will_w204

I went with these as opposed to 45s because I thought they would look too small, and also my speedo/odo would have read more mph and miles than with 50s. Oh yeah, I figured they would ride softer as well.

First off, the thing looks like a 500 with these things! I had bigger tires on the same size wheels on my old 202, and they didn't look nearly as substantial as on this 400e.

Problem is, there is a slight rub on the LEFT front when going over dips. No rubbing when turning the wheel, nothing in the rear, just the left front. The overall diameter is just .5" more, which means .25" around - I just can't imagine that is causing the rub - you think I have a bum shock/spring? I know they are original, and the shock bushings are cracked and brittle.

My first order of business is probably going to be Bilstein HDs - unless you think I need 45 series rubber

CaliE320

Just roll your front fenders

~CAli

will_w204

I don't wanna do that. Also, they don't stick out that far - they are flush with the fenders, tread curves inward staying inside them. May be hitting the plastic body cladding, but again, it's only happening on left side

Who has run a 215/50/17 on this chassis?

RHW

Rolling fenders gives you leeway in this and other wheel decisions...

But fwiw, when my white Sportline first got the currrent 18x8 Aero IIs, the driver rear wheel was rubbing a little. After the rear rubber anti sway bushings were replaced, no more rubbing. Visual inspection showed they were moderately worn...

will_w204

I don't want to ignore a potential fitment issue, but you are making me feel better. The front left does appear to sag a bit (hell, the whole front does) so with 161k and original shocks, I'm thinking some Blistein HDs would help this. It's going to the shop for some other stuff tomorrow, and they will look at it. Car is not and will not be lowered, so I don't foresee any other issues after I resolve this one

Quicksilver500

Just FYI, springs set ride height, shocks set ride quality.

-Mike

will_w204

True, but I seem to remember when I put HDs on my 202, it raised it a tad, and I have read many posts here of 124 owners who have seen the same thing with HDs.

15 year old shocks in all likelihood will sit lower due to leaks/worn valving, no?

Not only that, but the only rubbing I get is when I hit a dip in the road. It's hitting either the plastic cladding or the wheel well liner - it sounds clearly like plastic. The HDs will keep it from dipping and rebounding as much, which would be my theoretical fix

YNVDIZW124

What is your offset?

will_w204

I should know that answer for sure, shouldn't I? I CAN tell you it is either 37 or 35 - I will doublecheck in a bit.

Again, the only rubbing that occurs is when the wheel is pushed upward or the car settles from cresting a hill. Going through a parking lot, turning to full-lock, there is no rubbing at all.

The wheels are AMG monoblocks, 17x7.5, that were previously installed on a 210 - I am not sure of the original donor, but it's almost certainly a C36 as they are non-staggered AMGs

rivcal4life

Is it possibly not a tire rubbing issue at all? What do you hear/feel when it happens. It could just be a suspension-only problem.

will_w204

No, it is. Just took it out again, and looked at it. On substantial dips/undulations, the tire has been rubbing a 2inch by 1/4inch area on the front of the plastic lower body cladding BEHIND the wheel (not the bumper cladding - sorry, I know it may be confusing) And again, it's only the left side. The right is not making such contact. Something has to be worn in the left front suspension, either the shock or a bushing ( I suppose a spring could be cracked as well)

rivcal4life

Not confusing at all. I experienced the same thing when I upsized to 17's. I was able to slightly file down the plastic enough to keep it from rubbing, but I assume you do not want to do that. Looks like stiffer springs or new tires may be your only options.

will_w204

That's what I was thinking - I could file it if I had to. I don't have qualms about filing the plastic, I just don't want to tamper with the sheet metal. But again, face it, it has 161k - it's time for shocks, and I am a big fan of the B-HDs - I just hope they truly do keep the wheels planted enough so the rubbing stops!

FWIW, the new setup looks awesome and rides even better. Feels more solid, quieter, steering response is very nice and crisp, and tracks perfectly.