wheels
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
wheels
any suggestions on wheels, i like to upgrade to 18 on my 00 e320 4matic, i prefer a staggered setup. is 18x10 too aggressive or should i stay with 18x9. and any tire size suggestions too. thanks, mbw newbie
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 957
Likes: 0
From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
Originally Posted by kennyv
any suggestions on wheels, i like to upgrade to 18 on my 00 e320 4matic, i prefer a staggered setup. is 18x10 too aggressive or should i stay with 18x9. and any tire size suggestions too. thanks, mbw newbie
Good luck
Mario
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 957
Likes: 0
From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
I'm sorry, I didn't read that your car was a 4matic. I'm not sure if it makes a difference since the wheels height will be the same, but I'm not familar with 4matics
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
You're right that it won't make a difference if there is no difference in tire diameter front and back.
The problem is that staggered arrangements are not exactly the same.
Most AWD manufacturers, including Mercedes, say that differences in tread wear should be avoided. This means you can't have, say, new tires on the front and old tires on the back, even if the tires are otherwise exactly the same. This is all in the manual.
If several 1/32" of an inch difference from treadwear causes a problem, then think about what can happen when the difference in staggered sizes is even larger.
Staggering can be done; you just have to make sure that all four corners are EXACTLY the same. And you don't get the benefit of rotation to keep things even, which means you may have to replace all 4 of your tires much more often (every time 2 wear out).
The center differential is not made to tolerate continuous difference in speed between front and back. Just like the rear differentials, it can take transient speed differences.
The wear to the center differential from staggering is akin to a rear differential being in an endless left or right turn.
The problem is that staggered arrangements are not exactly the same.
Most AWD manufacturers, including Mercedes, say that differences in tread wear should be avoided. This means you can't have, say, new tires on the front and old tires on the back, even if the tires are otherwise exactly the same. This is all in the manual.
If several 1/32" of an inch difference from treadwear causes a problem, then think about what can happen when the difference in staggered sizes is even larger.
Staggering can be done; you just have to make sure that all four corners are EXACTLY the same. And you don't get the benefit of rotation to keep things even, which means you may have to replace all 4 of your tires much more often (every time 2 wear out).
The center differential is not made to tolerate continuous difference in speed between front and back. Just like the rear differentials, it can take transient speed differences.
The wear to the center differential from staggering is akin to a rear differential being in an endless left or right turn.
Last edited by lexrex; Jan 27, 2006 at 02:23 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 9
From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
Originally Posted by kennyv
any suggestions on wheels, i like to upgrade to 18 on my 00 e320 4matic, i prefer a staggered setup. is 18x10 too aggressive or should i stay with 18x9. and any tire size suggestions too. thanks, mbw newbie
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
