20s or 19s?
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2009 MB C50 Sport; 2003 Acura TL Type-S
20s or 19s?
Hey guys,
I have a 2009 C350 Sport and I have the stock 18s on it now but I want to put new wheels on my car. I was thinking 20s but when I went to a rim shop, they said that 20s on the C-class are a bad idea because they rub in the back and the offset is hardly right and the ride is terrible. They said that 19s are the way to go but I'm just not sure. Which is better 20s or 19s????? Help...
I have a 2009 C350 Sport and I have the stock 18s on it now but I want to put new wheels on my car. I was thinking 20s but when I went to a rim shop, they said that 20s on the C-class are a bad idea because they rub in the back and the offset is hardly right and the ride is terrible. They said that 19s are the way to go but I'm just not sure. Which is better 20s or 19s????? Help...
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From: Wichita
2011 C300 4MATIC
Back on topic: I'd go with 19's. 20's just look...eh. A bit too large.
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From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
Sorry, caligreenzzz, not a "gramps" yet. However I replaced the run-flats on my M3 with Michelin Super Sports on 19" factory offset rims and please don't ask about my exotic V12...
Notice that F1 tires have tiny rims with a huge aspect ratio (maybe R70 or R75) so there is a diminishing return on using too large a rim. Grip will be lost if the sidewalls cannot flex sufficiently to keep the tread flat on the road surface.
There may be no need to go above 19", although a good answer can usually be had from an indie shop that work on C63's about best 19" tire recommendations.
Notice that F1 tires have tiny rims with a huge aspect ratio (maybe R70 or R75) so there is a diminishing return on using too large a rim. Grip will be lost if the sidewalls cannot flex sufficiently to keep the tread flat on the road surface.
There may be no need to go above 19", although a good answer can usually be had from an indie shop that work on C63's about best 19" tire recommendations.
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From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
@caligreenzzz: Well at least the Pilot SS is something we have in common. Just wondering where were you in the early 1970's when I was racing at Watkins Glen? And how do you like the 19" Super Sports?
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From: Vancouver Canada
2010 C250 4Matic
If you want to roll 20's you can. Do some research and keep the tire/rim width a little on the thinner side and you should be okay. I have had 19, 20, 24's on a variety of cars and never regretted getting the max size on a car. But, if this car is your everyday driver, go with a 19 inch set-up. If this is a summer car or you are not going to run 20's all year round and your streets are in good shape then roll 20's. A lot of it depends what you are driving on... Where I live there is constant construction and hitting a small pothole rattles your car pretty bad on thin rubber.
These cars are smaller in frame and 20's do look big and hot on them.
Keep us posted.
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From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
Checked with two trusted Indie shops, they both said to keep with the 19" AND to keep the offset as on the C63. As for sizes after having tried to stretch some tires on 19" rims, which only resulted in dulled steering and premature wear, recommended were the OEM sizes, as the suspension and spring rates have synergy with a specific footprint because of the tire's width. Steering should be improved and no loss of grip vs. oversize.
The 19" OEM size for the C63 are F 235/35 and R 255/30. Here is a Tirerack link for the Pilot SS's:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...&filterType=oe
The 19" OEM size for the C63 are F 235/35 and R 255/30. Here is a Tirerack link for the Pilot SS's:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...&filterType=oe
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Most will go 19s because it's easier to pull off without looking ridiculous, but 20s can be pulled off properly slammed and tucked. There are a couple examples I remember on this forum that pulled it off perfectly IMO.
The wheel guy who told you "20s on the C-class are a bad idea because they rub in the back and the offset is hardly right" really either doesn't know what he's talking about, or is oversimplifying it for you because he doesn't want to put the effort to make it work with the right measurements. It's a balancing act between size, offsets, widths, tire stretch, camber, drop height, and suspension stiffness. If you're riding stock height, it's much easier to make a fit, but will look like a badly implement Donk style.
The wheel guy who told you "20s on the C-class are a bad idea because they rub in the back and the offset is hardly right" really either doesn't know what he's talking about, or is oversimplifying it for you because he doesn't want to put the effort to make it work with the right measurements. It's a balancing act between size, offsets, widths, tire stretch, camber, drop height, and suspension stiffness. If you're riding stock height, it's much easier to make a fit, but will look like a badly implement Donk style.
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From: Sweden
S213
The wheels in my sig are AMG 18"
I have Vossen CV3.s waiting to be fitted but I want to mount my coilovers first.
Here.s a pic of my car with regular H&R springs on the Vossen 20s.
Going to drop it an additional 10-15 in the front and 20-25 in the rear Before installing them permanently.
too big?, not IMO, I like standing out from the crowd.
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From: Calgary
C63 AMG
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2009 MB C50 Sport; 2003 Acura TL Type-S
I did the calculations for the rear tires with a 20" rim and came up with 275/25/20 in order to keep a reasonable rolling diameter. Did you or anyone else come up with this as well?
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2009 MB C50 Sport; 2003 Acura TL Type-S
Thanks
I'd like to thank everyone for their valuable input in helping me with my decision. I think I will go with the 19" Vossen CV3 wheels they look really clean. I think the 19" tires will work better than a 25 series 20" tire in the rear.
Thanks again!!!
Thanks again!!!
