265 or 275 PSS on stock 18 inch wheels???
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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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?
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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???
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???
I am baffled by how often people overlook this matter, even car techs
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.
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.
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.

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???




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???
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.
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.
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...
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.



