STAGGERED wheel set-up on the 4MATIC - All you want to know
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
what Glyn said.
if you don't want to staggered. I would suggest 17x8 or 18x8 wheels. OR you can run 17x8.5 all around like Splinter is doing except John has smaller tires for the front. The 17x7.5 will make the rear tuck in and look narrow.
since you are in AZ. I wouldn't even consider Exalto A/S. It's summer performance all the way.
if you don't want to staggered. I would suggest 17x8 or 18x8 wheels. OR you can run 17x8.5 all around like Splinter is doing except John has smaller tires for the front. The 17x7.5 will make the rear tuck in and look narrow.
since you are in AZ. I wouldn't even consider Exalto A/S. It's summer performance all the way.
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
You are so right - now their stated ambition is to take on the Germans. Rode in a new eurospec Accord the other day - much heavier, solid thunk to the doors, quiet, longer travel suspension, softer ride - styling evolutionary but certainly moving slowly to a more euro look.
Hyundai must bother Toyota
BTW Mike, what wheels do you have on the C32 with 235s all round. I also like to rotate
Hyundai must bother Toyota
BTW Mike, what wheels do you have on the C32 with 235s all round. I also like to rotate
I was disappointed that they cancelled the i-dtec diesel engine for the US.
I'm more excited by the hyundai gen coupe coming out.
For the rims, i currently have c63 replica rims on a 19x 8.5 running on 235/35/19 tires. I got them so i can route my tires, since i drive around 18k-20k a yr. I thought i would get more understeer, but it actually turns out i had less understeer from stock and i can turn a little better.
I'm happy the way it came out. I want to get 35-40k out of them. I used to get 45k out of my tires on my civic and integra from rotating them.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
what Glyn said.
if you don't want to staggered. I would suggest 17x8 or 18x8 wheels. OR you can run 17x8.5 all around like Splinter is doing except John has smaller tires for the front. The 17x7.5 will make the rear tuck in and look narrow.
since you are in AZ. I wouldn't even consider Exalto A/S. It's summer performance all the way.
if you don't want to staggered. I would suggest 17x8 or 18x8 wheels. OR you can run 17x8.5 all around like Splinter is doing except John has smaller tires for the front. The 17x7.5 will make the rear tuck in and look narrow.
since you are in AZ. I wouldn't even consider Exalto A/S. It's summer performance all the way.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 2, 2008 at 05:21 PM.
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From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
I've got the OEM 16x7's now on all four wheels. So if I did 17 x 7.5's on all 4 I'd get a "narrower" front more than a narrower back, at least in my head. The wheel wells are the same on the 230 and 240, right? If so, then a 7.5 offset should fit just fine, and I should have room for 7.5 in the back if the 2007 C230 came with 8.5's in the back.
But from what you're suggesting Frank, I should run the "rear" 17x8.5 wheels on the front and the back instead? Then do 235's on the front instead of 245's? Is that ok to do on a 8.5 wheel? Mercedes spec'd 245's on the rear of the 2007 C230 with 17x8.5's.
I always go all-season in AZ for two reasons: 1) Rain. When it rains here, it dumps, and I want full traction on the freeway or the interstate. 2) Winter. I go up north a lot, so during the winter it snows and rains, so I'm never going up Interstate 17 or the 89A on sport summer tires in late November after an over-night snow storm. Even with 4MATIC...that's just not smart.
But from what you're suggesting Frank, I should run the "rear" 17x8.5 wheels on the front and the back instead? Then do 235's on the front instead of 245's? Is that ok to do on a 8.5 wheel? Mercedes spec'd 245's on the rear of the 2007 C230 with 17x8.5's.
I always go all-season in AZ for two reasons: 1) Rain. When it rains here, it dumps, and I want full traction on the freeway or the interstate. 2) Winter. I go up north a lot, so during the winter it snows and rains, so I'm never going up Interstate 17 or the 89A on sport summer tires in late November after an over-night snow storm. Even with 4MATIC...that's just not smart.
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a quarter mile at a time
I always go all-season in AZ for two reasons: 1) Rain. When it rains here, it dumps, and I want full traction on the freeway or the interstate. 2) Winter. I go up north a lot, so during the winter it snows and rains, so I'm never going up Interstate 17 or the 89A on sport summer tires in late November after an over-night snow storm. Even with 4MATIC...that's just not smart.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Chris,
Sorry - I did not notice your question on comfort in post 1. The step up to 17" makes a minor difference to comfort. You will barely notice it. But 18 & above on low profile tyres makes the ride harsh - BY MY STANDARDS - excuse me shouting but half the world is going to come down on my back for this statement. Paul M (Cintoman) & I have been PMing of late. Paul has kindly done some research for me because I'm importing some wheels from the US. Same as his. He agrees on the comfort issue - I've tried 18" on a friend's C240 and hate it & South Africa has good roads. A lot better than Dallas & San Francisco - the two US cities I've lived in. I'm not a boy racer and one of the reasons I bought a little Benz was for comfort and ride quality. No one must tell me that a 30 or 35 profile sidewall has the same give as larger aspect ratios & that it does not effect the ride. Now I'll keep my head down. I think it is no coincidence that Benz did not go above 17" for the Sport/Sport Pack wheels with the C suspension.
Sorry - I did not notice your question on comfort in post 1. The step up to 17" makes a minor difference to comfort. You will barely notice it. But 18 & above on low profile tyres makes the ride harsh - BY MY STANDARDS - excuse me shouting but half the world is going to come down on my back for this statement. Paul M (Cintoman) & I have been PMing of late. Paul has kindly done some research for me because I'm importing some wheels from the US. Same as his. He agrees on the comfort issue - I've tried 18" on a friend's C240 and hate it & South Africa has good roads. A lot better than Dallas & San Francisco - the two US cities I've lived in. I'm not a boy racer and one of the reasons I bought a little Benz was for comfort and ride quality. No one must tell me that a 30 or 35 profile sidewall has the same give as larger aspect ratios & that it does not effect the ride. Now I'll keep my head down. I think it is no coincidence that Benz did not go above 17" for the Sport/Sport Pack wheels with the C suspension.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 2, 2008 at 07:13 PM.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I've got the OEM 16x7's now on all four wheels. So if I did 17 x 7.5's on all 4 I'd get a "narrower" front more than a narrower back, at least in my head. The wheel wells are the same on the 230 and 240, right? If so, then a 7.5 offset should fit just fine, and I should have room for 7.5 in the back if the 2007 C230 came with 8.5's in the back.
But from what you're suggesting Frank, I should run the "rear" 17x8.5 wheels on the front and the back instead? Then do 235's on the front instead of 245's? Is that ok to do on a 8.5 wheel? Mercedes spec'd 245's on the rear of the 2007 C230 with 17x8.5's.
I always go all-season in AZ for two reasons: 1) Rain. When it rains here, it dumps, and I want full traction on the freeway or the interstate. 2) Winter. I go up north a lot, so during the winter it snows and rains, so I'm never going up Interstate 17 or the 89A on sport summer tires in late November after an over-night snow storm. Even with 4MATIC...that's just not smart.
But from what you're suggesting Frank, I should run the "rear" 17x8.5 wheels on the front and the back instead? Then do 235's on the front instead of 245's? Is that ok to do on a 8.5 wheel? Mercedes spec'd 245's on the rear of the 2007 C230 with 17x8.5's.
I always go all-season in AZ for two reasons: 1) Rain. When it rains here, it dumps, and I want full traction on the freeway or the interstate. 2) Winter. I go up north a lot, so during the winter it snows and rains, so I'm never going up Interstate 17 or the 89A on sport summer tires in late November after an over-night snow storm. Even with 4MATIC...that's just not smart.
i.e the smaller the offset in mm between the clamping face of the wheel & the centre line of the rim the further the wheel will protrude outwards - BTW wheel wells identical
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 2, 2008 at 07:09 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
Glyn,
Makes sense.
I just did some reading in my manual, and the offset for my car, using the same wheel on all 4 wheels is 31mm in the front and the back, on 16x7 wheels - OEM.
The manual states that the for the staggered C230 in 2005, the rear wheel is 34mm offset, at a 17x8.5 size. The fronts were 36mm, 17x7.5.
This is per the 2005 manual...and I'm looking at 2007 wheels.
Does someone have a 2007 manual?
To me this says that if I used the 17x8.5 wheels at front and rear, the offset is 3mm larger than what I have now in the front and back. But, Mercedes chose to use a wheel with an offset 5mm larger in the front anyways...so it shouldn't matter?????
Glyn, to your comment on ride comfort, I want a plusher ride, so as long as I don't lose that at 17 inch rims...even though the sidewall is 10mm less, I will be happy. Would you say it's imperceptible?
C
Makes sense.
I just did some reading in my manual, and the offset for my car, using the same wheel on all 4 wheels is 31mm in the front and the back, on 16x7 wheels - OEM.
The manual states that the for the staggered C230 in 2005, the rear wheel is 34mm offset, at a 17x8.5 size. The fronts were 36mm, 17x7.5.
This is per the 2005 manual...and I'm looking at 2007 wheels.
Does someone have a 2007 manual?
To me this says that if I used the 17x8.5 wheels at front and rear, the offset is 3mm larger than what I have now in the front and back. But, Mercedes chose to use a wheel with an offset 5mm larger in the front anyways...so it shouldn't matter?????
Glyn, to your comment on ride comfort, I want a plusher ride, so as long as I don't lose that at 17 inch rims...even though the sidewall is 10mm less, I will be happy. Would you say it's imperceptible?
C
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
Ok, I'm looking at these now.
http://www.finishlinewheels.com/spec...poke+17x7%C55/
Offset is 35mm.
Pretty good price for a set of 4.
Will these work for me?
Glyn, so you're thinking I shouldn't really notice a difference in ride quality?
http://www.finishlinewheels.com/spec...poke+17x7%C55/
Offset is 35mm.
Pretty good price for a set of 4.
Will these work for me?
Glyn, so you're thinking I shouldn't really notice a difference in ride quality?
Super Moderator
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
You are lucky. My manual does not have offsets in it but mine are also 31. Get a dentists mirror from Sears & go have a look on a car with the wheels you like.
Here is Cintoman's car with 17X8 front 17X8.5 rear - both ET30 offset. Subtle but nice. This will give you an idea.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Ok, I'm looking at these now.
http://www.finishlinewheels.com/spec...poke+17x7%C55/
Offset is 35mm.
Pretty good price for a set of 4.
Will these work for me?
Glyn, so you're thinking I shouldn't really notice a difference in ride quality?
http://www.finishlinewheels.com/spec...poke+17x7%C55/
Offset is 35mm.
Pretty good price for a set of 4.
Will these work for me?
Glyn, so you're thinking I shouldn't really notice a difference in ride quality?
Yes those will work for you but still IMHO look a little narrow on the back. Chris it's very personal - you will notice very little difference on what you have now however, and if you are happy with what you have now then these will be fine & you can run a 225 tyre which I do at present. I know you don't want staggered so I will not try & persuade you in the Eurotech direction I'm taking. Nick has Sport Edition ST4s from Tire Rack on his C240 4matic but they are 18X8. ET32
I must go to bed. Nearly 3am in the morning this end - will catch up tomorrow
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 2, 2008 at 08:04 PM.
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
I've got the OEM 16x7's now on all four wheels. So if I did 17 x 7.5's on all 4 I'd get a "narrower" front more than a narrower back, at least in my head. The wheel wells are the same on the 230 and 240, right? If so, then a 7.5 offset should fit just fine, and I should have room for 7.5 in the back if the 2007 C230 came with 8.5's in the back.
But from what you're suggesting Frank, I should run the "rear" 17x8.5 wheels on the front and the back instead? Then do 235's on the front instead of 245's? Is that ok to do on a 8.5 wheel? Mercedes spec'd 245's on the rear of the 2007 C230 with 17x8.5's.
I always go all-season in AZ for two reasons: 1) Rain. When it rains here, it dumps, and I want full traction on the freeway or the interstate. 2) Winter. I go up north a lot, so during the winter it snows and rains, so I'm never going up Interstate 17 or the 89A on sport summer tires in late November after an over-night snow storm. Even with 4MATIC...that's just not smart.
But from what you're suggesting Frank, I should run the "rear" 17x8.5 wheels on the front and the back instead? Then do 235's on the front instead of 245's? Is that ok to do on a 8.5 wheel? Mercedes spec'd 245's on the rear of the 2007 C230 with 17x8.5's.
I always go all-season in AZ for two reasons: 1) Rain. When it rains here, it dumps, and I want full traction on the freeway or the interstate. 2) Winter. I go up north a lot, so during the winter it snows and rains, so I'm never going up Interstate 17 or the 89A on sport summer tires in late November after an over-night snow storm. Even with 4MATIC...that's just not smart.
1. summer tires like E said perform great in rain in most cases. 2. good reason, but not good enough. 16" snow/winter only tires will be wayyy cheaper than the $250-300 a pop Exalto A/S. If you are going up North to snow country for winter vacation you can always take 30min to switch out the 17" and put the 16" on. It will also be better when you are forced to use snow chains.
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
also picture does a thousand words.
here's my friend's C240 on 18x8 ET35 in the rear with 245s. notice how the wheels are tucked in. couple months ago we swapped the 17x7.5 AMG type III all around from my sis's car to his car because his parents visiting did not like the black wheels. I can tell you it looks even more tucked than his 18's.
when you go up in wheel sizes and tuck and wheel gap will be even more apparent.
here's my friend's C240 on 18x8 ET35 in the rear with 245s. notice how the wheels are tucked in. couple months ago we swapped the 17x7.5 AMG type III all around from my sis's car to his car because his parents visiting did not like the black wheels. I can tell you it looks even more tucked than his 18's.
when you go up in wheel sizes and tuck and wheel gap will be even more apparent.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
you can run 235s on the front and on 17" non-staggered you might as well run 235 all around so you can achieve what you want in rotating the tires.
1. summer tires like E said perform great in rain in most cases. 2. good reason, but not good enough. 16" snow/winter only tires will be wayyy cheaper than the $250-300 a pop Exalto A/S. If you are going up North to snow country for winter vacation you can always take 30min to switch out the 17" and put the 16" on. It will also be better when you are forced to use snow chains.
1. summer tires like E said perform great in rain in most cases. 2. good reason, but not good enough. 16" snow/winter only tires will be wayyy cheaper than the $250-300 a pop Exalto A/S. If you are going up North to snow country for winter vacation you can always take 30min to switch out the 17" and put the 16" on. It will also be better when you are forced to use snow chains.
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
if you are going with 17" staggered. You would have best setup with 225 and 245. the offset on the 7.5 if you are going with C32 17" AMG wheels the 235 might have rubbing issue with the struts.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I don't want him to have to do a recal for his speedo - Understand this not possible with standard STAR - Need a development DAS to recal - Is this correct? Chris wants Michelin tyres & PS2 is the only one with a decent range of sizes & profiles above 225.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
also picture does a thousand words.
here's my friend's C240 on 18x8 ET35 in the rear with 245s. notice how the wheels are tucked in. couple months ago we swapped the 17x7.5 AMG type III all around from my sis's car to his car because his parents visiting did not like the black wheels. I can tell you it looks even more tucked than his 18's.
when you go up in wheel sizes and tuck and wheel gap will be even more apparent.
here's my friend's C240 on 18x8 ET35 in the rear with 245s. notice how the wheels are tucked in. couple months ago we swapped the 17x7.5 AMG type III all around from my sis's car to his car because his parents visiting did not like the black wheels. I can tell you it looks even more tucked than his 18's.
when you go up in wheel sizes and tuck and wheel gap will be even more apparent.
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
See my post No 22 re tyres
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From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
Frank I'm talking about your comment to Chris quote "you can run 235s on the front and on 17" non-staggered you might as well run 235 all around so you can achieve what you want in rotating the tires"
I don't want him to have to do a recal for his speedo - Understand this not possible with standard STAR - Need a development DAS to recal - Is this correct? Chris wants Michelin tyres & PS2 is the only one with a decent range of sizes & profiles above 225.
I don't want him to have to do a recal for his speedo - Understand this not possible with standard STAR - Need a development DAS to recal - Is this correct? Chris wants Michelin tyres & PS2 is the only one with a decent range of sizes & profiles above 225.
Super Member
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From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
Super Moderator
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
