ron m.

I have a 99 E320 wagon and I was thinking of replacing my current OEM wheels with a staggered 18-inch set (18 X 8.5 front 18 X 9.5 rear). I want to know what proper wheel offsets I need to clear the wheels from fender rub. I also want to know if any of you have experienced any adverse handling effects with going this route.

Lastly, my wagon is silver and because it's a 99, it didn't have the ground effects that came with the 2001+ wagons. I think black centered rims would look nice, but the conservative part of me wants to go with a plain silver. What do you guys think?

E55 KEV

for rims and offsets check out www.tirerack.com for what's available.

ron m.

Thanks Kev, but Tire Rack does not tell you the proper wheel offset.

E55 KEV

Yes they do. After you select the rim click this and you get all this informatin:

Size Selected: 17x7.5
Price: $459 (each)
Estimated Availability: 11/17/06
Recommended Tire Size: 235/45-17
Wheel Offset: +37mm
** Lightweight: 22.5 lbs. **


Size Selected: 17x8.5 Optional Rear
Price: $449 (each)
Estimated Availability: Low Stock
Recommended Tire Size: 255/40-17
Wheel Offset: +30mm
** Lightweight: 23.8 lbs. **

They will also tell you over the phone for free.

lexrex

Is your wagon a 4Matic? If so, you need to stay away from staggered. The slight difference in overall tire diameter front to pack puts perpetual strain on the transfer case, which will prematurely wear it out ($$$).

VIP ONE

35 offset

516mbtek

The tire diameters are actually the same w/ staggered wheels, its the width thats different....just use a wider/lower pro tire on the rears... if they were different diameters on any benz the bas/esp will freak out....I have had no problems w/ my set-up!

lexrex

Wrong. They're close, but not the same. Up to 2-3% diameter difference is typically considered acceptable for a staggered set. This is too much for a 4Matic.

For example, the diameter of a 235/45/17 tire is 64.33 cm. The diameter of the staggered 255/40/17 rear tire is 63.58 cm. The front tire is 1.2% bigger. As a result, the front driveshaft spins more slowly (by about 1 MPH) than the rear.

Where is the speed difference absorbed? The transfer case. The job of the transfer case is to handle transient differences in speed, as in slipping on ice. Driving a 4Matic with staggered tires is a lot like always driving in a continuous turn. It won't fry the transfer case (or differential) immediately, but it does put more strain on it than necessary.

How much strain is too much? Mercedes says all 4 tires need to be the same size and tread depth. Audi quattros must maintain less than .32cm difference in diameter. Subarau's spec is .20cm. Even some of the best matched staggered sizes (e.g. 235/40/18 & 265/35/18) fall outside this range.

You might notice that Tire Rack does not list any staggered wheel combinations for 4Matic vehicles.

For a more in depth article on this stuff, see this Tire Rack article.

ron m.

Thanks for the posts.

Kev, you're right, the offsets are included. In the widths that I want, I'll need 32 fr/35 r. It might be tough to find a 32 mm offset, so I guess 3 mm more in wouldn't be too bad (unless the calipers don't clear).

I have a non-4-matic, so it's not an issue.

FWIW, I've found a local place that sells a complete set (including Fuzion? tires) for $1200.

516mbtek

....like I said my 4matic is fine, no problems with a staggered set up, 255/40-18 f and 285/35 in rear. You can read all the articles you want. I have living proof in which I drive everyday for over a year. The diameter difference in not enough to caused probs with the bas/esp/abs and it doesent cause probs w/ 4matic cause the system uses double planetarys that are bulletproof....no friction discs until 2004.

MARK CUMMINS

I Run The 18s AMG Monoblocks (Polished) staggard with 245/275 and H/Rs
They fit perfect....After the front fenders are rolled..(Note) All W210 AMG cars have the fenders rolled...So Its a good idea to have them done

http://www.smartenthusiast.com/image...e/IMG_3564.JPG

Btw One can install the AMG E55 Estate body kit..Bumpers/side skirts/Brakes/sway bars/Exhaust/etc

I Did it to my Wagon....The Rear Bumper and AMG exhaust were VERY Hard to locate .. since wagons are different