OK, this question relates to the C7 wheels on the
c230 coupe.
The manual states that they should not be used with
snow chains or cables. I also asked a regional rep this and he confirmed it, saying there isn't enough clearance.

So I've just returned from LA where I picked up a set of stock wheels and tires for the coupe with Michelin tires.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1876044760

While the C7's a 17" and 45 series, and the stockers,
16" and 55 series, they stand almost the identical height and width.

So what gives? Can someone shed light on this subject?

 

Why would you want to ruin a set of C7s with chains? or even the stock rims?

This is typical MB, well almost any car manufacturer.... no-one is going to tell you that you can do it cause once they do, if something goes wrong you can go back and complain... similarily I wanted to put 15" steel rims on my C230K, and the dealer of course said 'no way', but if you look on the International website, the C230K is sold with 15" rims stock in areas of the world, so they will fit...

I wouldn't recommend chains either, the clearance is pretty tight... but its your car...

 

8-9 years ago I order 17" rim and tires for my Honda Civic and the shop won't put it on the car because the book said it will not fit. Now you even see 19" on Civic. Back where I came from we mix and match a lot of stuff. Bottom line is if you know what you are doing? Go for it but don't come crying when something wrong.

 

I have recently looked at the C7 Coupes and thought that I should have bought the C7 package.

In order for me to justify changing my wheels I would need to sell the cost cost to my wife. How cheaply do you think it would cost if I sold my stock wheels and tyres and bought the C7 wheels and tyres?

I have done about 13,000 miles and have looked after the wheels.

Cheers,

Nathan

 

The dealer will tell you flat out that the C7 "Pilots" are not meant for duty in the snow...and chains only help in deep snow...maintaining proper control of the car on ice, hardpack or even slush and light snow will require an all season or winter tread tire.

 

Some people on the forum are looking for your ***** as well ... most searches have turned up nothing.

 

So,
I'm not getting the point of people's replies...
hmmm.

I want to drive in the snow.

In CA sometimes when you drive in the snow,
you will be REQUIRED to use chains/cables.

CHP will MAKE you put them on. No choice.

MBZ says no chains/cables for C7 ONLY It's in the manual!
(presumably it's OK for the stock 16" rims, and now I own a set)

So WHY does MBZ specify no chains/cables on C7 wheels?
You can find this in the owners manual, page 3 hundred and something.

As far as buying the C7 package, yeh it was a hell of a deal, and you shoulda bought it.
To me it's funny to look at a non- c7 equiped coupe and see the door handles UNPAINTED on MBZ.
Wierd.

As far as trying to find them now....why bother?
Just depends how much money you wanna burn.
Even the stock Coupe rims look better than other stock
MBZ rims on the sedans.
Personally I like the way they look, but the C7 wheels make the car sensitive to every little road crown, and pulls every which way driving down the road, bumps throw me etc.

I spent a huge amount of time trying to get the dealer to fix it,
but apparently it's just the price of being sporty.
They did buy me 4 new tires and align it like 4 times though.
I have to hold the wheel real tight!
Those 4 tires at the local tires store are 1250 installed for 4!
(of course there are less expensive tires out there, and I won't be buying Michelin Pilots again) Looks like I'll be getting around
20K miles from the set, right now at 15K, and the ride has gotten noticeably crappy!

None of the coupes with stock rims pull as much, that I've driven at least. I may actually enjoy the car more with the stock rims and tires.

I'll know in a few days whether they were full of bull or not!

In the final analyses, I'll run some hard core sticky tires on
the C7's and keep some longer running tires on for winter.
Once I get the suspension beefed up a little, maybe I'll try autocrossing it!

 

for the 17" wheels that require small clearance. MB is just trying to cover themselves. But you can buy chains for small clearance (specifically made for MB and BMW sports package 17") in europe...check www.trak.ch....i have a set for 17"...works fine but very expensive...$250. it think regular chains here cost 50-100 or cheaper.

 

I disagree. Chains will provide the best traction on any kind of frozen precipitation.

 

The tires used on the C7 pkg are high performance dry/wet tires. They are not meant for snow/ice conditions, don't bother doing chains, cables or spikes on them. Get a set of steel rims w/ plastic MB wheel covers and snow tires if you are going to these conditions.

 

the diameter is not that different between c7 and the regular 16s, but the width of the tire is much different. 225 vs 205.

snow chain will not do much except in deep snow. hense the "snow" name in the chain. It's not gonna do much good on ice.