I recently picked up a set of Monoblocks (17x7.5 all around, et35) and am looking to buy some tires before mounting them. The previous owner was running 205/40/17 on the wheels, but they are a rough ride, don't fill up the wheel wells, and need to be replaced anyway.

Would someone be able to tell me what the best or largest tires I could get for my 300E would be on these Monoblocks? I want to fill the wheel wells, but don't want any chances of rubbing or scraping on the fenders. Thanks!

These are the wheels:

 

235/45 17 nice compromise size.
u could do 225/45 all round but think the 235 give slightly better ride.

 

I want those wheels. Bad.

 

No klobbr stop dribbling - you'll short circuit your keyboard !
I told you if you played nice with the other kiddies we would find you some in due course - just like the other little thing you got ! Now stop drooling !

 

Today I mounted a set of summer Bridgestone tires,
on et35 17x7.5 monoblocks on my 1995 e320.

215x50 is my preference for 2 main reasons:

1: Wider tires = more road noise. 215 is wider than stock, but a bit of a compromise for the 7.5 wide wheels.
2: More rubber = slight ride improvement, and this is the most rubber that I think will fit without rubbing or rolling fenders.

225x45 is the most usual choice for those wheels, and my partner's 1992 300e runs 235x45x17 on same wheels.

 

I have these same wheels and I run 215/50R17. I started with 205/40R17's like those currently fitted to your wheels and found exactly what you did - they gave a rough ride and they looked too small in the wheel wells. I find that the 215/50R17's give a much better ride and the O.D. is a little bigger than stock, so they fill the wheel wells more. My car is slightly lowered and I find that this size just barely fits - if they alignment isn't done just right, they will rub on bumps.

 

I think 235/40/17 all around will do fine.

 

i was thinking the same thing too but wasnt sure
i drive a 87 230e

can you post some pics??

you too Floobydust pictures pictures

 

I want those rims!!! I have the stock 195 60R 15 on my 90 300e. If I get the same rims the OP has, can I use the tire you guys suggest without rubbing?

 

Thanks for the info guys! I'm going in to purchase tires early next week. I'll get back with the size I choose and some pics. Excited to get these wheels on my car!

 

Here is a quick iPhone picture I just went outside and took. I have H & R springs and Bilstein HD shocks installed using the tallest springs pads (3 bump rear, 4 bump front). I did this to optimize the ride which is now smoother (although less crisp) than my SL500. You will note a slight forward rake to the car - I can't decide if I like it or if I should change the rear pads to 2 bump to flatten it out.

One thing that has not been mentioned here is the weight of the MonoBlocks - they are HEAVY wheels. Some have aptly referred to them as "CinderBlocks" and I tend to agree. Using them really increases the unsprung weight at each corner, so tire selection becomes a very important factor in maintaining ride quality.

 

I am thinking that is about as good as a cab can get. Nicely done.

 

Floby,
Very nice. I want my sedan to be as clean as yours. Same color on my 90 300E.

 

Floobydust...just beautiful!

I mounted my Carlssons today, same size, approx et35 17x7.5 on 215x50 Hankooks (car is lowered to Sportline height)

 

I would go with a 225/45. I had those on my 300E back in the day and even then, had to roll the front fenders. Another reason to go with 225 instead of 235 is that they tend to weigh less.

BY THE WAY: I don't want to steal the thread, but I have 2 sets of these wheels I'm willing to sell. 1 set of 17"x7.5" and one set of 17"x8.5". (actually, 2 sets of staggered, but I am willing to mix and match). I will not respond to questions here out of respect for the OP, but PM me for details!

 

Thank you klobbr, kluvsbenz, and RHW! I just wanted to say that I couldn't have achieved all that I have with my Cabrio without the help, advice and cumulative wisdom of senior members like RHW and others on this board. It really is a tremendous resource and a fantastic community.

 

I have 225/45 on mine and they occasionally rub on a severe dip in the road. I would go with 215/50. They are still 20mm wider than stock and will look flush on a 7.5" rim.

 

If the choice is between 225x45 and 215x50,
keep in mind they risk rubbing in 2 different places:

I cannot use 215x50x17 on my cars with mudflaps due to the OD rubbing on the flaps
but if a 225x45 tire rubs, I am guessing that is an offset question, the rubbing is on the sidewall either inside or against the unrolled fender lip.

With suspension in good order, rolled fender lip and proper offset, I don't expect 225x45x17 to rub and I don't think you need to roll fender to get 215x50x17 to fit.

 

this was informative
thanks guys

 

Thank you all for your help. After much deliberation I decided to go with 225/45/17. No rubbing as of yet - but I haven't tried with a carload of people, either. I'm satisfied with the way the wheels look; there still might be some empty space in the wheel wells, but the wheels themselves ride much better than I expected.

Here are a couple of pics:

 

Looks good. You should not get rubbing on the rear. It will be up front. If you lower the car with springs, it will make a big difference with the look. I bought most of the parts with the intention of doing it, but have not gotten to it.

 

They look very nice . . enjoy them!

 

Looks nice! I'm running 225/45-17s up front - no rubbing

 

you need some lowering springs now...

 

I found these on ebay and was sure there was no way I would get them but the auction just ended and I will now have them delivered to the local Cassidy tire by my house. I think I made a good deal, delivered for just a bar tab over 1k. They are staggered, have no tires on them.
17 7.5 ET35
17 8.5 ET30
They are going on my 93 cabriolet which has a completely stock suspension, which I am not going to change any time soon if I can help it. After reading through this and other threads I think I will go with the Conti DWS 225x45 up front and whatever matches that in the rear. 225 seems right down the middle so I am not expecting to do any fender rolling or worry about rubbing, but you never know until they go on. Great thread here and thanks to you all for helping me decide (flooby's cabriolet picture) and be patient (Stormy's advice).

I am under the impression that the lugs from my 8 hole 16's will swap directly and I don't need to get any replacements. Is that true?

I'll send pics when I get them. They are Aero II series. Seller noted some flaws in the painted areas but the polished rims sections on all look superb. Fingers crossed until I get them in my hands.

Bob