Hey guys,
I have gone back and forth on replacing my stock 17s since day one. The roads around here are pretty rough/bumpy/potholed so I feel that 18s/19s may end up beating me to death or getting bent. I found the TSW Vortex and really like the look and quality. I also think the design will "visually" increase the size of the wheel compared to most 17s.

Anyhow, a few questions:

Do you think the wheel will look good, particularly on an Iridium Silver C300? Good, bad, indifferent opinions welcome...

Will the stock 225/40 and 245/35 both fit on a 17x8 wheel? I have been told they would and it seems like it shouldn't be an issue but any input is appreciated.

The offset will be 45. I will end up sticking out about 4mm further up front and 9mm further out back, with the inside of the wheel moving outboard as well. Is there any handling/dynamic concerns due to this?

Once I run through my stock tires, I will likely run 235/40 all around so I should be able to rotate the tires and keep things pretty even. I wouldn't anticipate a traction issue since I am only dropping 10mm in the back but has anyone else swithced to this setup and have feedback?

Those are "just" OK to me, not distinctive. I prefer these:

http://www.powerwheelspro.com/shop/p...products_id=47

I agree with Sportstick. I'm considering getting these as well.

I like the wheels you posted as well as sportsticks, but if you're buying new wheels, you'd be crazy to buy 17s again. They look way too small for the car and I can assure you 18s wont make any different in ride quality. 18s arent considered big wheels by any stretch of the imagination.

I also have to deal with crap roads ridden with pot holes to the point that my 17s often have rubber on the rim edge from impacts with tire / rim protection rib. Can't seem to dodge them all LOL.

That's with 31 psi on the front.

18s and 19 look great no question. Personally, I would go with nothing but a forged rim, best quality available and def no heavier than 17".

MB OE rims are bomb proof in my experience.

get yourself a niice pair of 18"s.. i had tsw, they make a strong rim.. it took me a massive pothole to crack my old pair.. this sucker was like a foot deep!! but anyway the ones you posted are just "ehh".. you can do better.. but really its whatever you like, its your car..

It'll have a stretched look in the rear with the stock tires. I'd definitely go up to 18 or 19 and drive more carefully, but I agree, those wheels will look good and give it a bigger than it is look. I like those because they are different than what everyone else is getting. The one sportstick posted are quite common now with all of the other C63 look alike wheels IMO.

Stick with 17 inch, unless you are willing to spent a lot of money in tires and wheels
Also, buy oem rims, replicas or other brands are not as resistant
I own a tire shop, so i am giving a wise advice

Thanks for the input everyone. I obviously do prefer the look of 18s/19s but want to stick with the ride and pot hole resistance of the 17s...man I must be getting too old...
Anyhow, money is always a consideration and I could do the switch over to the 17s for about $900. To run 18s, I would have to drop another grand or so.

why is that?

I would have to spend a couple hundred extra bucks for the 18" wheels vs. the 17"s and I couldn't mount my stock tires so I would be in for 4 18" tires as well. Not like it is tons of money, especially compared to what some of you guys have done with you cars, but it's more money none the less.

^----- Makes sense.

You have some good choices in 17". Here is one more to consider....
http://www.powerwheelspro.com/shop/p...roducts_id=419

Those are really nice. Do you have any idea about the quality??

I don't have personal experience with their wheels, but I'm condisering ordering a set from them.
Based on people's feedback on the forum, they have good reviews and the seller seems to be a nice guy to deal with.

wow very niice!! love how the spokes taper off and get thinner

So many wheels are tempting. MB OEs are all forged and they produce 10s thousands of them and still a healthy price.

IMO a decent forged aftermarket 18 or 19 should be min $700-1000 each or quality and weight probably not where needs to be for crappy roads. Aftermarket forged selection from reputable names is slim - few will pay the price / not much of a market for them. Low volumes.

Even if the rim can take it tires will fail - had to replace two tires due to sidewall punctures, MB rims were untouched!

I don't care for that hard angle the spokes make. I'd prefer a more curved look.

The original jpg you posted......The spokes don't look refined...more like bands of metal.

oh i figured your stock tires were nearing replacement time, hence you looking at new wheels. but if you were to keep the stock tires that makes sense.