Sincity

Anyone in here using a 19x8.5" setup on all four corners?

N.M.M.

The only real disadvantage I believe you will incounter is not haveing a gorgeous oversized lip on your wheel.

99ITR_SC

One of the benefits of having staggered wheels is that you are able to have the traction of fat wheels with the steering of narrower tires.

Using fatter tires in the front is no real problem. They might have a tendency to follow the bumps in the road more, but not to a point where you should pass up a set of rims.

E55AMG99

I don't know about the C class but while having my E55 wheels refinished, I was riding on the same size (245 on 8.5) tires/wheels front and rear. The handling was terrible with a lot of oversteer. If performance is what you are after, go with the stagger. It looks better too.

My $.02

tom incredibie

one disadvantage would be that you wont be able to rotate your tires all around

SiLvaC32

i have 19x8.5 all around... i like this setup since i can rotate the tires front and back...

Jerry

FrankW

wider front = understeer, but more stable

it's better to stay within the limit of the spec given by the manufacturer.

Ice 9

I would have to agree with that. I tend to use the "Manu" guide on how to get the most from their product.

Sincity

Thanks for all of your replies.

Jerry:

Have you noticed anyundersteering issues with the 19" x 8.5"? I envy you guys with your C32s and I am trying to convince my wife to sell our 323Ci. On the Ci I have a set of new 235/35/19 Dunlop 9000s that I would like to keep and just sell the Breyton wheels.

SiLvaC32

ic, i didn't have a chance to go on the track or anything so i won't know how the car REALLY handles, but i am going to change to a staggered setup soon though, so i won't have a chance to test it out.

Jerry

Vadim @ evosport

OK, lets clear couple of things. Wider tire in the front equals less understeer.

OK, what is understeer?

Like one redneck described:

Understeer: It is when you hit the wall with a front end.

Oversteer: It is when you hit the wall with the back end.

Pretty much right on. Understeer is built in 99.99% of the cars sold.

Why?

Because it is safe. When car is under-steering, lifting off gas pedal regains control. This is a natural human response for most un-educated drivers when they over-drive the car.

When the car is over-steering, you have to drive it out of the corner to regain control. Most un-educated drivers do not know how to do it.

So, what does it have to do with C32? By using a staggered setup MB insured that C32 will allways under-steer.

If 265/30ZR19s can be used in all four corners, the C32 will handle significantly better in experienced hands.

However, not in average driver's hands, as it becomes an oversteering monster that most drivers will be affraid to drive at 10/10.

99ITR_SC

why is it then that most racing cars use a staggered setup?

E55AMG99

Usually rules dictate sizes but most race car suspensions can compensate for smaller front tires. Also, rear engine cars don't need so much tire up front because of all the weight being out back. Some race cars don't need to turn at all (during the race) and have very small front tires.

Take a look at some circle track (asphalt) classes. Their front tires are huge to provide more grip while the dirt classes are smaller becasue the car is sliding more than it is turning.

It's all about balance.

hammyoni

I would have to say that a fat fron tire would degreade steering, and it is not worth the handling benefits that "some" may be able to extract.

carl

i suppose only front wheel drive cars will use same size tyres?
extreme front wheel race cars use a bit wider in the rear...
i think btcc cars use 225 in the front and 235 in the rear.