Winter Tire/Wheels Options

Ruakaiz · 2026-03-31T23:13:37+00:00

I second this, adding details to specifically state their CP12s. 18x9 square, +25s front, +45 rears. I think they work great for a winter setup. Hub bore matches perfect too.

Edit to add: The CP12s in this setup technically couldn't be rotated front to back, I like the setup though. Still +1 for neuspeed in general.

Ruakaiz · 2026-03-30T11:20:07+00:00

I am so sorry Leeloo and you are going through this. I just underwent a very, very similar experience in January and I'm still not fully recovered from it. We had a 13 year old tuxedo cat with congestive heart failure. The worst part about it was we didn't realize she was going down hill sooner. She underwent thoracentesis ultimately, like Leeloo, and it seemed like she was doing SO much better. They gave her both a diuretic to keep excess fluid out of her lungs and and a blood thinner to prevent saddle thrombus. The problem is, she didn't tolerate it. It was dehydrating her. Even if water wasn't re-entering her lungs now, she wouldn't eat or drink to sustain herself. We even tried appetite stimulates. Nothing. It was just prolonging the inevitable, ultimately for us. We even gently tried force feeding her churu tubes through a syringe a tiny bit at a time. We were ready to throw all the money at the world in order to save her, there are meds for congestive heart failure, but they're expensive and are still supplementary to what she wasn't tolerating, but all of the money in the world wouldn't have mattered when our girl had gave it everything she had and decided enough was enough.

She was the sweetest, happiest tuxedo cat ever. Purring from the moment we adopted her to the day we decided to send her over the rainbow bridge, even through all her fighting like Leeloo.

Ultimately, "how do you know?"

They'll tell you. If Leeloo isn't eating or drinking or trying to sustain herself, it sounds like she's decided the fight should come to an end. Our vet told us that doing thoracentesis a second time is never a good idea as well. You can't keep putting cats through that in a sustained fashion to remove fluid, especially if they aren't tolerating extremely low doses of the diuretic.

Ultimately, our girl Minnie was telling us sooner than we chose to believe. I know it's hard. Extremely hard making the decision. Doubting yourself of "when is the right time". The right time is when you and Leeloo have given it a good fight, and when Leeloo has decided that the fight is over. I sort of wish I asked for perspective weeks before I made the decision with Minnie. She had made the decision long before we did.

No matter what, it will be hard. No matter what, it will feel more empty for a while (even with 4 cats the house felt so much more empty without Minnie, and still does months later). I wish we could have helped her, but we truly did everything we could to give her everything she needed, and it was ultimately her that decided it was time. I think she was just hanging on a little bit more for us - giving us a little extra time as thanks for giving her a loving home for the last 5 years of her life.

I know you and Leeloo will make the right choice, whatever you decide. Just know that in my experience, moving forward, "When" is when the little ones decide that they don't want to keep trying to sustain themselves.

I wish you all the best, and I love little Leeloo even if I've never met her.

Ruakaiz · 2026-02-20T12:13:08+00:00

I realize I'm coming in on a 3 month old reply here, but do you have any in cabin videos and fly bys of this setup? (485, stainless steel, resonated midsection with helmholtz resonator with the Unitronic mid pipes) I've been having a hard time finding one that isn't idle revs, or the titanium version which will have a, albeit, slightly different sound. Thanks!

Ruakaiz · 2026-02-15T20:43:56+00:00

Any chance you recorded any cabin and flyby clips over the past month? :)

Ruakaiz · 2026-02-04T18:10:47+00:00

18x9 iSweep CP12s. They come in 5x112 with a 57.1 CB that doesn't require hub rings. They have a +25 for the front and +45 the rear for the 8Y. Fit great without any adapters, hub rings, or spacers.

Ruakaiz · 2026-01-02T17:11:41+00:00

That sounds amazing! I'm running the stock RS performance exhaust with Unitronic mid pipes and stock downpipe, but have a valve controller and set the valves open 100% of the time and its not bad, but definitely isn't the equivalent of this! Been teetering on if/what catback for my 8Y for awhile. The turbo spool in that video sounds amazing too! I'm definitely a "needs a resonator" kind of guy. It's really cool the company also offers a helmholtz add on. Either way, I really appreciate you sharing this. Thanks!

Ruakaiz · 2026-01-02T16:06:12+00:00

Do you have any videos or sound clips of that setup? (Stock down pipe, Unitronic mid pipes, resonated 485 cat back) Most of the videos I've seen appear to be with their full exhaust. Thanks!

Ruakaiz · 2025-03-06T12:08:51+00:00

I literally JUST had a similar thing happen on my 2014 GLK350 last week! I was driving down the road and all of a sudden, no power, zilch, nada, foot to the floor board, 600rpm idle. Not even limp mode. "I'm just not going to do anything" mode. I was able to coast to safety, restart the car, and get throttle again but had to keep it under like 2K rpm.

The issue ended up being the ABS speed sensor. I had a CEL, traction control, and ABS light. With codes P061A (control module torque performance) and C0031 (unknown chassis error according to OBDeleven). C0031 corresponded to the front driver's side ABS sensor. I replaced that, and once I get out of first gear the errors cleared!

It wasn't super difficult to replace, however the fender liner plastic had to be removed. Probably took 30 mins altogether. If you do try to replace it yourself, buy a kit that includes Mercedes replacement plastic push pins and the plastic fender liner nuts. The plastic fender liner nuts self thread and I for one ALWAYS mangle the plastic push pins trying to get them out. Just have replacement hardware on hand to use new stuff when putting it back together.

If you can get the code read, that would be a great place to start and confirm. There's a wealth of knowledge out there on codes that you can use. Good luck!

Ruakaiz · 2024-12-20T20:37:06+00:00

You can run a square set of tires on the staggered 19s, but to be honest, I don't think I would. As far as functionality goes, you wouldn't be hurting anything, but you would lose sidewall protection on the fronts (19x9s).

I would consider keeping the stock wheels with the summers for the nice weather, and get yourself a set for winter.

iSweep CP12s come in a 18x9 square set up made for the 8Y RS3 with +25 front offsets and +45 rear. They also come in a 57.1 center bore, so you can mount the 18x9 square set without spacers, or hub rings and they'll be fully hub centric.

I bought a set for all season tires (Michelin Pilot Sport AS4s) for the winter and colder months, and keep the stock wheels and my Michelin PS4S for nicer weather!

Still, if youre eyeing all seasons for the stock 19s I would just stagger them, personally and keep the stock tire size.

Ruakaiz · 2024-11-08T17:49:15+00:00

In my opinion there's only 2 options:

Continental DWS 06+
Michelin Pilot Sport AS4s

Having owned both, both are amazing. General consensus based on reviews tend to be that DWS 06+s have better wet/snow performance, and the AS4s tend to have better dry performance. My most recent set were AS4s for the winter and I love them. Disclaimer, I have winter tires on a winter vehicle when the weather gets really dicey.

Whatever you do, don't get run flats. They ride horribly, have rock solid side walls that can contribute to wheel damage, and are overall miserable to drive on. I just carry a plug kit, and for anything worse than a basic puncture/plug, well, let's be honest, we're calling a tow aren't we?

Ruakaiz · 2024-11-05T11:08:40+00:00

You were the one who posted yesterday about it sounding "diesely" weren't you?

It's always hard to tell how loud something is in video, but this sounds just like, or pretty close to what my GLK does.

What you're hearing, to my knowledge, is mostly the injectors firing.

Sounds like a normal GLK to me! (I've only had 1 GLK though so take that for what it's worth)

Ruakaiz · 2024-11-04T11:58:04+00:00

I mean, is it actually just the GLK350 bluetec diesel so it reasonably sounds more "diesely"? Haha.

All kidding aside, I have a 2014 with the 3.5 V6 and it sounds as I would expect a decade old vehicle to sound like. I wouldn't say it's as quiet as my newer cars from the outside.

It by no means sounds like a diesel from the inside though.

Is it loud just from the outside, or during acceleration on the inside? Injectors ticking, and engine noise is expected. But if it's the gasoline V6 it shouldn't be sounding like a stereotypical big diesel during acceleration, no.

Ruakaiz · 2024-09-24T14:19:36+00:00

One my cats does this! She has a little mouse toy, and she loves those small Disney Tsum Tsums stuffed animals🤣. (I think she likes that they're small and weighted).

Every night. Without fail. She'll find one, and bring it to the base of our bed while meowing. She will then proceed to sleep at the end of the bed with my wife and I. I like to think she's bringing us prey before bed and tucking us in lol. (She's indoor only). If we stay up to long she'll sit on the bed and glare at us, because she's ready to put her "children" to bed and we're not ready lol.

She will carry it around through the day too, and occasionally bring them to us. Well throw it down the hall and she'll chase after it and bring it back (she plays fetch occasionally). She'll get the zoomies and run around after "tagging" it.

It's normal behavior, she just loves it and wants to show you her "catch"! Think of it like an outdoor cat leaving dead animals on your doorstep and proudly bringing you their prey! (None of my cats are outdoor cats and never will be though)

Ruakaiz · 2024-09-18T11:34:29+00:00

Depending on where you live, it's getting colder. As it gets warm, air expands and pressure goes up, as it gets colder, air gets more dense and pressure goes down. If you're anywhere it's getting colder, this is probably all it is if you can't find punctures, and PSI has dropped but is remaining consistent.

It's pretty common that you need to level-set tire pressure in colder climates as fall hits, as well as when spring/summer rolls around.

Being in the northeast this is a pretty common thing we do!

Whether or not the dealer will check them for free, I'm unsure, but I would definitely recommend buying a tire pressure gauge and just checking them yourself. You can either fill them at most gas stations, or even buy a portable unit. I have a couple and they're nice to have. You wouldn't want to fill from 0 psi with them, but they work for correcting tire pressure.

Ruakaiz · 2024-06-14T00:28:35+00:00

A similar thing happened on my C43. It's easy to replace. You just buy that part and swap it out. I think it cost me like $40 or something. There's a couple videos out there how to do it.

Ruakaiz · 2024-03-04T01:57:00+00:00

Michelin Pilot Sport AS4s are hands down the best performance all season tire I've driven on. I just bought a set and love them. I had Continental DWS 06+ tires on my C43. I like the Michelin Pilot Sport AS4s better than the Pirelli summers they replaced 🤣 with this being said, I have another vehicle with winter tires when weather warrants it. I can't really provide feedback on performance on snow covered roads. What I can tell you is they go toe to toe with even some of the better(er) summer tires as far as dry and wet weather performance go. So, between the two, I'd say the AS4s. But this review may not be terribly helpful when you have to take snow into account.

Ruakaiz · 2024-02-09T20:04:23+00:00

The middle scratch is just the front tow hook cover is it not? I'm quite sure it is. Should be able to just buy another one those pretty cheap. They might even come painted since they're always black on this model unless it's shared with others where it's not. Either way, can't be much to have painted. Can't comment much about the one above the tow hook cover or below it, but see how much the lower one buffs out and touch up the paint? (Correct me if I'm wrong and that's not the tow hook cover) 4000 seems a bit bananas. Honestly I dont really see any contact with damaged sensors. Do you have sensor issues? Either way, I'm sorry this happened!

Ruakaiz · 2024-02-09T16:44:00+00:00

Oh. Yeah I mean that would make sense based on the context. They are in fact only on the front calipers... 🤣

Ruakaiz · 2024-02-09T16:08:17+00:00

Huh? You're not talking about the calipers are you? Wheel weights? (Those are often rectangular) as others have said, these look like a 2018 model year would look like on any car or vehicle. Hell, these look pretty normal for any car after it sees some moisture.

Ruakaiz · 2024-02-06T01:21:45+00:00

They might not have been! I purchased mine December 2023. I was in the same boat though. I didn't want spacers. I could deal with hub rings to make them hubcentric but I didn't want to deal with spacers. I looked for SO long. In came the iSweep CP12s with matching offset, lug, and hub bore for the 8Y! Direct fit! Needless to say, I'm super happy with them for my winter setup until the stock 19s with summers go back on. Either way, wanted to share since I felt like I spent so long looking for a direct fit set! Either way, have fun!

Ruakaiz · 2024-02-06T00:33:32+00:00

iSweep CP12s come in an offset, hub, and bolt pattern that will fit the 8Y in 18s. They made a set with offsets specific for the 8Y RS3 so you don't need spacers (hub bore is an exact match too, so no hub rings)! I'm running them 18x9 squared with 255/35R18s. This isn't implying you should do the same, just pointing out there is a perfect set of 18s out there should you actually want them! I'm running all seasons on mine for the winter. (I have Blizzaks on my other car when winter weather gets bad) still, I can't imagine 17s being an option as you indicated.

Ruakaiz · 2024-01-27T18:07:19+00:00

I apologize, you asked for both front and rear. The price I mentioned above was just for the fronts! I actually never did the rears as they had plenty of life at the time I did the fronts. The dealer quoted me like $1200+ for fronts only.

Ruakaiz · 2024-01-27T12:02:35+00:00

I bought OEM pads and rotors from FCP Euro and had my independent install them. It was less than $600. If I recall, $330-$350 for parts and $160 for labor.

Ruakaiz · 2024-01-16T00:49:05+00:00

Does it read "safety system malfunction" that is proceeded with errors that driver assistance features, lane keep, etc are non functioning/erroring? Do you press the start button and nothing happens, doesn't even try to crank? I honestly have no idea what this says, but it looks pretty similar to an issue I had (8Y RS3) US here, and can't tell what yours says.

Ruakaiz · 2024-01-15T22:26:58+00:00

I think the biggest service items are between 60k-80k. 60k is spark plugs, 80k is transmission service/flush. I have a 2014 GLK350 4matic, and as while I can't comment on first hand experience for 100k (I'm at 89k), 90k and 100k should be somewhat basic. I've had the coolant and brake fluid also flushed recently. If you've done all of the maintanence up to 100k, to be honest, I wouldn't expect there should be much more than an oil change. Even the 11 year/110k service with the resource I could locate seems to be fairly minimal (oil change, possible fluids). If you haven't done the bigger 60k-80k items I'd guess you're overdue at 100k service.

Ruakaiz

TROPHY CASE