bluestu

I own a 2003 C230 Kompressor, and I just purchased a set of 18" MBZ-500 monoblock VI replica wheels. (9.5 for rear and 8.5 for front) I have not mounted the tires yet because I don't think the offset for the front is correct. Both offsets for the front and back are +35mm. I put one of the 8.5 rims on the front by itself and there is only about 1/16 inch of clearance space between the edge of the wheel and the shock. I just don't see how this is going to work. I called the company that I purchased them from and they said they would work fine. Any suggestions, opinions, or answers would be greatly appreciated. I did search the forum first, but I did not see any info on how much space there should be between the wheel and shock. thanks, Stuart

Outkasted24

H&R Trak+ Wheel Spacers should work for your issue.
http://hrsprings.com/scripts/appguid...enz%20|%20C230
OR, There always seems to be a few sets up for sale in the MBW Classifieds.

Is your Benz Lowered or sitting at stock height?

SunnyRayToronto

The recommended set up for real Brabus alloy wheels on W203 are:
Front: 18x8.5 ET30 225/40R18
Rear: 18x9.5 ET35 255/35R18

Other possible front wheel set up are:
18x8.5 ET30 225/40R18
18x8.5 ET30 245/35R18
18x8.5 ET30 255/35R18

NOTE: None of these are ET35 for front
NOTE: With any non-OEM Mercedes/AMG wheels (aftermarket and replica wheels) you should also worry about getting the proper lug bolts - seat shape & size with proper shank length

bluestu

Thanks for the replies! Everything on my car is stock except for the 18" wheels. I recently hit a pothole and ruined one of my front wheels. I can't find a replica replacement anywhere that will match because the Japanese Manaray replica wheels are no longer distributed in the US. I ordered a new staggered set of 18" wheels that are 1" wider than what came with the car. The front tires are 225/40/18 and the rears are 245/40/18. They tires will definitely fit the wheels I ordered. The wheel company swears that the 35mm offsets all the way around will work on my car. I'm just wondering how much space I need between the wheel and shock to prevent any rubbing issues??? thanks

bluestu

I had my tires put on the wheels today and the wheels actually fit. No room to spare on the front and no rubbing issues at all. When I purchase my next set of tires, I definitely want to install 255/35/18s on the rear because too much of the rim is exposed with the 245s. The car definitely handles better with the wider wheels. Thanks for the response to my thread!

Tim Wiese

I have a 2003 c230k, it is a 4 door, it also has the sport emblems on the doors. My question is, are the front and back rims different sizes. (I think the back rims might be wider) And if so can i use the smaller front on the back? I have 17" tires.

5by5

Unless your wheels have been changed, they should be the same front and back.

At least they were on my 2003 C230K Sport.

B-5

Do you have a pic? What are the front and rear tire sizes?

Generally if the tire size is the same (225/45/17) then it should be a square set. If you are 225/45/17 front and 245.40/17 in the rear, then you would have staggered wheels, like what came on the sport model.