w202 max tire size on 18"
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From: Columbus, Ohio
1998 C43 AMG, 2001 ML55 AMG, 2001 E55 AMG, 1999 E430
w202 max tire size on 18"
So I just picked up a set of 18" monoblocks for my c43. I know that the consensus on tires for 18/9.5 and 18/8.5 is 255/35/18 and 225/40/18, with some people running 265/35 in the rear. I'm trying to avoid buying $1k of new tires if possible, and the monoblocks (from w210 e55 amg) are currently wearing almost brand new ATS Achilles Sports. Has anyone tried to run tires over those suggested sizes? I'm debating just trying out the 275/35/18 and 245/40/18 and seeing what happens... and I'm running stock suspension. Let me know your thoughts! Thanks!
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Using a tyre size calculator the results show the following results. The first line is the standard OE 17" tyre as the base reference.
245/45/17 = 1971 mm circumference with sidewall height of 99mm
255/35/18 = 1996 mm circumference +1.2% and sidewall height of 89mm -10.3% over the 245/45/17 tyre
265/35/18 = 2019 mm circumference +2.4% and sidewall height of 94mm -5.1% over the 245/45/17 tyre
275/35/18 = 2040 mm circumference +3.6% and sidewall height of 97mm -2.6% over the 245/45/17 tyre
Keep in mind that your speedo will indicate a lower speed than actual speed so bear that in mind when speed limits apply.
245/45/17 = 1971 mm circumference with sidewall height of 99mm
255/35/18 = 1996 mm circumference +1.2% and sidewall height of 89mm -10.3% over the 245/45/17 tyre
265/35/18 = 2019 mm circumference +2.4% and sidewall height of 94mm -5.1% over the 245/45/17 tyre
275/35/18 = 2040 mm circumference +3.6% and sidewall height of 97mm -2.6% over the 245/45/17 tyre
Keep in mind that your speedo will indicate a lower speed than actual speed so bear that in mind when speed limits apply.
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From: Columbus, Ohio
1998 C43 AMG, 2001 ML55 AMG, 2001 E55 AMG, 1999 E430
@PJmak is it still lower than stock in that second set of pics? Assuming it is lower than stock in both those, I feel like I might be able to get away with 275/35 in the back at stock height.
@DRBC43AMG speed limits, what’re those lol?
but thank you for those conversions!
I’m most concerned about the fronts rubbing when turning if I run 245/40 up there. Any thoughts? Thanks
@DRBC43AMG speed limits, what’re those lol?
but thank you for those conversions! I’m most concerned about the fronts rubbing when turning if I run 245/40 up there. Any thoughts? Thanks
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1998 C43 AMG, 2001 ML55 AMG, 2001 E55 AMG, 1999 E430
@JohnnyRock the monoblocks came with new tires installed on them, but those tires are from a w210 E55. I don't want to buy new tires if I don't have to, so I'd prefer to just run the larger tires that the rims came with.
@MattCordell think a 245/40 rubs up front when cornering/turning tho?
@MattCordell think a 245/40 rubs up front when cornering/turning tho?
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@JohnnyRock the monoblocks came with new tires installed on them, but those tires are from a w210 E55. I don't want to buy new tires if I don't have to, so I'd prefer to just run the larger tires that the rims came with.
@MattCordell think a 245/40 rubs up front when cornering/turning tho?
@MattCordell think a 245/40 rubs up front when cornering/turning tho?
will definatelly rub on tire inner shoulder.
it's cool having wide rims and tires, but it will slow your car down coz rims are heavier!
if your car is lowered, or having a very low profile on tires?
if you dislike harsh ride?
you will hate it!
most tires will rub if you go wider, recommended size is 225 front and 255 rear.
looks dope with this set up on 8,5/9,5 inch wheels.
wider tires up front which sticks out from wheel well will also cause damage to paint on your fenders as rocks and sand will sand blast your fenders.
think about this what could happen?
Last edited by MattCordell; Apr 27, 2020 at 10:22 AM.
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Thread Starter
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From: Columbus, Ohio
1998 C43 AMG, 2001 ML55 AMG, 2001 E55 AMG, 1999 E430
@MattCordell i'm not overly concerned about losing a few tenths of a second on a quarter-mile from +150lbs. Plus I'll be swapping a 5.5L w/ headers and a tune in the near future so that should offset any wheel weight 
Car is at stock height on stock suspension tho. That's a good point about rocks and debris kicking into my fenders as a result of the wider tires, i didn't think about that. I may just try and run 275/35 in the rear then and buy a new set of 225/40 for the fronts. I guess spending $500 on tires right now is better than $1000... I'll throw the 18's on this week and report back
Car is at stock height on stock suspension tho. That's a good point about rocks and debris kicking into my fenders as a result of the wider tires, i didn't think about that. I may just try and run 275/35 in the rear then and buy a new set of 225/40 for the fronts. I guess spending $500 on tires right now is better than $1000... I'll throw the 18's on this week and report back
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@MattCordell i'm not overly concerned about losing a few tenths of a second on a quarter-mile from +150lbs. Plus I'll be swapping a 5.5L w/ headers and a tune in the near future so that should offset any wheel weight Car is at stock height on stock suspension tho. That's a good point about rocks and debris kicking into my fenders as a result of the wider tires, i didn't think about that. I may just try and run 275/35 in the rear then and buy a new set of 225/40 for the fronts. I guess spending $500 on tires right now is better than $1000... I'll throw the 18's on this week and report back
Car is at stock height on stock suspension tho. That's a good point about rocks and debris kicking into my fenders as a result of the wider tires, i didn't think about that. I may just try and run 275/35 in the rear then and buy a new set of 225/40 for the fronts. I guess spending $500 on tires right now is better than $1000... I'll throw the 18's on this week and report back
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From: West Palm Beach, FL
'99 C43, '88 560SL
w202 never had 245's up front.
will definatelly rub on tire inner shoulder.
it's cool having wide rims and tires, but it will slow your car down coz rims are heavier!
if your car is lowered, or having a very low profile on tires?
if you dislike harsh ride?
you will hate it!
most tires will rub if you go wider, recommended size is 225 front and 255 rear.
looks dope with this set up on 8,5/9,5 inch wheels.
wider tires up front which sticks out from wheel well will also cause damage to paint on your fenders as rocks and sand will sand blast your fenders.
think about this what could happen?
will definatelly rub on tire inner shoulder.
it's cool having wide rims and tires, but it will slow your car down coz rims are heavier!
if your car is lowered, or having a very low profile on tires?
if you dislike harsh ride?
you will hate it!
most tires will rub if you go wider, recommended size is 225 front and 255 rear.
looks dope with this set up on 8,5/9,5 inch wheels.
wider tires up front which sticks out from wheel well will also cause damage to paint on your fenders as rocks and sand will sand blast your fenders.
think about this what could happen?
Thread Starter
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From: Columbus, Ohio
1998 C43 AMG, 2001 ML55 AMG, 2001 E55 AMG, 1999 E430
@brad_c43 that's what i wanted to hear!... in that case then i might as well try the 245 up front!
@PJmak i have to think that i'll be ok with 245 if im sitting at stock height then. All good news, looks like i may not need different tires after all! I'll report back with some pics once i get a chance to swap the wheels this week.
Thanks for the help all!
@PJmak i have to think that i'll be ok with 245 if im sitting at stock height then. All good news, looks like i may not need different tires after all! I'll report back with some pics once i get a chance to swap the wheels this week.
Thanks for the help all!
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your fronts do they stick outside the fenders?
do you have any paint damage?
if it works with 255 up front then cudos!
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From: West Palm Beach, FL
'99 C43, '88 560SL
@brad_c43 that's what i wanted to hear!... in that case then i might as well try the 245 up front!
@PJmak i have to think that i'll be ok with 245 if im sitting at stock height then. All good news, looks like i may not need different tires after all! I'll report back with some pics once i get a chance to swap the wheels this week.
Thanks for the help all!
@PJmak i have to think that i'll be ok with 245 if im sitting at stock height then. All good news, looks like i may not need different tires after all! I'll report back with some pics once i get a chance to swap the wheels this week.
Thanks for the help all!
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From: West Palm Beach, FL
'99 C43, '88 560SL
no paint damage from tires, I run pilot sport 4s all around and I use my car harder than most people here would feel comfortable with. They dont stick out but it's a nice fitment
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Probably was a cost issue or something?
Last edited by MattCordell; Apr 28, 2020 at 06:11 AM.
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
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Stock US C36/C43 cars are raised looking like 4x4, perhaps these cars won't rub in front using wider tires.
Upper control arm with ball joint that pokes out towards the inner shoulder of the tire should clear any rubbing if used 245 or 255 tires up front?
However?
Lowered cars should probably face rub issues using wider tires than 225?
Or am I wrong?
Upper control arm with ball joint that pokes out towards the inner shoulder of the tire should clear any rubbing if used 245 or 255 tires up front?
However?
Lowered cars should probably face rub issues using wider tires than 225?
Or am I wrong?
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1998 C43 w/ 55 swap Wavetrac LSD and 6-Speed manual
Probably b/c the engineers knew exactly what they were doing and bigger isn't always better. MB engineers factor in function not just aesthetics...which is all subjective anyway. There was very little in the way of cost savings on these AMG 202s if you look at the original MSRP.
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1998 C43 AMG, 2001 ML55 AMG, 2001 E55 AMG, 1999 E430
Senior Member
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C43 AMG with a tune up
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
