Chappy

Thank you. This is exactly the information is was seeking. I'm going to try the 265s on the rear instead of the 255s and see how that goes. Keep in mind, I'm running 2 bump front and 1 bump rear pads with euro-spec springs (which Learso has well, but is running higher spring pads IIRC.)

I'm unloading some spares at the moment, but should have the setup installed soon.

Improviz

Hey, Chappy -

I actually went even wider, with the 275/35's on the rear of mine (had previously done 265's)....no rubbing issues except one time, when I hit a really, really bad dip and got a small rub, but in every day driving, none.

Now, having said that, I must add a few caveats: I almost never have rear (or front, for that matter) passengers in my car, or heavy stuff in my trunk. So, ymmv...

I definitely wouldn't go with the 255's...even with the 275's, traction is still a serious issue, thanks in no small part to the FARGIN' ARSEHOLES at Mercedes Benz who were TOO CHEAP to put a limited slip on the car! And mark my words: I won't be buying another AMG until or unless they start putting those on there, standard, period.

Chappy

Great info, thanks!

My only concern is that with running one bump pads in the rear with euro-spec springs, I may not have as much clearance as you. Any pics of the beast with the meaty 275s in the rear?

Improviz

You know, I haven't taken any with them on there yet...only got pics with the 265's. If I take her out this weekend, I'll try to remember to snap a few shots!

rainspeed

Tricky those look like custom HRE's. One of the few wheel manufacturers to make some nice customs for the 55. I'm looking for some black 19x8.5 and 19x9.5 for my 01' 55. I bought the above size wheels from ADR. they are the M Sport's. They retailer and the factory told me they would fit no problem. So I bought them in Hyper Black. They wouldn't fit without spacers..... The fronts still run when cutting the wheel too far in reverse....The clear coat on the rears began to peel after a couple months...The retailer nor the factory would back them....The fronts are fine as far as the finish goes....I guess a bad batch of clear or hardener on the rear lot.....I want to get a new set asap....Any help would be appreciated....Thanks in advance,

neilbo75

Me might likey the look. Got any pics of that set up?

I was thinking of 265/35/18 on the rear and 235/40/17s up front. Like the original Mustang, the 208 is practically begging for a hot rod set up.

But Luke the Tireman said DON'T DO THIS since the taller rears would throw the traction control system a loop. eek:

Has anyone tried this ? If it's good enough for the CLK DTM why can't it work on a 55 AMG?

Chappy

Improviz has 18s on back and 17s up front....not certain of the tire size.

Improviz

Front is stock wheels/tire size.

Rear has 210 E55 wheels bearing 275/35-18's, the same size as the 210 E55....here's a side shot:

neilbo75

Thanks Improviz for the photo. The set up looks great.

You have to look closely to see that the wheels are not the same size. Subtle yet powerful. Modern Corvettes also have an inch more rim on the rear axle. I like the way the AMG front rotors stuff in behind the 17 inch wheel. IMHO it's hard to justify going to 18s in front unless you want to put in bigger rotors. And that starts getting expensive ....

I understand that you have no problems with traction control, etc., keeping in mind that the larger rear wheel and lower profile tire combo is no more than about half an inch larger diameter than stock. How has the change affected ride and handling?

The photo is wider than my computer screen! How could you fit it in past the server? I'm also wondering how you managed to fit in 275s. I would love to see another photo, taken from the back to show the wide stance of those meats.

Chappy

Lookin' good, Improviz

Improviz

Thanks!

And hey, thanks to you too, Chappy!! Been awhile....hope all's well in hot 'lanta!

But back to neilbo75's stuff:

Yeah. Actually, it was from the 'vettes that I got this idea.

As you would expect, the ride is a bit stiffer, but not hugely so...worth it for the significantly better traction, imo. Handling wasn't affected hugely...a bit more understeer if you really, really push it, but there's always the throttle for that. It'll still snap-oversteer on you, though ($*#& Mercedes jerks who chose not to put a LSD on here...grrrr....), but it definitely is much-improved over stock--especially off the line.

Actually, I posted it at imageshack.com and simply linked to the image in the post, because of its size. Here's a rear shot:

neilbo75

Ready to rumble!