Before I obsess with different size wheels....
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
2002 E320 4MATIC
Before I obsess with different size wheels....
What are you're thoughts on up grading from a 17X8 to an 18X8, would there be a noticable difference? Or should I just buy some good tires and forget about upsizing?
I picked 18's because I still want some comfort and I don't want to mod anything related (Fenders, springs etc...)
I picked 18's because I still want some comfort and I don't want to mod anything related (Fenders, springs etc...)
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, Cali
I own a 1999 W210 Mercedes.
you can always move up to a size 20" and still have the ride comfort. These are Mercedes Benz vehicles not just a honda. The suspension will still be smooth and youll have a smooth ride as well. As far as the 18" wheel look, yea you will be able to tell but it wont be by much, the change would just depend on how much you are willing to spend for the difference. Take care bro and post pics if you go through with the change. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
keep the 17teens
You'll like the ride better with a quality tire,they will last longer on the harsh seattle roads and won't jar your teeth out.As to the above 20'S ?? please pimp somewhere else!
why ruin a great road car with thin sidewall ,cement hard ,bone jarring ,meats,leave that to the ricer crowd.
ohlord
that is unless you are a ricer----
why ruin a great road car with thin sidewall ,cement hard ,bone jarring ,meats,leave that to the ricer crowd.
ohlord
that is unless you are a ricer----
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, Cali
I own a 1999 W210 Mercedes.
You'll like the ride better with a quality tire,they will last longer on the harsh seattle roads and won't jar your teeth out.As to the above 20'S ?? please pimp somewhere else!
why ruin a great road car with thin sidewall ,cement hard ,bone jarring ,meats,leave that to the ricer crowd.
ohlord
that is unless you are a ricer----
why ruin a great road car with thin sidewall ,cement hard ,bone jarring ,meats,leave that to the ricer crowd.
ohlord
that is unless you are a ricer----
. anyway stay up dude and get what you think looks better on your car. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
It's not a size issue here, it's more of trying to blend and balance what your
personal driving style and butt wants in terms. The roads in the area will also
help determine what is the proper size.
You're proposing .5" shorter sidewall and same width....that's all.
Going from 17 to 18 will result in decrease in quality of ride, but it's up to each
individual to determine whether it's acceptable. Expansion joints will be felt a
scootch more sharply...after all, you're effectively removing a 1" cushion of
air. Broken pavement on 18" lowered car will definitely be conveyed through
to your spine. One person's threshold of acceptance may be totally unacceptable
by another.
When suspension mods are proposed (and made), folks have a tendancey to
oversimplify their arguments. Fact is, suspension tuning involves a myriad of
considerations....all components must be matched and weighed. Ride comfort,
handling, aesthetics, pos/neg benefits, cost.....
The best gauge is to find someone who has similar set up and ride in their car.
Then, try to replicate the components used....from tires used, wheels, lugs,
springs, pads, shocks.... you get my drift. These all work together in unison
and affect the bottom line.
I went from 16 and really wanted 17. Didn't find any 17s I liked so apprehen-
sively went to 18. Through much trial and error, I found a nice balance using
a combination of parts....swapping out spring pads, springs, and shocks.
All things being equal, I think you'll feel a very slight increase in jolts through
the steering wheel over same roads.
I have some flexibility tomorrow in my errands. If you are close by, I can
swing by and you can try my 99 firsthand....recognizing that yours is 02,
of course.
personal driving style and butt wants in terms. The roads in the area will also
help determine what is the proper size.
You're proposing .5" shorter sidewall and same width....that's all.
Going from 17 to 18 will result in decrease in quality of ride, but it's up to each
individual to determine whether it's acceptable. Expansion joints will be felt a
scootch more sharply...after all, you're effectively removing a 1" cushion of
air. Broken pavement on 18" lowered car will definitely be conveyed through
to your spine. One person's threshold of acceptance may be totally unacceptable
by another.
When suspension mods are proposed (and made), folks have a tendancey to
oversimplify their arguments. Fact is, suspension tuning involves a myriad of
considerations....all components must be matched and weighed. Ride comfort,
handling, aesthetics, pos/neg benefits, cost.....
The best gauge is to find someone who has similar set up and ride in their car.
Then, try to replicate the components used....from tires used, wheels, lugs,
springs, pads, shocks.... you get my drift. These all work together in unison
and affect the bottom line.
I went from 16 and really wanted 17. Didn't find any 17s I liked so apprehen-
sively went to 18. Through much trial and error, I found a nice balance using
a combination of parts....swapping out spring pads, springs, and shocks.
All things being equal, I think you'll feel a very slight increase in jolts through
the steering wheel over same roads.
I have some flexibility tomorrow in my errands. If you are close by, I can
swing by and you can try my 99 firsthand....recognizing that yours is 02,
of course.
Last edited by raymond g-; Jul 19, 2007 at 10:37 PM. Reason: poor reading comprehension. his wheel width remains same
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
You are right,San jose
I was a little heavy handed,just concerned over ride quality.Some of the peeps here go whole hog on the rims and blocks etc. for tons of money and find they have ruined the ride so much they don't really like the car anymore.
Glad your system is up to snuff,you must have really gotten quality components.Once again,sorry...
ohlord
Glad your system is up to snuff,you must have really gotten quality components.Once again,sorry...
ohlord
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
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
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, Cali
I own a 1999 W210 Mercedes.
well said
It's not a size issue here, it's more of trying to blend and balance what your
personal driving style and butt wants in terms. The roads in the area will also
help determine what is the proper size.
You're proposing .5" shorter sidewall and 1" wider wheel/tire....that's all.
Going from 17 to 18 will result in decrease in quality of ride, but it's up to each
individual to determine whether it's acceptable. Expansion joints will be felt a
scootch more sharply...after all, you're effectively removing a 1" cushion of
air. Broken pavement on 18" lowered car will definitely be conveyed through
to your spine. One person's threshold of acceptance may be totally unacceptable
by another.
When suspension mods are proposed (and made), folks have a tendancey to
oversimplify their arguments. Fact is, suspension tuning involves a myriad of
considerations....all components must be matched and weighed. Ride comfort,
handling, aesthetics, pos/neg benefits, cost.....
The best gauge is to find someone who has similar set up and ride in their car.
Then, try to replicate the components used....from tires used, wheels, lugs,
springs, pads, shocks.... you get my drift. These all work together in unison
and affect the bottom line.
I went from 16 and really wanted 17. Didn't find any 17s I liked so apprehen-
sively went to 18. Through much trial and error, I found a nice balance using
a combination of parts....swapping out spring pads, springs, and shocks.
All things being equal, I think you'll feel a slight improvement in handling and
barely noticeable rise in jolts through the steering wheel over same roads.
I have some flexibility tomorrow in my errands. If you are close by, I can
swing by and you can try my 99 firsthand....recognizing that yours is 02,
of course.
personal driving style and butt wants in terms. The roads in the area will also
help determine what is the proper size.
You're proposing .5" shorter sidewall and 1" wider wheel/tire....that's all.
Going from 17 to 18 will result in decrease in quality of ride, but it's up to each
individual to determine whether it's acceptable. Expansion joints will be felt a
scootch more sharply...after all, you're effectively removing a 1" cushion of
air. Broken pavement on 18" lowered car will definitely be conveyed through
to your spine. One person's threshold of acceptance may be totally unacceptable
by another.
When suspension mods are proposed (and made), folks have a tendancey to
oversimplify their arguments. Fact is, suspension tuning involves a myriad of
considerations....all components must be matched and weighed. Ride comfort,
handling, aesthetics, pos/neg benefits, cost.....
The best gauge is to find someone who has similar set up and ride in their car.
Then, try to replicate the components used....from tires used, wheels, lugs,
springs, pads, shocks.... you get my drift. These all work together in unison
and affect the bottom line.
I went from 16 and really wanted 17. Didn't find any 17s I liked so apprehen-
sively went to 18. Through much trial and error, I found a nice balance using
a combination of parts....swapping out spring pads, springs, and shocks.
All things being equal, I think you'll feel a slight improvement in handling and
barely noticeable rise in jolts through the steering wheel over same roads.
I have some flexibility tomorrow in my errands. If you are close by, I can
swing by and you can try my 99 firsthand....recognizing that yours is 02,
of course.
-Leo
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, Cali
I own a 1999 W210 Mercedes.
Its kool man
I was a little heavy handed,just concerned over ride quality.Some of the peeps here go whole hog on the rims and blocks etc. for tons of money and find they have ruined the ride so much they don't really like the car anymore.
Glad your system is up to snuff,you must have really gotten quality components.Once again,sorry...
ohlord
Glad your system is up to snuff,you must have really gotten quality components.Once again,sorry...
ohlord
-Leo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
2002 E320 4MATIC
thanks for the input everyone, specially raymond offering to chauffer me around 
I think I am going to just stick with the 17X8s for now and just get some good tires (Cheapest way to go and I really should take care of replacing the lower control arm bushings fist.)
Thanks again every one!
I think I am going to just stick with the 17X8s for now and just get some good tires (Cheapest way to go and I really should take care of replacing the lower control arm bushings fist.)
Thanks again every one!
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, Cali
I own a 1999 W210 Mercedes.
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: Fremont, CA
1998 E320 / 1992 LandCruiser / Project Car E30, 91, 318I
19's
Ride is pretty good. (of course not the same as stock) I think Bay Area freeways are pretty good don't you think? Not often in SJ (downtown?) but a little more in Santa Row. I work in Sunnyvale near Frys Electronics
Take some pictures already. I wanna see
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, Cali
I own a 1999 W210 Mercedes.
235X35X19 front. 265X30X19 rear. H&R. Still stock shocks.
Ride is pretty good. (of course not the same as stock) I think Bay Area freeways are pretty good don't you think? Not often in SJ (downtown?) but a little more in Santa Row. I work in Sunnyvale near Frys Electronics
Take some pictures already. I wanna see
Ride is pretty good. (of course not the same as stock) I think Bay Area freeways are pretty good don't you think? Not often in SJ (downtown?) but a little more in Santa Row. I work in Sunnyvale near Frys Electronics
Take some pictures already. I wanna see
-Leo
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 669
Likes: 1
From: North Bay Area, California
2001 E320
What are you're thoughts on up grading from a 17X8 to an 18X8, would there be a noticable difference? Or should I just buy some good tires and forget about upsizing?
I picked 18's because I still want some comfort and I don't want to mod anything related (Fenders, springs etc...)
I picked 18's because I still want some comfort and I don't want to mod anything related (Fenders, springs etc...)
If I wanted to go to wheels like that, I'd want to drive a similar setup first before spending the money and maybe being unhappy with the end result.
