ashutt

I have a 2001 CLK55 AMG lowered with H&R springs and #2 pads in the front and #1 pads in the rear. With my 17" rims there is about a 1 finger gap from the tire to the fender.

I am looking at purchasing some RIMS that are 19x8.5 ET32 Front & 19x9.5 ET35 Rear. I would like some feedback on those who have similar size rims on how easy these bend? I saw a post of someone who had a couple people in the car and one of the tires shredded since it was a thin profile. Anyone with similar experience? That really worries me. With 19" will the 1 inch gap most likely disappear and the car looked slammed?

Also, I will be taking the car to the race track about 4 times a year. Since the tire size will be 235/35/19 and 265/30/19 (probably the Eagle F1 DS-D3) I can get more rubber on the road. But, should I could go with an 18" rim and 275 on the rear. I understand that 275's on 19" will probably rub. Is that true?

Anyone have the Eagle F1 DS-D3 tires on 19" rims? How do you like them? Thanks in advance for the advice.

Allan

BilOutkast

If you are talking about the Thread I started it was clearly my mistake.
I didn't check the tire pressure like I'm suppose to every week.
If you did a search under "w208" there aren't many subjects on 275 wide tires. Some say it will rub, rub only with a full tank with people in the car, the tire design if its rounded off on the shoulder of the sidewall. others say they had no problems with 275. I would like to know about this also.

ashutt

Thanks BilOutkast- it was your post I mentioned. How low was the tire pressure to cause this damage? How harsh is your ride with the 19" rimes? How do you like the handling? Does it feel better or worse? I am going for 50% looks and 50% handling.

Allan

JJB622

18 vs. 19 is always a tough dilemma. I ended up going with 18's on my car. Whats nice about the 18's is that tires are cheaper, the ride will probably be better, and chances are the car's performance is slightly better than with 19 inch. 19 inch rims definitely fill out the CLK wheelwells better though. I think you should get the 19's, as long as you make sure the tire pressure is good regularly and watch for potholes you should be fine. BTW for tracking, just use switch over to the stock wheels.

BTW I have the Eagle F1 GS D3's but in 18 inch. Overall, it's a great tire. I love the handling of the car with it and the performance in the rain is amazing. Another plus is that they're cheaper than the Michelin PS2's. Also the aggressive tred pattern looks pretty cool. Searching around the internet, I have noticed a lot of complaints about soft sidewalls compared to other performance tires, and also some cases of bubbling in the tires but thats just due to to the low profile. Cross shop them with the Michelin PS2's and Toyo T1R's. All are good tires.

ashutt

One of the reasons I would go to an 18 or 19" tire is so that I can get a wider profile tire on the car (i.e. 265 or 275 on the rear). I want to put as much rubber on the road as I can for using the car at the track. If I switch back to the 17" then I can only get 255's on the rear. That being said, why do you recommend putting back on the 17" rims for taking it to the track? Thanks.

Allan

BilOutkast

between 1 to 10, 10 being best.
Ride comfort: 8 1/2
Handling: 9
Looks: 10
Compliments: 11+ lolz

I live in the Bay Area, home of sh_tty roads, so I try to avoid potholes,bumps on the freeways,etc. The ride is smooth but then again I can "feel" the road because of the low pros, but I'm used to it. Ride "can" be harsh from time to time depending on the road. The car handles pretty well, I took a couple of those 25mph on ramps-off ramps at around 65. Took it to the twistys and it was a blast to drive but the handling can be better. As far as the low pressure, lets just say I didn't check it for 2+ weeks and racked up 2K miles within the period of not checking the pressure. Clearly my fault.

Roush2960

Can I ask you guys a ?

WHat is the wheel stud size 12 or 14 MM and do I need longer studs for aftermarket 19" wheels.

ashutt

I believe you will need different lug nuts than the ones standard on 17" wheels. I know my 19" rims come with different ones. I would get a set for the ones that come with the rims to make sure. Good luck.

Roush2960

Thats been the problem. I keep finding both 12 and 14 MM. I want new chrome ones and locks.