hbadawi71

HI there:

I just bought an 05 c55. I am not too thrilled with the handling, but my frame of reference is my last car, 05 Mini Cooper S with JCW. While I am not expecting the same handling characteristics, due to weight/height/length/FWD/..differences, I am hoping for a little better. I am thinking about upgrading the wheels to 19". What tire sizes would you recommend to get the biggest amount of rubber on the road, without any rubbing. Please advise ASAP as I am watching a set of AMG 19" wheels on ebay that will expire soon. Thanks again.

jtc55

u can safely put on 235/35/19 front and 265/30/19 rear on C55. rolling the fenders may get u 245 and 275 tires to fit

JDC55

As long as the offset is correct 245/35 and 275/30 should be no problem. I just put some Volk Progressive ME's on my C55 and totally have the room for 245/275's with out rolling.

hbadawi71

here is the data with the offset. What do you guys think? what tires would you recommend? The bigger the better without rubbing or rolling
Size


19x8.5 Front, 19x9.5" Rear

Bolt Pattern


5x112mm

Offset


+38mm All Around

Center Bore


66.56mm (standard Mercedes hub-centric)

Finish


High Gloss Metallic Silver with High polish lip and face.

rlee02135

you'll need a 5mm spacer up front, maybe more if it hits the caliper. rear should be fine.

hbadawi71

so is there a drawback to putting spacers? I read somewhere that someone was adamant about not putting it in? When I called these guys in CA, they said for that car and these wheels no spacers were needed. I found that hard to believe.
Here is the rims I am thinking about. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/19-ME...mZ230175199879

rlee02135

19x8.5 ET38 will definitely hit the AMG Calipers.
spacers are safe as long as you get the appropriate bolt size.

hbadawi71

Looks like the local discount tire shops do not install spacers. So I am back to the drawing board. How much offset do I need to have for wheels to clear the brake calipers in the front? I guess I have to find wheels that clear if I want any old shop to do it.