Distance between tire and fender. Is this normal?
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From: GA
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
Distance between tire and fender. Is this normal?
I don't have the dimensions right now (wife took daughter to soccer), but there seems to be a much larger vertical gap between the tire and fender on the front of my '02 C240 vs. the rear. From what I remember, on level ground and with nothing in the trunk, it was like 1" on the rear and 3" on the front. I have the standard 16" wheels and Michelin 2?? 55R16 tires. Looking in the MB C-class brochure, the gaps for front and back look the same in the only real sideview picture. Some other 3/4 views look like the rear gap is smaller in the rear, but not as much as mine. Car seems to ride fine. This is just something I noticed in the last couple of days and figured I'd ask you all 
Also, I noticed that there is a "plate" on the front struts that is only about 1/2" above the inside shoulder of the tire. Seems very close. Normal?
thanks
Jim
Also, I noticed that there is a "plate" on the front struts that is only about 1/2" above the inside shoulder of the tire. Seems very close. Normal? thanks
Jim
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It is perfectly normal! Thats the main reason why so many C owners need to lower their cars. It has nothing to do with the tires, its the design. If you look at the car directly from the side, you'll noiced that the front fender (the arc) is higher than the rear, thats why there's a larger gap in the front. Unfortunately, there's nothing much that you can do about it except lowering your car by changing springs. 
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Jim, my C320 is stock and appears just like your does. It's normal to have more gap in the front wells than in back. Actually, I think the rear fenders are simply cut lower.
My front bumper valance sits low enough when stock that it rubs on tire stops as it is. So I have no interest in lowering the front of the car further. You might want to take this into consideration as you get more familiar with your new car.
My front bumper valance sits low enough when stock that it rubs on tire stops as it is. So I have no interest in lowering the front of the car further. You might want to take this into consideration as you get more familiar with your new car.
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From: GA
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
Okay, glad to hear everyone's is the same
I just measured and the front is slightly more than 3" and the rear is about 1 1/2". I was just concerned because I CAN'T STAND those cars that sit low in the rear, like the company car I drive (Crown Vic), but it's low in the rear because I have a lot of equipment in the trunk. I'd hate to see the profile of my C240 if I loaded the trunk and had a couple of adult rear passengers! I guess that was one good thing about our Expedition- self adjusting rear air shocks!
thanks
Jim
I just measured and the front is slightly more than 3" and the rear is about 1 1/2". I was just concerned because I CAN'T STAND those cars that sit low in the rear, like the company car I drive (Crown Vic), but it's low in the rear because I have a lot of equipment in the trunk. I'd hate to see the profile of my C240 if I loaded the trunk and had a couple of adult rear passengers! I guess that was one good thing about our Expedition- self adjusting rear air shocks!
thanks
Jim
