C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

help with rim sizes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Aug 18, 2003 | 04:19 PM
  #1  
wdawg's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
help with rim sizes

I just purchased a 2004 MB C230k sedan and I was hoping if you guys could give me some advice on rim sizes. I'm not sure if I should go with 18" or 19" rims. This may be a stupid question but what does the 8.5 or 9.5 mean? Is that the width of the rim? If so what size would fit on my car without rubbing? Lastly.. I don't plan on lowering the car so will this look funny? Does anybody have pics of their cars and 19" rims without it being lowered?
Thanks in advance
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2003 | 04:25 PM
  #2  
Harris's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,439
Likes: 1
Yes, 8.5 and 9.5 are the width of the rim. If you want to play safe, the proper tire sizes should be 225/255. However, it is possible to put 235/265 for certain brand of tires. It is because some tires are designed with a "rounded" sidewall and some are more "squared".

Trust me, you WILL HAVE to lower your car if you're getting bigger wheels. It will look VERY ugly if you dont. Check on the pic thread for some pictures of 18s" and 19s". I dont think you will find a non-lowered 19s".

What wheels are you considering to get?
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2003 | 04:34 PM
  #3  
wdawg's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
moven Brabus VI replica's. I was hoping that I could get 19" wheels so that I don't have to lower my car. So you think that there will be a huge gap if I don't lower? The reason why I don't want to lower my car is because of the harsh bumpy ride. I had a civic that I slammed a few years ago and hated the ride after a while. I don't want that to happen to this car. It's part of the reason why I got a mercedes.. Anyways, if you have any suggestions or recommendations pls post because I'm new to all this Mercedes stuff. I just found out how expensive some of these mods are compared to honda stuff lol..

thanks.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2003 | 04:53 PM
  #4  
Harris's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,439
Likes: 1
You are not going to get a smooth ride on 19" wheels anyway, so lowering it wont be make it "that" much worse. Yes, the gap between the fender and the tire will be huge and because the tires are much thinner, the car will look like it has no tires.

You can get springs that will lower your car just enough to eliminate the gap, and yet, will give a comfortable ride such as Brabus, Renntech or Kleemann. They all lower your car about 1".

You are in a different class now, be prepared that the parts have a different price range!!
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2003 | 05:21 PM
  #5  
LorinserCClass's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 0
From: El Pueblo de la Reyna de los Angeles
The True OG Modded out W203
I use to have a slammed GST Spyder on sport shocks and springs and I SWORE I would never drop a car again because of ride quality, but I did. Mercedes/Audi's/Bimmers are different. Its like they BEG to be dropped Ride quality isnt as different as stock if you buy the appropriate springs. If you been into modding b4 you HAVE to get 19's as you WILL regret not getting them down the line, trust me I've made that expensive mistake.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2003 | 05:44 PM
  #6  
wdawg's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
ya, I gotta admit european cars look tight slammed. I just hope I don't get that harsh feeling again. I'll end up selling the car if that happens. So what width should I be looking at for 18" or 19"?
Should I be concerned with offset? I'm going to do a search on springs & shocks on the forum.. But do you guys have any recommendations? I'd like to preserve the ride of the car as much as possible. I'm going to do a search on suspension. Gawd, I can tell this is going to get expensive hehe.. I haven't even owned the car for a month and I'm talking about slammin it :P
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2003 | 03:01 AM
  #7  
MarVerne02's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
2002 C240
not true

i have a c240 and just got 19's on it. the ride isnt bad. you just feel the road more. the tires i got (nitto 555) grip the road a lot. i can only tell the difference when im going at slower speeds because i can hear the tires on the road but the ride is not uncomfortable.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:36 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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
story-8
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-26 18:08:10


VIEW MORE