The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 sits at the point where the E-Class blended traditional Mercedes luxury with serious V8 performance and a modern sport-sedan stance. Buyers drawn to this model usually care as much about the way it drives as the way it presents on the road. Tire fitment follows that character with a staggered radial setup: 235/40R18 in front and 255/35R18 in the rear on 18-inch rims. Available choices stay firmly in modern blackwall performance territory, with several tire series from BFGoodrich and Nitto. The key decision is matching the correct front and rear sizes to the car's existing wheel setup and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 uses two primary tire sizes, and the fitment depends on wheel position rather than separate trim levels. Both sizes are radial tires for 18-inch rims, with 235/40R18 used at the front and 255/35R18 at the rear. The first step is confirming that the car still has its staggered 18-inch wheel setup, since the real decision is choosing the right tire series and specifications within each position-specific size.
235/40R18 is a metric radial size in which 235 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550, this size serves the front position in the staggered setup and supports the car's modern performance-oriented fitment. Available choices include BFGoodrich and Nitto blackwall tires across series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. This is the size to evaluate when replacing the front tires while maintaining the intended front-to-rear balance of the car's wheel package.
255/35R18 is a metric radial size where 255 denotes the nominal section width in millimeters, 35 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 18 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550, this size is used at the rear, making it the wider half of the factory-style staggered arrangement. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Nitto blackwall performance tires in series such as g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. This size deserves careful position-specific replacement so the rear setup stays matched to the front wheel and tire combination already on the car.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, but the front and rear positions use different tire sizes. Checking whether the replacement is for the front or rear matters more than trim naming, because the E550 uses a staggered 18-inch radial setup.
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2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 Base Front
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 Base Front uses the narrower front tire size in the staggered setup, with radial construction on an 18-inch rim. Tire selection here centers on matching the front position correctly and then comparing performance-oriented blackwall options by brand, series, and wheel-width suitability.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 Base Rear uses the wider rear tire size in the staggered arrangement, also as a radial on an 18-inch rim. That means rear tire replacement should focus on the correct rear-specific size first, then on choosing among available performance series that suit the existing wheel setup.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 Tires for Sale
Available 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 tires center on the 235/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear sizes, with blackwall radial choices from BFGoodrich and Nitto. The main points of comparison are tire series, rim-width suitability, load specifications where stated, and how each option fits the car's staggered 18-inch setup.
These FAQs focus on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550's staggered tire fitment, 18-inch rim sizing, front-versus-rear replacement, available radial choices, and the wheel, suspension, and maintenance checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550?
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 uses a staggered tire setup with 235/40R18 in the front and 255/35R18 in the rear. Both are radial tires mounted on 18-inch rims, so this car does not use a single universal size at all four corners in the covered configuration.
That means the first step is identifying whether the tires being replaced are on the front or rear axle. It is also worth confirming that the car still has the same 18-inch wheel package, because aftermarket wheels or previous tire changes can alter what is currently installed and what the next tire needs to match.
What size rim does a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 use?
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 uses 18-inch rims with the covered tire fitment. Both primary sizes, 235/40R18 and 255/35R18, share that same rim diameter, even though the front and rear tires differ in width and profile within the staggered arrangement.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still needs attention when comparing replacement tires. A tire can share the correct 18-inch diameter but still be a poor choice if the wheel width, current setup, or front-to-rear position does not line up with the size and specifications required on the car.
Why does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 have more than one tire size?
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 has more than one tire size because it uses a staggered setup rather than the same tire at each corner. The front position uses 235/40R18, while the rear uses 255/35R18, giving the car separate front and rear fitment requirements.
For tire replacement, that means the buyer should not assume the front and rear can be rotated or matched with one shared size. Verifying wheel position, checking what is already mounted, and preserving the intended front-to-rear sizing relationship are all important before choosing a specific tire series or comparing product specifications.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 235/40R18 or 255/35R18 tire for a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550?
Start with the correct position-specific size, since the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 uses 235/40R18 in front and 255/35R18 in the rear. After that, compare radial construction details such as tire series, rim-width suitability, weight, and load specifications where they are stated among the available options.
The next decision is how the car is used and what type of response or touring character is preferred from the available performance-oriented choices. Keeping the front and rear sizes properly matched to the existing wheel setup matters more than chasing a single brand or series across the whole car without checking axle position first.
What sidewall styles are available for 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 tires?
The available tires for the covered 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 fitment use a blackwall sidewall style. That applies across the 235/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear selections, so the visual presentation stays consistent with a modern, understated performance look rather than a vintage appearance treatment.
Since sidewall styling does not vary here, the more useful comparisons are tire series, rim-width range, and any load information tied to a specific product. That keeps the buying decision focused on how the tire suits the E550's staggered wheel package instead of expecting visible sidewall alternatives within these sizes.
What brands offer tires for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550?
BFGoodrich and Nitto both offer tires in the covered 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 sizes. Across the 235/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear fitments, the available series include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and the Nitto NT555 G2.
Brand choice should come after the correct front or rear size is confirmed. Once the position is settled, comparing each brand's series by rim-width suitability, stated load figures where available, and the overall character of the tire line will do more for a sound selection than choosing only by brand name.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 restoration or preservation project?
Correct tire fitment still matters on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 even though this is a modern radial application rather than a vintage bias-ply one. The covered setup uses 235/40R18 in front and 255/35R18 in the rear, so preserving the intended staggered layout is part of maintaining the car's proper stance and presentation.
Appearance-minded buyers should also pay attention to wheel design and whether the car still wears its expected 18-inch setup. If historical accuracy is important beyond basic size and fitment, vehicle-specific documentation and marque-focused references remain the best way to verify whether a particular wheel-and-tire presentation matches the car's original delivery configuration.
Which tire should I choose for a clean, period-appropriate look on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550?
A clean period-appropriate look on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 starts with keeping the correct staggered sizes, 235/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear, on 18-inch rims. The available choices use blackwall sidewalls, which suit the restrained, modern appearance expected from this generation of E-Class performance sedan.
From there, the visual decision is less about sidewall decoration and more about keeping the proportions and wheel fitment consistent from front to rear. A tire that matches the proper position, sits correctly on the wheel width in use, and avoids an unintended change in stance will usually preserve the most coherent original-era appearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 even when the original covered sizes are 235/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension lowering, or body modifications can all influence whether the existing tire sizes remain appropriate.
A useful check starts with confirming current wheel diameter and width, then looking at clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering components. Even when the tire size itself seems familiar, a changed wheel or ride height can alter how that size behaves on the car and whether a particular product is still a sensible match.
What should I inspect before driving a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 on new tires?
Before driving a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 on new tires, inspect the installation for the correct front and rear sizes, proper inflation, and secure mounting on the 18-inch wheels. It is also wise to look for any visible clearance issues, confirm that the tires are seated properly, and make sure there is no immediate air loss.
A short, careful road test can reveal vibration, pulling, or rubbing that deserves attention before regular use. After the first miles, recheck pressure and give the tires another visual inspection so the staggered setup remains properly sorted at both axles and any wheel-position mistake is caught early.
How often should tires on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 be inspected?
Tires on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 should be inspected regularly rather than only when tread looks low. A routine visual check for air loss, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, or sidewall damage is especially important on a staggered setup because front and rear tires serve different positions and are not interchangeable in the same way as a square setup.
Monthly pressure checks and a closer inspection before longer drives are sensible habits for a performance-oriented sedan like the E550. Owners should also keep an eye on alignment-related wear and confirm that any replacement still matches the proper front or rear position, since a staggered arrangement leaves less room for casual mix-and-match tire service.