W212 E250 Sport - Confusion over choice of alloy wheels!

[CyberNinja]

Greetings, everyone.
I own a 2011 E250 Sport (Automatic) that I purchased in 2012 when it had just 9,000 kilometres. This variant is equipped with the AMG body package, wheels, steering wheel, polished pedals, and a few other AMG components. I believe all of these features were included as standard on the Sport model, however I am uncertain.
Throughout the years, the automobile has remained mostly dependable, with the exception of a main drive belt failure, a fractured cooling pipe fitting, and a few sensor repairs. When I made the decision to retire in Spain, I took it with me around 5 years ago.
Nevertheless, there is one aspect that has always bothered me since I made the purchase, which is the excessively rough ride quality. This may likely be ascribed to the 18-inch wheels equipped with low-profile tires, as well as the somewhat firmer suspension found in the Sport model. I often ponder if I might enhance the quality of the ride by replacing the wheels with 17-inch ones (or maybe 16-inch ones if feasible), appropriately equipped with the corresponding tires. I understand that there may be a little sacrifice in handling, but as I age (now 72), I no longer have the need for high-speed driving and would like a more comfortable ride. Although the automobile is in excellent condition both inside and out, the existing 18" alloy wheels are severely scratched, showing signs of delamination in some areas, and overall seem untidy. I can have the wheels repaired at this location, but the cost is around €100 (£85) each wheel. Additionally, I would have to deal with the inconvenience of not having a vehicle for approximately one week. Additionally, I have the opportunity to get some good pre-owned OEM wheels at a similar cost.
Therefore, in conclusion, here is the caveat....
In addition to the factory-installed variations described above, the Sport variant additionally has offset wheels.
The front wheels have a width of 8.5J, a diameter of 18 inches, and an offset of ET48. The recommended tire size for the front wheels is 245 x 40 x 18 Y.
The rear wheels have a size of 9J x 18 with an offset of ET54. The corresponding tire size is 265 x 35 x 18 Y.
The specified offset for the front wheels is between 46 and 50, while for the rear wheels it is between 52 and 56.
I would want to know whether it is possible to install 17-inch (or even 16-inch) wheels, ideally without the bigger rear wheels. Would all four wheels have the same width, either 8.5J or 8J?
It seems that the majority of other W212 models were equipped with either 16" (E200) or 17" (E220/E250 but not Sport) wheels from the factory.
I have some uncertainty about the potential impact of this modification on the specified offset. The only expected changes are that the rear wheels will not protrude as far and may come into contact with the discs or brake cylinders, assuming the front wheels are less than 8.5J in width. Would it be possible to utilise appropriate spacers with the somewhat narrower wheels to mitigate this potential problem?
Do any of you knowledgeable individuals have any experience with using smaller wheels? Alternatively, you may provide any comments or advise.
I have the option to directly contact MB in Germany, but I have lost confidence in their customer assistance, particularly at the dealer level, due to my experiences over the years.
Thank you for reading, and I apologise for the lengthy 'War & Peace' book.

[Motoman]

I have a set of wheels on my 2011 w212 that are all the same size and not staggered. These wheels are specifically used for winter tires. I believe the size of the tires is 17 inches, but I will confirm this later today. The winter tires, naturally, have a softer composition. However, the difference between summer tires on the same AMG wheels you own and my winter configuration is really minor.

In my opinion, it is unlikely that you will find a comfortable ride similar to the 'elegance' specification of the w212 model in most of the contemporary vehicles, regardless of whether they are Mercedes or not, unless you choose for a very luxurious and fully equipped air ride system.

[bvlenci]

It is important to ensure that the smaller wheels have sufficient clearance from the brake callipers. Sports brakes are of greater dimensions compared to conventional brakes.

[CyberNinja]

I apologise for not mentioning earlier that one of the additional distinctions on the E250 Sport model is the presence of bigger and vented front discs.
Additionally, I have been a longstanding member of this exceptional organisation for some years, predating my ownership of the W212. Prior to my current vehicle, I had a W211 Elegance, specifically a C320, which had impressive acceleration. My first experience with Mercedes-Benz dates back to 2004 when I purchased a C240.
Over the years, I had several different discussions on this platform. However, last year I was unable to access my account using my prior login information, which is why I am now using the username "new member".

[CyberNinja]

Indeed, it was one of the concerns I had anticipated.
In my last piece, I neglected to note that another distinguishing feature of the E250 Sport variant is its bigger diameter front discs, which are also vented. Indeed, it can be inferred that the callipers on this particular W212 model are bigger compared to those seen on other models.
Thank you for the kind comment 👍.

[CyberNinja]

Thank you for your kind feedback.
I believe winter tires are unnecessary in Spain, namely in the Costa Blanca region. The temperature today is 37 degrees. The temperature yesterday was 39 degrees Celsius, indicating extreme heat. Benijofar has not had snowfall for a period of 85 years.

[bvlenci]

Indeed, I suggested winter tires since they are inherently more pliable and provide a smoother ride. However, transitioning to 17-inch tires during winter will provide little changes, so one should not anticipate significant differences.

Yes, I own 17-inch wheels just for my winter season. The tire dimensions are 245 millimetres in width, 45% of the width in height, and designed to fit a 17-inch wheel.
These have a typical fit with my ventilated drilled discs.

[bvlenci]

Some kind forum user spent a long time creating this topic detailing the W212's braking options