maximus16v

So I sold my other car and the buyer wants to pick it up sooner then he had said. So now I need some winters for the 300E. Running 195/65/15 right now. I found some 175/70/14 in the local classifieds on factory 190E wheels. Will these work or will they be a little off? Seem a bit narrow but they are taller. Would I need more of a 75/14 to run on the 300E?
Thanks!

-Max

CDP

wow. Those are way too small.

shadowgriffen

x2.

I dont even think your brake/calipers will fit in 14 inch rims, you have to make sure that the offset/tire/rim combo is perfect....even then I seriously doubt it.

CDP

lol 175 series tires would make your car look like its on bike tires. haha

mgw_300e

Actually, skinny tires would be better for snow than wide tires. The wouldn't "float" as easily so they'd maintain traction. You probably need 15" rims to clear the caliper, but I don't know for sure.

CDP

Mind You.

It'll look hideous. You might as well go with the specific stock size of 195 all around or get "winter" tires.

mgw_300e

Yes, 175s would look goofy, but not as goofy as a telephone pole 2" into your engine compartment. He's looking for winter wheels. In Texas and So-Cal, we don't have to worry about these things. We can be pimp 365 days a year.

shadowgriffen

I hear you Matt, but trust me I've had 205/55 series snow tires and I was cruising in 5-6 inches of snow

15 inch is the lowest I would go (195)

mgw_300e

Well, it has been about 11 years since I lived in New York, so I may be overestimating things a bit. I guess my point is that he shouldn't avoid a set of wheels that will fit, just because they have skinny tires. (emphasis on IF THEY FIT)

maximus16v

Ya clearing the brakes is something I was concerned with.

Unfortunately looking goofy in the winter is a fact of life up here. Not too hard to look good though even in winter but it is pricey. I was running BBS wheels on my jetta as I hate steel wheels but sport winter rubber is crazy expensive.

But its just that I need something right away and for $100 for the 190 wheels it would have been perfect. And I'd only need them for maybe a month. I guess I'll have to go buy brand new. I don't think I would feel safe with 175's.....my old school bug had 165's for crying out loud and that was scary!

maximus16v

Now I'm curious........will 14'' wheels actually clear the brakes? Anyone know for sure?