C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

265 or 275 PSS on stock 18 inch wheels???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 05:30 PM
  #1  
Gremlin9's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 374
Likes: 4
From: Spain
Porsche 911
265 or 275 PSS on stock 18 inch wheels???

There is no clear definitive answer based on my searching for PSS rear tires on 18 inch stock wheels (there is a clear preference for 245s on the front)

Please evaluate these 3 factors:

1)Appearance

2)Function/Grip/Drivability

3)Rubbing

Does anybody have any pics from the rear to see how wide these tires look?


Thanks.
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 06:43 PM
  #2  
b16's Avatar
b16
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2009 C63, 2000 ML 430, 1994 Del Sol Vtec
I think this has been beaten to death in this forum, but here we go again..

1.) This is subjective, I think it looks fine.
2.) Both work the same, you'll get a little more grip from 275's having a larger contact patch.
3.) No rubbing with either on stock wheels with stock suspension.

Here is a photo of my 275 PSS on my stock wheels at stock height.

Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 07:26 PM
  #3  
SonnyakaPig's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 3
MB
I know I'll be shot down for this thought, but maybe it's worth considering that AMG chose the stock tire widths for a reason.

I'm not passing judgment on anyone that runs wider tire widths on the stock wheels. But, it just seems to me AMG felt 235/255 was best for handling.

If it were me and I wanted to run wider than stock rubber, I would go 265's.
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 07:30 PM
  #4  
b16's Avatar
b16
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2009 C63, 2000 ML 430, 1994 Del Sol Vtec
Yes, and that reason is cost and packaging.

The rear tire size is the same on the regular C class (with optional 18's)
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 08:06 PM
  #5  
SonnyakaPig's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 3
MB
Originally Posted by b16
Yes, and that reason is cost and packaging.

The rear tire size is the same on the regular C class (with optional 18's)
Probably, but not necessarily.

It would be interesting to know which width AMG uses in their driving academy cars. I think cost and packaging would be less of a factor for the upkeep of those vehicles.

Even if cost and packaging is the primary reason, that doesn't negate the possibility that altering the tire width from OEM specs may change the suspension geometry somewhat.
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 08:11 PM
  #6  
bhamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
Originally Posted by SonnyakaPig
If it were me and I wanted to run wider than stock rubber, I would go 265's.
The nice thing about 265's on the rear is that the tire is the same height (overall diameter) as the front 235's. 255's are 0.4" smaller in OD than the 235's.
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 08:23 PM
  #7  
SonnyakaPig's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 3
MB
Originally Posted by bhamg
The nice thing about 265's on the rear is that the tire is the same height (overall diameter) as the front 235's. 255's are 0.4" smaller in OD than the 235's.
That's very specific information. I appreciate learning that.

I would then ask, is that leveling in height preferable to the stock dimensions?

My next question would be, what happens to the relative height (front of car to rear) when you install 275's instead of 265's?
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 08:40 PM
  #8  
bhamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
Originally Posted by SonnyakaPig
That's very specific information. I appreciate learning that.

I would then ask, is that leveling in height preferable to the stock dimensions?

My next question would be, what happens to the relative height (front of car to rear) when you install 275's instead of 265's?
The first week I owned the car I thought the front tire just looked a little tall in relation to the rear. When I checked it out on Tire Rack I was actually surprised to see there was so much of a difference. IMO 265's give the car a subtly more aggressive stance...perhaps it's my imagination but I think not. Everyone who uses 275's in the rear does so in conjunction with 245's on the front so it would be the same relatively speaking as 235/265. I went from OE P30 to coilovers anyway so I guess it's a moot point now.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 09:12 PM
  #9  
SonnyakaPig's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 3
MB
Originally Posted by bhamg
The first week I owned the car I thought the front tire just looked a little tall in relation to the rear. When I checked it out on Tire Rack I was actually surprised to see there was so much of a difference. IMO 265's give the car a subtly more aggressive stance...perhaps it's my imagination but I think not. Everyone who uses 275's in the rear does so in conjunction with 245's on the front so it would be the same relatively speaking as 235/265. I went from OE P30 to coilovers anyway so I guess it's a moot point now.
I ran 235/265 once. I wasn't looking at the stance then, though, so I didn't notice a difference in appearance.
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 09:21 PM
  #10  
irablumberg's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 324
Likes: 9
From: Chapel Hill, NC
2015 C63S E1; 2016 C450 AMG
Does the change in tire size (larger than stock) affect the speedo / odometer in any meaningful way? Does it mess with the traction control or stability control?

TIA,
Ira
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2012 | 11:52 PM
  #11  
Gremlin9's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 374
Likes: 4
From: Spain
Porsche 911
Anybody have pics of 275 pss from directly behind the car so that we can get an idea of how beefy they look?

Thanks.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 12:34 AM
  #12  
Gremlin9's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 374
Likes: 4
From: Spain
Porsche 911
Originally Posted by hhughes1
Tread width for the 265 is actually listed as wider than that for the 275. Mounted on 9" wheels will likely yield a larger contact patch with the 265. Additionally any decrease in sidewall height looks better in my point of view especially with the drop from the H&R springs. I have run the 265/245 combination for several years now and just feel comfortable with it on the stock wheels.


Comments?

How is it possible for 265s to have a larger contact patch than 275s???
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 01:00 AM
  #13  
bhamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
Originally Posted by irablumberg
Does the change in tire size (larger than stock) affect the speedo / odometer in any meaningful way? Does it mess with the traction control or stability control?

TIA,
Ira
No and no. The difference in the speedo reading going from 255's to 265's on the rear is 1 mph lower at 70 mph, so given the (on the low side) error engineered into the typical speedo you are closer to true speed with the 265's.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 01:48 AM
  #14  
cyberorth's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 107
From: SoCal
2018 AMG GTR, 2017 GLS63, 2019 C63s
Originally Posted by bsmooth7
Originally Posted by hhughes1
Tread width for the 265 is actually listed as wider than that for the 275. Mounted on 9" wheels will likely yield a larger contact patch with the 265. Additionally any decrease in sidewall height looks better in my point of view especially with the drop from the H&R springs. I have run the 265/245 combination for several years now and just feel comfortable with it on the stock wheels.


Comments?


How is it possible for 265s to have a larger contact patch than 275s???
Every manufacturer releases spec sheets for all of their tire models. These are available at their website for all to see. The exact dimensions of every size of every model tire of every manufacturer is specific to that exact tire. The general width/height/wheel diameter sizing is for classification or reference only. Even two EXACT tires of the same size may be different in that one maybe oe for one car and the other for general use.
I am baffled by how often people overlook this matter, even car techs
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 02:00 AM
  #15  
cyberorth's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 107
From: SoCal
2018 AMG GTR, 2017 GLS63, 2019 C63s
Originally Posted by SonnyakaPig
Probably, but not necessarily.

It would be interesting to know which width AMG uses in their driving academy cars. I think cost and packaging would be less of a factor for the upkeep of those vehicles.

Even if cost and packaging is the primary reason, that doesn't negate the possibility that altering the tire width from OEM specs may change the suspension geometry somewhat.
Of course AMG academy uses the oe contis because continental sponsors the event. They have conti tires coming out of every orifice. They go through those very often. Even more so at the AMG day events where they let people do laps for free.

Your point regarding suspension geometry is valid, but I doubt if that applies to the c. May be sls.

Imo, It is only in the case of low volume production cars like the exotics that tires are selected for specific performance. For our cars, it's a matter of which tire manufacturer wins the bid. Again IMO, both Pirellis and contis that are oe for c63 are inferior compare to what is available.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 02:02 AM
  #16  
Gremlin9's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 374
Likes: 4
From: Spain
Porsche 911
Originally Posted by b16
I think this has been beaten to death in this forum, but here we go again..

1.) This is subjective, I think it looks fine.
2.) Both work the same, you'll get a little more grip from 275's having a larger contact patch.
3.) No rubbing with either on stock wheels with stock suspension.

Here is a photo of my 275 PSS on my stock wheels at stock height.

Thanks for the pic, looks great!

Can you comment on this post regarding the contact patch?

Originally Posted by hhughes1
Tread width for the 265 is actually listed as wider than that for the 275. Mounted on 9" wheels will likely yield a larger contact patch with the 265. Additionally any decrease in sidewall height looks better in my point of view especially with the drop from the H&R springs. I have run the 265/245 combination for several years now and just feel comfortable with it on the stock wheels.


Comments?

How is it possible for 265s to have a larger contact patch than 275s???
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 03:03 AM
  #17  
bhamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
Originally Posted by cyberorth
Again IMO, both Pirellis and contis that are oe for c63 are inferior compare to what is available.
My car was delivered with Pirellis. My spare wheels are now a new set of the OE split-5 spoke wheels with Contis. IMO there is no comparison between the two tires. The P Zeros were a thoroughly average tire in all respects. The Contis IMO are a vastly superior all-round tire, lots of grip in the dry and excellent wet weather braking and cornering performance, as I found out during the recent heavy rains here.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 06:36 AM
  #18  
khmergod's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 4
From: Texas
2011 P31 C63 2015 CLA45
I and many others run 275 rears. Will run 245 front when oe tires wear out. No rubbing that I know of. Clearance on inside well is very small. I think that is max width for stock offset without spacers.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 08:19 AM
  #19  
rory breaker's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,675
Likes: 11
From: NA
Yes
There was a guy in some older threads who talked about buying 275s and returning them because of the sidewall size. Specifically the PSS'. Don't know if he posted pics but do a search and you may find them.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 08:48 AM
  #20  
Keithb's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
2020 A35, @021 F250, 96 Mustang
I put Conti 265's on the rear of my car and they look and behave quite nicely. Almost didn't, as while they were getting installed a somewhat rookie put the wheel back on and came in to tell me they were rubbing. When I went to look, omg, yes they were rubbing the inside fender well - when the wheel was hanging with the car on the lift (what a dimwit!) He had a hard time believing that they wouldn't rub when the car was on the ground. Fortunately the owner (also an AMG owner) was there to keep him in line.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 08:56 AM
  #21  
khmergod's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 4
From: Texas
2011 P31 C63 2015 CLA45
Originally Posted by rory breaker
There was a guy in some older threads who talked about buying 275s and returning them because of the sidewall size. Specifically the PSS'. Don't know if he posted pics but do a search and you may find them.
Th sidewall is a little "fat" on brighter colors such as silver and grey. Can't even tell on my red.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 10:01 AM
  #22  
Mort's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 484
2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
Originally Posted by bsmooth7
Originally Posted by hhughes1
Tread width for the 265 is actually listed as wider than that for the 275. Mounted on 9" wheels will likely yield a larger contact patch with the 265. Additionally any decrease in sidewall height looks better in my point of view especially with the drop from the H&R springs. I have run the 265/245 combination for several years now and just feel comfortable with it on the stock wheels.


Comments?

How is it possible for 265s to have a larger contact patch than 275s???
Check the specs on Tire Rack http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ot+Super+Sport

and you will see the tread width on the 265/35/18 is 10.1" and for the 275/35/18 is 10.0". Therefore the contact patch is slightly larger for the 265. The 265 or 275 refers to section (total) width of the tire on a measured rim width, thus the tread width can vary depending on how square or rounded the shoulders are on a particular tire. You will see the section width of the 265/35/18 is 10.7" and for the 275/35/18 is 10.9" so it is larger in section and how the tire size is rated.

Last edited by Mort; Sep 6, 2012 at 10:09 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 11:08 AM
  #23  
Gremlin9's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 374
Likes: 4
From: Spain
Porsche 911
Originally Posted by Mort
Check the specs on Tire Rack http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ot+Super+Sport

and you will see the tread width on the 265/35/18 is 10.1" and for the 275/35/18 is 10.0". Therefore the contact patch is slightly larger for the 265. The 265 or 275 refers to section (total) width of the tire on a measured rim width, thus the tread width can vary depending on how square or rounded the shoulders are on a particular tire. You will see the section width of the 265/35/18 is 10.7" and for the 275/35/18 is 10.9" so it is larger in section and how the tire size is rated.
If this is the case, then why would anybody put 275s on the stock 18 inch wheels?

Wouldn't 265s give better drivability and traction since the tread width is more important than the section width?

Or is the section width more important than the tread width for traction and drivability?

I am very confused...
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 11:37 AM
  #24  
Chocofishez's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 723
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, AB
2014 E63 S
Originally Posted by khmergod
Th sidewall is a little "fat" on brighter colors such as silver and grey. Can't even tell on my red.
Here is how 275/245 looks on my palladium.

The sidewalls are definitely larger and give a beefier look, but I don't mind. C63s aren't being sold as nimble corner carvers, but rather as refined muscle cars. I think the fatter tires fit the theme well. I love this setup.

265 or 275 PSS on stock 18 inch wheels???-23.jpg
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 05:10 PM
  #25  
bhamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
Originally Posted by Mort
Check the specs on Tire Rack http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ot+Super+Sport

and you will see the tread width on the 265/35/18 is 10.1" and for the 275/35/18 is 10.0". Therefore the contact patch is slightly larger for the 265. The 265 or 275 refers to section (total) width of the tire on a measured rim width, thus the tread width can vary depending on how square or rounded the shoulders are on a particular tire. You will see the section width of the 265/35/18 is 10.7" and for the 275/35/18 is 10.9" so it is larger in section and how the tire size is rated.
It's worth noting also that the measured rim width for both sizes was 9.5" which makes a very persuasive argument for going no larger than 265 in the PSS on OE wheels.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 1 votes, 5.00 average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:48 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE