oldguard60

I am tired of paying for new tires every 6 months because I can't rotate them on my 2006 C230 Sport.
Can someone on here please advise if I can purchase (suggestions?) new rims which I can then put narrower tires on ALL 4 of them and get some life out of my tires??

I appreciate any ideas / solutions.

Thanks
OG

VVF

I am also asking myself this question every time I have to buy new rear tires
You driving 15k miles in 6 months?

BTW, do you know that if you purchase non-directional tires you can at least rotate them side-to-side (not that it helps that much, but at least keeps cupping in check)

You can try to fit your rear rims on the front to check if they fit without rubbing. If they do, then just buy two more "rear" rims and go from there.
Or buy two "front" rims and put them on the rear instead of your current ones.

oldguard60

Yes, my wife does $15k miles in 6 mos (sometimes if she is real busy with her work). I was going to see about buying two front rims and putting them on the back.

phister

If you want to rotate all 4 tires to each corner you'll want to buy a square setup wheels meaning all wheels are the same specs so you can rotate front to rear and side to side. If you want that I'd suggest getting 8.5 width wheels all around and run 235 tires.

oldguard60

I really appreciate the information. Sorry to be a bother, but can you tell me where I can get rims (used ones are fine) that will fit the 8.5" 235 tires?

Also, what tires would you recommend? Also, are these 17" or 18" ?

Thanks
OG

polarbexar

I did a square setup, running 225's on all corners. I kept the 17" wheel size just so I could have more sidewall. It is nice being able to rotate now, and have mileage warranties go into effect. I got OZ Envy wheels through tire rack, and I just got new tires installed last month, Continental Control contact sport A/S They are supposed to be the next generation of the DWS tires that I loved. I did find out to stay away from the "Green" or "Eco" tires. I blasted through two different sets in under half of their warrnty claims. ( even with rotation )

VVF

Can you post some shots of your car with the OZ's? Also did you need to use spacers? Thanks!

oldguard60

Polarbexar,

Did you use spacers? Or did you just get the rims/tires and have them mounted?
Did it affect handling at all?

polarbexar

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...11-image-2.jpg
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...11-image-1.jpg

No spacers, the handling didn't change either, I really don't thrash it in the turns anyway. If anything maybe a little more over steer that the electronic nanny tries to stop. I drive the crap out of this car, and I was very happy to get rid of the staggered setup.

Visually I like a fatter tire in the back, and with this there is a space from the edge of the tire to the rear fender lip. That may go away if I decide to make my own camber bars, that would push the top of the tire out some.

VVF

Nice.

I don't quite understand the savings though...

Say, the fronts last 60k, the rears 20k (Conti DWS).
Say, with square setup you get 2x20 = ~40k and have to replace all 4 tires.
(Although I think you will not get 40k because fronts do wear as well)

- If you have staggered setup, in 120k miles you would change:
6 rear pairs, 2 front pairs = 8 pairs total.

- With square setup, in 120k you would change:
3 full sets of tires = 6 pairs total.

Let's say a pair of tires runs $500, then you only win $1000 per 120k miles.
But you also paid something for the new rims.


Is it right, or do the tires wear much better if you rotate them front-to-back?

pa-hawk

My 07 4-matic with standard size 205/55-16 on all corners and Michelin MXV4 Primacy tires goes 60k plus on a set of tires. I rotate as per the manual every 5k and most of my driving is highway miles. I do not baby it in the corners but I am also not attempting to drift it through the corners either. The dealer says that kind of mileage is rare, 25-30k is normal on a 4-matic. I like the tires way better than the original Continentals, they went 42k and were shot. The Michelins handle much better and are quiet. I use the H rated ones but may try the V rated next time. If in the future I bought a car with the different size tires front to rear I would change them to all one size. I like the look of the larger rear tires but without the ability to rotate front to rear and side to side you will never get any consistent wear or long tread life.

oldguard60

Is that a 2006 C230 Sport in the pictures?

oldguard60

BTW, perhaps someone on here can point me in the right direction.

1. Where can I find some INEXPENSIVE GOOD USED RIMS??

2. What size do you recommend I buy? 17inch? 18inch?

Sorry for all the questions, but I want to do this ONCE and make it right.

Thanks
OG

VVF

tirerack com has OZ envy rims which polarbexar has, for ~150 each.

I was thinking about buying two 'front' rims from a junk yard to match my OEM ones.
Gonna run about $300-400, still cheaper than buying a full set...

oldguard60

Ok guys, I need your expertise.
I have ordered these rims (below) for the back wheels (I will get new tires) for my wife's 2006 C230 Sport.

WILL THEY WORK??

Brand New 17" x 7.5" Replacement Wheel for Mercedes C230 C320 C350 CLK320 Rim ( item: 271432133869 transaction: 1271249617017 ) Paid on Mar-26-14






$249.98
FedEx Ground or FedEx Home Delivery Estimated delivery: Thu. Mar. 27 - Wed. Apr. 2

VVF

I am no expert in wheels, but it looks like a replica.
The price is good though

oldguard60

VVF - pls see my question below

oldguard60

What do you mean it looks like a "replica"? Does that mean it isn't any good? Or it won't be safe?

VVF

Replica = it's not an OEM rim, but made by some other company to look like a Mercedes rim. It may or may not be heavier, the paint might be different shade/quality than OEM, things like that.