Koru_Kinshi

So when I had my C230 during the days of csportcoupe.com, it was suggested that I increase the size of my tires from 205/55 to 225/50 for better handling and such. It worked well, and what was nice, was that I didn't have to get bigger rims.

I'm not terribly interested in increasing the size of the rims on my C32. Is there a acceptable increase in tire width for the stock rims? Perhaps 235s in the front and 265s in the back? Or will I need to get bigger/wider rims, irregardless?

ScottW911

You are pushing the limits of the wheels and car with those widths. Yes, some have done it.

If you are looking to improve handling, AWDMan had a set-up that he had de-staggered. He put rears on the front of the car so all 4 wheels were 8.5 wide. He said that really helped with the understeer problem.

Koru_Kinshi

Interesting theory. But does anyone actually have the rear 17s for sale as a pair on their own?

ScottW911

Check the classified and put out a WTB for them. I see a pair popping up every now and again. I am sorry I can't help. I just sold my 17's to a forum member.

mdncn2762

I remember reading about that. Why do Manufacturers stagger the wheels anyway?

e1000

More traction at the rear of the car is needed when putting down lots of power.

Koru_Kinshi

Makes sense, but then why make the front tires smaller if it causes heavy understeer? Doesn't seem to add up for an AMG-designed car...

greasybenz

Because AMG cars werent meant to be track stars, they are more of straight line cars.

RedBull

I've got 235s on the front and 255s on the rear on my stock rims. That setup has worked just fine, but I'd be hesitant to go any wider than that.

SilverBulletAMG

That's what I'm running as well. I wouldn't go wider in the rear unless I rolled the fenders.

FrankW

235/40/18 and 265/35/18 here. overall diameter is slightly larger. the extra grip is great. having the adjustable damper also helps adjusting to under or over when I want as well as Eibach sways.

might want to roll your fender if you want to go 265.

Koru_Kinshi

Did you reduce the height of the tire? 45 to 40/40 to 35, or did you just leave it as it is?

timberman

going 235 front 255 rear on stock rims doesn't require any change in sidewall height

it only increases the rolling diameter by a few mm so will make very little difference to your speed reading,

if you want to have an idea of what tyre sizes you can go with check out this calculator

http://www.alloywheels.com/tyrecalc.asp

Koru_Kinshi

Very helpful. Thanks. I'll bookmark that for sure.

RedBull

I went from a 245/40/17 to a 255/40/17.

MyFirstAMG

I purchased my car with the same staggered wheel setup as you. After reading your post, I went out and checked and see that the previous owner did roll the fenders. Learn something new everyday.

pointman

Interesting info. Thanks guys. I am thinking of going to 255's on the rear of my 32's stock wheels. Any negatives to doing that? Thanks.

spr

Fyi 235s on a 7.5 are wayyyy too small

FrankW

7.5 maximum is 245....how is 235 wayyyy too small?

RLx02

running 235's up front and 275's in the rear and it only rubbed in the inner fenderwell with a full load going over a bump.