lexrex

Guys,

I need some advice on new rims for my E320. I have the 4Matic AWD system, which means I can't do staggered sizes or fool with the springs.

Option #1: AMG 5-spoke 203 17x8.5 ET34

I'd originally planned to get the AMG 5-spoke 203 17x7.5 ET37 rims, but prices have gone up a lot. Now I'm in a bit of a quandry. The 17x8.5 ET34 version of that same wheel is reasonably priced.

According to Tire Rack, the 8.5" wide wheel fits both front & rear, but just barely clears the front control arm by 11mm. Is anyone actually running a 17x8.5 ET34 (or higher) wheel in the front on a stock suspension? Any rubbing?

Here's what it would look like:



Option #2: ASA ST2 18x8 ET37

I'm also considering the 18" chromed ASA ST2 replica of the AMG Aero II. Two things concern me about going to 18s: fender gap & ride quality.

I have the 4Matic, so lowering is not an option. Does anyone have pictures of 18" rims on their cars with no suspension changes, particularly with the Aero II monoblocks? How does the gap look? I've seen some in the archives -- the shape of the wheel seems to make a difference.

How does the car ride with 18" rims? Ride comfort is a priority for me as I often drive on some pretty rough roads. I think my current stock 16" Michelin MXV4s at 35psi are pretty firm already. Any impressions on ride quality from anyone who went from 16->18 or 17->18? I'd be running 235/40/18 Pirelli PZero Nero M&S tires.



Which would you choose?

Thanks.

livetodrive

To me, the AMG is a more up to-date look. The 2002s came out with wheels very similar to the AMGs you showed. I have a 2001 E430. The stock wheels are similar to the ASAs, but aren't chromed.

BlownV8

Have you checked tirerack. They have the AMG E55 wheels at a great price.

lexrex

Yeah, the E55 AMG wheels are $529 each at TireRack. The ASA ST2 painted (like the E55 wheels) are $189 each and the chromes are $279. The 5-spokes are $219 each.

lexrex

Anyone have any problems running 8.5" wide wheel with ET34 (or higher) offset up front with a 235 width square-shouldered tire?

Whitey

You will have plenty of clearance, particularly if you haven't lowered. Have tried that set-up before and mine's lowered on 235's, 8.5"x19's, ET30 in front - juts out more than the one you're considering...no problemo

My choice between the two would be AMG Style III's ("203") but in 18", staggered. Reason, they're probably lighter and they're more updated in style (the W210 E55-look is a Style II, hence older model....albeit, still matches the W210 very nicely).

lexrex

Thanks Whitey! That's the answer I was looking for. I've seen mixed opinions on this in the archives. E55Kev had 18x8 ET35 that rubbed on his famous control arm nut, but I guess that had to do with his 245 tires.

I agree, the style IIIs look more modern. And they weight 25 lbs vs 28 for the ASA ST2 chromes. I like the look of the 17x7.5 ET37 style III a little better -- no lip so spokes appear bigger. But the 17x8.5 ET34 w/ 1" lip is much more affordable.

Sadly I can't stagger without toasting my center differential.

woody1185

I have a 2002 E-320 4 Matic. I bought the ASA ST3 from Tire Rack, 18 inch, 235/40/18. Tire Rack mounted and balanced new tires for free, shipped to my door in two days. They also, without asking, replaced the ASA center caps with Mercedes center caps, NO Charge. I find the ride to be comfortable, I'm sure its a little stiffer then stock wheels, but the suspension is stock (on the soft side) and it seems to balance the ride very well. I've had an M3 and A4 (sport suspension) and I find the ride no worst, maybe I'm used to it. I paid $199 per wheel. I'm sure some would say, the car needs to be lowered, but I think it looks fine.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Woody

I've attached photos.

Whitey

Yes, Kev's case is a little unusual. 245's on 8" rims are apparently standard on US spec E55's but is a little too wide for my liking...heavier on steering, less responsive turning and obviously has some effect on gas mileage and pickup. Having said that, I can't remember if he was referring to the tire rubbing or the rim itself.

235's are fine on 8.5" ET34. You can rest assured that most 8.5" rims come with an ET35 offset - with the wheel sitting 1mm further in than the ones you're considering (altho not by much) and used by a lot of W210's without probs.

A word of warning is ET34 on all fours will tend to make the front wheels stick out more than the rears...most people don't notice, perhaps I'm **** about fender alignment . A spacer (with longer bolts) in the rear will fix that and WILL give you a staggered effect (coupled with 255's in the back).

In fact I think member stemags has the exact setup with his AMG mono IV's (double spokes) - 17", 235's, 8.5", ET34 (maybe 8"), stock height. You may want to check his sig pic (and gallery) to see if you like the front/rear wheel alignment before you decide whether u need spacers. Good luck!

BlownV8

Wow, you are right. The AMG Monoblock's price has gone up quickly on the fronts. However, the rears are only $239. I'm running SSR GT3's on my E55 vs my stock AMG rims. Make sure to keep the weight to less than 27 lbs per wheel or you will go backwards in performance.

Whitey

18's definitely look sweeter..... ...hmmmm, 235/40's? I would have thought 235/35 is a better size.....without checking my calculations..

lexrex

Whitey, my current stock wheels are +41mm all the way around. I haven't noticed the alignment of the back looking any different than the front. Is this more obvious when you go to wider wheels, or am I just oblivious?

Woody1185, I stole your wheels. I hope you don't mind. You can have them back in a few days. The nice thing about your ASA wheels is that they're available in chrome. I think chrome really looks nice on a black W210. (Apparently the newer AMG wheels can't be chromed because of their porous casting.)



My primary reason for getting a 17" wheel instead of 18" is ride comfort. Any thoughts on how a 235/40-18 would ride on an 8" wheel vs. 235/45-17 on an 8.5" wheel? Would the 1/2 inch narrower width of the ASA ST3 18" compensate for its 1/2 inch shorter sidewall in ride comfort? No point in getting the smaller diameter wheel if it doesn't ride any better than its larger, but narrower, cousin.

Whitey

Or maybe I'm just **** .....however, when your wheels are sitting further out and closer to the fender (with a lower ET), you will have visual reference points that will make it more obvious. Wow, I wasn't aware that the stock wheels are at ET41.....that sits waaaaaay inside the fender

simlow

Whitey,

What about 18x8.5 ET38 front and 18x9 ET38 rear?

will that rub or touch any body parts or arms after lowering with H&R cup kit?

regards,
Simon Low.

Whitey

I've not tried that setup but if Kev's warnings is anything to go by, I guess the inside of the wheel might rub. You still havent got ur wheels yet? lol.

BTW I'm actually in ur part of the world right now. Was at a great wheel shop in Sunway last weekend....Carlsson9 knows it too.

simlow

Whitey,

Ahh you were in KL. Great.Yeah Carlsson9 i've seen his car around, but haven't got a chance to speak to him. Anyway yes i got my wheel. But i m still thinking about H&R Cup kit.

Do you have any idea how come the wheel will touch/rub?

Is it because of the offset ET38? or the width size of the wheel 8.5 or 9in?

Or is it perhaps the lowering suspension kit?

At the moment i'm using H&R springs only. Will have to stick my head underneath the car to take a good look soon. Maybe i'll do it tomorrow.

Regards,
Simon Low.

Whitey

Do a search on E55Kev and you'll see, there's a bolt that's aweful close to the wheel on the inside. I'm back in KL now, was in Malacca when I posted my last comment

stemags

Boy,does that sound familiar. That cars is really nice.If its worth anything,I've put these AMG's on some pretty rough city roads,and the AT Riva's I used to ride would have bent by now.Is the ASA,which I almost bought(until Whitey got involved)anything like the AT's which are Italian made?Dave??

lexrex

Stemags, ASA is a South Korean wheel manufacturer that uses casting technology licensed from BBS. Their wheels are low-pressure cast & shot peened. The shot peening may give ASA's wheels a leg up on AMGs in terms of strength. Your AT Riva's are gravity cast, which makes them both heavier and weaker. It's good to hear that the AMGs are holding up well even on abusive roads.

I think I'm going to get the 17x8.5 ET34 AMG Style IIIs now that I know they'll clear my control arm.

stemags

Very good Lex,so they offer styling and durability,with less out of pocket,gotta love it.Good luck with that beauty.The style III's you mention are ASA's,correct?

carlsson9

Hey Simon...how ya been man? still waiting to see that ride of yours...

where have you seen me around btw?

so whats next for your ride? pics now!

Cheers,

Karlson

lexrex

No, the style III's are genuine AMGs as shown in the very first pic in the thread. The ASA replicas come in 18" and are in the post by wood1185 and a subsequent post by me. Both AMG and ASA make quality wheels.

Whitey, what kind of tires were you running when you had 8.5" ET35? After feeling around behind the wheel today, I discovered that the control arm nut is already pretty stinking close with the stock rims & 215/55-16 Michelins. The 8.5" wheel itself will clear the suspension, but I'm a little concerned about the tires. The Pirelli PZero Nero M&S tires I'll be getting have very square shoulders (see attached). I think I'm going to have Tire Rack mount the wheels on the car when I'm back in their neighborhood rather than having them shipped and mounting myself, just so there aren't any surprises! Maybe I'm just overparanoid...

simlow

Greetings Carlsson9,

Yeah... need to post up my car pic soon. After is all completely. Going down to Singapore to get my Wald bodykit on the 15th this month. Hopefuly to post them up by end of this month.

Regards,
Simon Low.

Whitey

Actually AMG's are TUV certified, having been thru stringent tests, ASA's don't have that, South Korean...hmmmmmm

I'm running SP9000, 235's (height irrelevant since I'm on 19's but I did use 235/40's in 18's, I think). You also gotto remember, the offset of the new rims will be different and the wheel is sitting further out than you stock ones (havent done my calculations to determine if the extra width would make the inside edge further in or out tho ). Anyways, that size will fit without worries - its a pretty standard W210 size with lots of room to spare

stemags

[QUOTE=Whitey]
I knew there was a difference in there somewhere,which is why we go to Dave,the Wheel Guy.

Lex,I think the Style III's are the better choice for overall quality,and looks. Good Luck