WyattH

Well I bought the OEM E55 AMG rims for my C43 AMG. The bolt pattern is the same, despite whatever anyone says!!! The only problem is that the threading on the bolts don't match, so the C43 bolts won't hold the E55 rims TIGHTLY to the hub. But I'm going to the dealer to pick up E55 bolts that should hopefully work.
Fronts are 245/18 and the back is 285/18.
Has anybody else realized the bolt on the bottom of the springs in the front is EXTREMELY close to the tire??? That distance is even closer with these taller/wider rims... Scary! Well, here are 2 pictures of her jacked up in my garage as a teaser. I will take much nicer pictures later this week!

WyattH

Oh, and do you like my new lowering springs, hehe... Still need some of those!

FrankW

285 is definitely gonna rub in the rear when you put it down. you don't even have to get the bolts from the dealership. just get some shorter bolts that will work.

scorchie

Who said the bolt pattern was different? All Mercedes except the G500/Sprinter use the same bolt pattern.

The difference is in the size of the lugs, which is 14mm for the new E55 and 12mm for the W202. The problem with that is the hole in the wheel is too big, so the smaller lug of the W202 doesn't grip enough material on the wheel to give a safe attachment.

There's been plenty discussed here, you may want to search on it.

If you get OEM E55 bolts, you will see the difference immediately.

-s-

WyattH

Yeah, I didn't understand. I thought someone said the bolt pattern was different.

And another mistake of mine, they are 265 in back. Will that still rub?
Will 245 in front rub?? 225 is stock...

FrankW

245 in the front should be ok if the front wheel well is anything like the C32's. if not, then you need to do some fender rolling. for the rear I think you need to roll the fender.

Brandon24C

Does this mean that these wheels will fit no problem on the car as long as you have the 14mm E55 bolts? Thanks!

fastneutron

I've had the stock 18" rims from my 2002 E55 on my silver C43 for almost a year now and didn't have to worry about changing the bolts. It looks like you have the 2003 E55 rims, which may be different.

I personally think that my ride became rougher and louder with the 18" rims although it's not lowered. My obsidian black C43 rides smoother on 17" although it's lowered.

scorchie

Not "may" be different, they ARE different, as outlined earlier in this thread!

-s-

MBE55AMG

Looks great!