C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Options for wider tires.

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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 02:34 PM
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Options for wider tires.

So when I had my C230 during the days of csportcoupe.com, it was suggested that I increase the size of my tires from 205/55 to 225/50 for better handling and such. It worked well, and what was nice, was that I didn't have to get bigger rims.

I'm not terribly interested in increasing the size of the rims on my C32. Is there a acceptable increase in tire width for the stock rims? Perhaps 235s in the front and 265s in the back? Or will I need to get bigger/wider rims, irregardless?
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Koru_Kinshi
So when I had my C230 during the days of csportcoupe.com, it was suggested that I increase the size of my tires from 205/55 to 225/50 for better handling and such. It worked well, and what was nice, was that I didn't have to get bigger rims.

I'm not terribly interested in increasing the size of the rims on my C32. Is there a acceptable increase in tire width for the stock rims? Perhaps 235s in the front and 265s in the back? Or will I need to get bigger/wider rims, irregardless?
You are pushing the limits of the wheels and car with those widths. Yes, some have done it.

If you are looking to improve handling, AWDMan had a set-up that he had de-staggered. He put rears on the front of the car so all 4 wheels were 8.5 wide. He said that really helped with the understeer problem.
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 11:22 PM
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Interesting theory. But does anyone actually have the rear 17s for sale as a pair on their own?
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 12:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Koru_Kinshi
Interesting theory. But does anyone actually have the rear 17s for sale as a pair on their own?
Check the classified and put out a WTB for them. I see a pair popping up every now and again. I am sorry I can't help. I just sold my 17's to a forum member.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 09:51 AM
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I remember reading about that. Why do Manufacturers stagger the wheels anyway?
Originally Posted by ScottW911
You are pushing the limits of the wheels and car with those widths. Yes, some have done it.

If you are looking to improve handling, AWDMan had a set-up that he had de-staggered. He put rears on the front of the car so all 4 wheels were 8.5 wide. He said that really helped with the understeer problem.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by mdncn2762
I remember reading about that. Why do Manufacturers stagger the wheels anyway?
More traction at the rear of the car is needed when putting down lots of power.
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Old Nov 2, 2008 | 09:53 PM
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Makes sense, but then why make the front tires smaller if it causes heavy understeer? Doesn't seem to add up for an AMG-designed car...
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Old Nov 2, 2008 | 10:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Koru_Kinshi
Makes sense, but then why make the front tires smaller if it causes heavy understeer? Doesn't seem to add up for an AMG-designed car...
Because AMG cars werent meant to be track stars, they are more of straight line cars.
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Old Nov 2, 2008 | 10:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Koru_Kinshi
I'm not terribly interested in increasing the size of the rims on my C32. Is there a acceptable increase in tire width for the stock rims? Perhaps 235s in the front and 265s in the back? Or will I need to get bigger/wider rims, irregardless?
I've got 235s on the front and 255s on the rear on my stock rims. That setup has worked just fine, but I'd be hesitant to go any wider than that.
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Old Nov 3, 2008 | 12:23 AM
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Originally Posted by RedBull
I've got 235s on the front and 255s on the rear on my stock rims. That setup has worked just fine, but I'd be hesitant to go any wider than that.
That's what I'm running as well. I wouldn't go wider in the rear unless I rolled the fenders.
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Old Nov 3, 2008 | 01:25 AM
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235/40/18 and 265/35/18 here. overall diameter is slightly larger. the extra grip is great. having the adjustable damper also helps adjusting to under or over when I want as well as Eibach sways.

might want to roll your fender if you want to go 265.
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Old Nov 3, 2008 | 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by RedBull
I've got 235s on the front and 255s on the rear on my stock rims. That setup has worked just fine, but I'd be hesitant to go any wider than that.
Did you reduce the height of the tire? 45 to 40/40 to 35, or did you just leave it as it is?
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Old Nov 3, 2008 | 05:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Koru_Kinshi
Did you reduce the height of the tire? 45 to 40/40 to 35, or did you just leave it as it is?

going 235 front 255 rear on stock rims doesn't require any change in sidewall height

it only increases the rolling diameter by a few mm so will make very little difference to your speed reading,

if you want to have an idea of what tyre sizes you can go with check out this calculator

http://www.alloywheels.com/tyrecalc.asp
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Old Nov 3, 2008 | 06:49 PM
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Very helpful. Thanks. I'll bookmark that for sure.
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Old Nov 3, 2008 | 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Koru_Kinshi
Did you reduce the height of the tire? 45 to 40/40 to 35, or did you just leave it as it is?
I went from a 245/40/17 to a 255/40/17.
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Old Nov 4, 2008 | 11:56 PM
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Originally Posted by FrankW
235/40/18 and 265/35/18 here. overall diameter is slightly larger. the extra grip is great. having the adjustable damper also helps adjusting to under or over when I want as well as Eibach sways.

might want to roll your fender if you want to go 265.
I purchased my car with the same staggered wheel setup as you. After reading your post, I went out and checked and see that the previous owner did roll the fenders. Learn something new everyday.
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Old Apr 13, 2010 | 01:38 AM
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Interesting info. Thanks guys. I am thinking of going to 255's on the rear of my 32's stock wheels. Any negatives to doing that? Thanks.
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Old Apr 14, 2010 | 01:01 AM
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Fyi 235s on a 7.5 are wayyyy too small
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Old Apr 14, 2010 | 03:23 AM
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Originally Posted by spr
Fyi 235s on a 7.5 are wayyyy too small
7.5 maximum is 245....how is 235 wayyyy too small?
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Old Apr 14, 2010 | 03:32 AM
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running 235's up front and 275's in the rear and it only rubbed in the inner fenderwell with a full load going over a bump.
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