Wheel/tire info needed. please read
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Joined: Jun 2004
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Wheel/tire info needed. please read
I'm in a 97 E320 and am looking for a wheel and tire upgrade. I've contacted a local seller to ask him about an advertised set of these:
(Carlsson AMG Mercedes rim + Potenza S-02 255/40 ZR 19).
Can anyone tell me if these tires will fit my E320 currently with 215 55 16 on them and if I would need any new lugs/spacers etc for them...
Also, while we're at it, can you explain what benefits I'd get by upgrading to a larger radius wheel/tire set? I'm assuming I'd get better ride and handling but why? Is it the sidewall, the larger circumference, etc. I always notice that higher end sportier cars have larger tires but never quite understood what the benefits were.
Thanks for sharing!
(Carlsson AMG Mercedes rim + Potenza S-02 255/40 ZR 19).
Can anyone tell me if these tires will fit my E320 currently with 215 55 16 on them and if I would need any new lugs/spacers etc for them...
Also, while we're at it, can you explain what benefits I'd get by upgrading to a larger radius wheel/tire set? I'm assuming I'd get better ride and handling but why? Is it the sidewall, the larger circumference, etc. I always notice that higher end sportier cars have larger tires but never quite understood what the benefits were.
Thanks for sharing!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 669
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From: North Bay Area, California
2001 E320
Originally Posted by smazur
Also, while we're at it, can you explain what benefits I'd get by upgrading to a larger radius wheel/tire set? I'm assuming I'd get better ride and handling but why? Is it the sidewall, the larger circumference, etc. I always notice that higher end sportier cars have larger tires but never quite understood what the benefits were.Thanks for sharing!
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 88
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From: Vancouver, BC
1997 E320
I'm pretty new to the MB world so I cant help with the offset question. One thing is for sure though, that going to 19's you are going to loose big time ride quality towards the stiffer side. Also one thing you always have to calculate is the weight. Unsprung weight is the worse enemy in performance and ride quality. 19" wheels most likely will be heavier unless they are high quality, but still a number worth investigation.
I dont see a real benefit in going to 19's, I would think that 18's should be kind of the limit with a very low profile 35-40 series tire. I'm planning to go to 17's with a 235/45 tire to improve a bit the handling and not penalize too much the ride.
On my 911, I "upgraded" for performance reasons to 18's from 17 inch wheels and for sure it has degrated the ride quality.
Finally the sizes you quoted I think they are very tall for your car. E320's optional tire on 19's is a 245/35 front and 275/30 series rear.
I dont see a real benefit in going to 19's, I would think that 18's should be kind of the limit with a very low profile 35-40 series tire. I'm planning to go to 17's with a 235/45 tire to improve a bit the handling and not penalize too much the ride.
On my 911, I "upgraded" for performance reasons to 18's from 17 inch wheels and for sure it has degrated the ride quality.
Finally the sizes you quoted I think they are very tall for your car. E320's optional tire on 19's is a 245/35 front and 275/30 series rear.
Last edited by djf1; Mar 25, 2006 at 12:32 AM.
