tire question
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2006
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tire question
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.
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.
Last edited by gyunwoo87; Aug 1, 2006 at 12:13 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18
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Originally Posted by lexrex
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 22
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From: East Bay Area - CA
98 e320
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!
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!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
+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.
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 177
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From: Princeton NJ
2015 E350 4matic Sport and 2011 C300 4matic sport
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?
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8
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Originally Posted by 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.
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.
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