cmg061

Can anyone give me advice on upgrading wheels? I presently have 195/65/15's on my 1998 C Class 230 Kompressor but want to go to 17" or 18". What is best in terms of practicality and what width is best. Also what is the offset for each as I don't want to order only to find they don't fit and need body mods.

Thanks

dwang

For practicality go with 17" rims. The rims are cheaper and in the long run the tires will be cheaper as well. There was a study done a while back in a prominent car magazine, maybe 2-3 years ago, on the difference between 16,17 and 18 inch rims. Factors such as ride quality, harshness, noise and looks were taken into consideration. 17" rims cam out on top.

For width on W202 c class, no larger than 225 in the fronts (this rim width will also dictate how wide of an tire you can get), or you'll have to do fender work for the tires to clear. For the rears you can choose to stagger and get wider tires. The wheel well will have no problems accomodation 255 widths, maybe even wider. Or you may choose to keep the tires all the same size in order to facilate rotating them.

Here are some suggestions: 225/45/17 fronts and 245/45/17 rears.


Dave

cmg061

Dave,

Many thanks for the information which is appreciated

dwang

I forgot to mention to you that the offset for the wheels should be 35mm. Glad you found it to be informative. There are alot of people selling wheels HERE.


Dave

cmg061

Dave,

I am very mindful of your previous comments but........

I have the opportunity to buy, at a good price, a set of Benz Replicas which are 18"x 8.5" shod with 225/40/zr18 Goodyear F1's. The tyres and wheels are brand new - the guy selling, bought these then changed his mind and bought something else.

Are these going to cause me a problem with scrapping under the guards, turning etc. (I am concerned that anything over say 8" width will cause probelms) or should I leave them and get 17"s.

P.S. Is the offset still 35 regardless of diamter and width?

Thanks again.

dwang

It should ne no problem at all. I run 18 x 8.5 with 225/40/18 on my car, all around . I have no rubbing issues. I also plan on lowering my car in the near future with a set of Euro AMG suspension with #1 and #2 spring pads (shocks/springs, prob 1.25" drop) and I should still have no issues.

Yes, the offset still should be at 35mm. You can get away with 31mm offset in the rears, as I think that's what 18" AMG wheels have. Good luck.


Dave

cmg061

Dave,

Thanks again for your help.