canadian

Hi all, new here and hoping you can help me out.

I recently purchased my 2012 E350 Coupe, and as winter is almost upon us up here in the snowy north, I'm looking to purchase rims and snow tires sometime soon. What I'm struggling with is the sizing...

The guidelines on the door frame state front 235/40R18 and rear 255/35R18. However, I'd like to get something used to save some money for this season... Is it okay to get 4 the same size and if so should I just match the front tire size? What kind of variation can I have in the measurements, say if I found some 17 inch rims instead of 18's?

Thanks, and sorry I'm not very clear on interpreting tire sizes. It's always confused me.

ob2s

Unfortunately the rear wheel is wider than the front. You might be able to vary the size a bit on each set (front and back), but all 4 the same size wouldn't be a good idea.

GerryMac

It seems to me that the recommended winter set-up is a square 235 tire. Some have gone with a square 245 tire set-up because the rear usually needs a little more size on those days when there isn't any snow and you may be a little more aggressive.

I use the OEM 235/255 set-up with my winter tires for rear traction when winter elements are not a factor ... we don't get the snow here in Vancouver that you folks do out in Ontario.

The 17" wheel is questionable, I have seen posts that suggest that the 17" wheel will not have the clearance over the E brakes but it may not be an issue with the E350. I can't say for sure but do recall some previous posts that have put the use of 17" rims in question.

Hope that is helpful.

Spencer Wong

Just got off the phone with a tire store here. I have a 2010 E350 so potentially a bit different but mine is the stock 17" staggered setup (235s up front and 255s in the rear). They recommended I go to a square 235 setup for all 4. I'm going that route - heck of a lot cheaper. I have NOT been able to find a 255 in a winter tire.

GerryMac

Quote:

I have NOT been able to find a 255 in a winter tire.

I found Continental ContiWinterContact TS830P and Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 winter tires in the staggered fitment [235/40/18 & 255/35/18].

I use the TS830P for my staggered winter setup.