AJChenMPH

For those of you that have upgraded from the OEM 17x7.5 rims on the E430 to 17x8 or 17x8.5 rims -- did you notice any appreciable handling improvements?

I noticed that the OEM Goodyear's tend to bulge quite a bit, and was thinking of getting either aftermarket 17x8 rims or AMG 17x8.5 rims to counter that bulging, but would only do so if it improved performance at the limit. (I'm planning on taking the E430 to Lime Rock in November.)

TIA for any help/insight you could shed...

EDIT: nothing bigger than 17" is considered, given that I live in the city crowned as the Pothole King of the country (NYC)...so no 18" or 19" suggestions, please. Thanks.

ryson

I went to 18x8.5 with 225/40's and noticed a better feel for the road. The "bouncy" feel was gone around corners. Any additional width on the tread will be better even if you can't feel it. IMO, if you're going for the upgrade in tire rims, go for the wider rim. Noise level will increase due to more rubber on the road but just pick your tire wisely to reduce the increase in noise and you should be fine.

AJChenMPH

Thanks -- but I already have 235/45-17's mounted on this puppy, and have no intention of going to a wider tire. I'm just curious if people stayed with 235/45-17's, but went up to a 17x8 or 17x8.5 rim. I'm just wondering whether it's worth the $1200+shipping to get a set of AMG rims in 17x8.5 (or even the $668 for a nice set of 17x8 that I found).

AJChenMPH

ttt

AJChenMPH

Another thought: has anyone mounted 215/50-17's on the OEM 17x7.5 rims? If so, how does the car behave? How do you like them?

TIA...

MikeyE430

Dude,

The factory 17" wheels on my E430 Sport are 8" wide mounted on Goodyear F1 GS/D2 tires. I went to 8" x 18" wheels on 245 40 18 Dunlop SP9000. The new combo is about 3 pounds per corner LIGHTER than the stock combo. Of course the Dunlops ride and handle better than the Goodyears.

Not sure what year you have, but again, my stock alloys are 8" wide.

AJChenMPH

Yeah, I know the Sport package comes with 17x8 rims -- but the OEM rims on non-Sport E430's (in 2001, at least) have 17x7.5 rims. Sucks.

Thanks anyways.

AJChenMPH

bump