gyunwoo87

I just bought

2003 SL500 Monoblock aero III rims

its 18x8.5 ET30 all four of them

currently all four wheels have 255/40/18 tires

I have read some threads and

i think 255 is too big for the front

which size of tires should i get for the front?

I don't really have money to change all four tires so

I really want to keep the 255 on the back.

my car is 2000 E320 4Matic.

thank you.

lexrex

All four tires need to be 235/40/18 for two reasons: (1) your wheel widths are not staggered and (2) running different size tires front & rear on a 4Matic is a great way to burn up your transfer case.

You'll also need custom lug hardware to mount those wheels.

What is the offset on those wheels? They need to be +32 to +35 to fit without rubbing in the front. As far as I know, SL wheels do not fit.

Wood'sBenz

In addition to offset issues, I was always under the impression that the S-class, C-class, CLS-class and SL-class rims have a different bolt pattern than the E-class and thus won't result in the desired hub-centric mounting. I think the SL rims would have to be mounted lug-centric to an E-class hub and this is highly undesirable...I could be mistaken though - someone please correct me if I am.

gyunwoo87

so I can't put that wheels on my car?

the offset is ET30 all four of them

jgalvin

I am using 8.5 x 17 et 38 on my 98 e320 with 235's all around. It is working fine. When I first mounted them, I had 245's all around and they rubbed in the front (control arm). I bought Bridgestone 235/45zr-17 (BFG G-Force Sport) from America's Tire for about $650 out the door. Then I sold my stock rims and the 245's on Craigslist for a little over $400 (started at $250 each). That is not bad for extra stuff that would have been an obstacle in my garage!

My wheels were off a e500. Check the pattern. If you need lugs, check with otisincla.com. That is where I got mine (and several others have also!). Great source of info too (email before you buy to be sure on the order).

I am curious if I should have concerns about the 38 offset if they fit OK. If so, please comment!

lexrex

+38mm is a bit on the high side for 8.5" width rims in the front. When you get closer to the limits, the shape of the tire itself often means the difference between rubbing and not rubbing. Different brand/model 235-width tires can have substantial variation in section width and shoulder design. You might find that a "wider cut" tire of the same (labeled) size would rub.

sts15

As long as we are talking, what do you recommend for tire replacements? I have hit 49,000 miles on first set and looking to replace. Any suggestions?

dacline

I am looking to replace my OEMs with 17's thru TireRack. They list the ones to fit my car haqs offset of +37. Would the +37 create a problem? Also would I need to buy new lugs?