clemson_tiger

Guys, I've finally sold the wheels on my Diamond Black (blue) C55 and I'm wanting bad to put 20's on it! I've seen a number of threads discussing 19's vs 20's but to me, this black C230 with 20's is perfect:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...:1&um=1&itbs=1
This is the look I want and the stance I want. My wife typically drives the car with our twins in the back seat and she's not "using" the car like some of us do (although I like to mash the gas a little from time to time ). Anyway, the point is, looks are more important than performance in my situation. I need all the opinions and suggestions I can get. I'm wanting these wheels, but not looking to spend what the VIP Modular's cost. I'll probably end up settling for a different wheel of the same style. Must are the 3 piece looke (rivits) and either chrome or silver alloy. The idea is to have a wheel that looks similar to the OEM 18" that would have come on the C55 but have it in a 20".

First guys: Any idea what wheel this is?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/20-x-...Q5fAccessories
Dude says its an OEM MB wheel. He only has three but I love the look and maybe I could find another if I knew exactly what it was he had.

Second: Opinions on this one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Set-4...Q5fAccessories

Third: I would really appreciate any help you guys can be as far as wheel/tire size, backspacing, etc. Wheels are the biggest deal for me on a car and I want to get it right. I'm not really looking for a 19" vs 20" argument...unless you want to tell me that there's no way I'll be satisfyed with 20's because they'll rub every where I go (that I would like to know). Based on what I'm seeing though, the black car in the first link looks perfect with 20's and its slammed down on them. My car is still has stock suspension but I'm thinking of going with the spring kit from the TireRack. Just need some major help and I would be much appreciative for it! Thanks in advance!

moosejaw

Dude i rub everywhere i go....... and i have 19s and no one sits in the back.
The fact that this is your wifes car and your transporting twins, don't tinker with the wheels.
The car is not designed for 20's. Manufacturers dont recommend 20s for the W203s. Trust me your car will look just as good with 19s. SoCal has the worst roads imo and even with 19s it will be rough.
I know a couple of folks that have even changed from 19s to 18s bc they roads are so bad there.

Your wasting your money, your wife will complain of the harsh ride, she will wind up hitting a pothole, and eventually you will downsize to 19s.

clemson_tiger

Well, I'm in South Carolina not SoCal, so maybe the roads are better here. I really appreciate your opinion and this is really what I'm looking for...but...I see our cars with 20's and there is just no better look. I really need all the feedback I can get to help me make the decision though. I'm 90% stuck on 20's if I can make them work and have the car drivable.

c55asleep?

It will rub while turning in the front and the rear. The only thing I suggest is trying with a 20•7 and it still might have problems. Goodluck

chris.bachman

You need to get 19" wheels, no question about it. You're going to regret 20" wheels the moment you pull out of the parking lot. That look is achievable with 19's, just check the picture thread.

With kids in the back it makes it a no-brainer. The rubber will be so thin and the ride will be as harsh as a go-kart. Find yourself some good wheels in 19", I just ordered a set of 18" C63 replicas from power wheels pro in the price range you're looking for.

c55asleep?

Btw, like moosejaw mentioned it will be a horrible ride due to putting extremely low profile tires (25). I couldn't even accelerate without it rubbing in the rear....

moosejaw

Makes sense now with your name..............Clemson Tigers

clemson_tiger

LOL

I really appreciate the advice guys. I wish just ONE person would say, "go with 20's, they'll work". But I'm getting the feeling yet again that 19's are the way to go. I just keep seeing 20's here and there and I love the look!

clemson_tiger

What about backspacing on 19's? I've got 18x10's (rear) on there now and they scrub, but I thought I could fix this by going wit 9.5's and the correct backspacking.

moosejaw

20's is a lot of work
Some have tried and have been successful???? But not without ridicule from us traditionalists....
Dont get me wrong ive seen 20s on a IS-F and the new M3, i know they look good. But I dont think 20s and the W203 platforms mesh.....

cdd

The first look like Monarchs. I don't think those are OEM--unless they are those 40th anniversary CL rims, but they are definitely not standard on a 2006 ML500.

The second look like TSW Bremmas (which I don't think are made anymore) but there are OEMs in this style, can't remember which.

My opinion on size is do not consider 20s for the reasons that all have mentioned--especially with 2 little tykes in the back and your wife driving. IF she's not avoiding potholes like the plague, then you're going to have some rim damage pretty damn quickly.

clemson_tiger

Opinions on this wheel from the Tire Rack?

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...=Chrome+Plated

moosejaw

That's a TSW Bremma

chris.bachman

http://www.powerwheelspro.com/shop/index.php?cPath=23

Take a look.

clemson_tiger

I've seen this website before in my search but they dont' offer the wheel in chrome.

02C32guy

Check out RLx02's C55. He has that setup.

clemson_tiger

You are the man! Checking for it now!

Gramma_Benz

Yes, but he's only running 18's.

DUBS....Don't do it. I got rid of my 19's cause with my coilovers it rode waaaaay too hard. Plus, I can't stand the rubbing. People ride in a Mercedes and think "what the hell is that noise all the time?" Embarrassing to me.

clemson_tiger

This sucks! I just called TireRack and the chrome version of this wheel has been discontinued!

Gramma_Benz

See this thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/162703-20-inch-rims-c-class.html

mrobinso

Has it ever occurred to you that a MB does not need to be *blinged*? Not only are you attempting to do something impractical to your perfectly good C55, but 20" inch rims will just look like rice to me. You drive a C-class not an S-class. The car is not intended for oversized rims. Plus, if my wife or kids were riding in my car, I would make sure the car had the safest wheels I could afford, not the "coolest" looking.

moosejaw

I dont think we are going to convince the OP in changing his mind. Tots in the back and the Wife at the helm dont seem to alter his opinion either.

Newzchspy

Dude i rub everywhere i go.

Drew, we know

Viper98912

20s would look terrible. Wheels need to be relative to the size of the wheel wells. For large looking wheels, 19's on the C are perfect. Other cars for example the new Camaro, 20's fill that.

clemson_tiger

The OP?