" rims.. my bad :disappointed:

I was hoping you had the option available! Sorry you are as disappointed as I am!

bubblewrap

Discussion Starter · #19 · May 22, 2013

Spartaholic said:
Well, I guess you'll soon find out how you'll like having both summer and winter tires

Honestly, I haven't had both either, but I'm looking forward to it in Michigan winters instead of splurging (and waiting) for the 4-matic. My question is should I buy separate rims for the winter tires?

That is a really good question. I'm not sure what I am going to do, but like you, once the car arrives we won't have too much time to debate it. Maybe some of the more experienced summer and winter tire owners can help us out??

tjames6410

· #20 · May 22, 2013

What would be the big difference if you drove in the winter with summer tires? Sorry if that is a stupid question but I have never had just "summer" tires

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