tyswong

My car comes stock with 16" rims with 215/55 tires. I'd like to put on the same style wheels from the Sport model that are 17" with 235/45 tires. I know that I should get a slightly stiffer ride but am I overlooking anything in the spring/shock setup that would cuase an overly harsh or unstable ride?

tyswong

Let me add that both size rims are 7.5 inches wide and the stock 16" rims have a 41mm offset and the 17" rims have a 35mm offset. I ran the numbers through an offset calculation and it looks like I shouldn't have a problem with rubbing but I'm not sure what effect the different offset will have. I believe that the 17" inch rims will sit slightly further out and create a slightly wider track.

STKLAW

I have a 98 E430 Sport model and I have been told by EVERYONE that the differences between the Sport and regular are only cosmetic. I had hoped there was some kind of suspension upgrade etc. Not so. Same car. My point is that the 17s should be fine and I think will look a lot better. I had a 97 420 with the 16s and didn't like it. The ride on my Sport is great. Not harsh a bit. Of course that depends on tires too. I have a new set of the Pilots. Here's my 98 with 17s.

tyswong

SKTLAW,

Thank you very much for posting the picture of your car. I love the look of the 17" wheels. So far all the information I've gathered corresponds with your information so I'll go forth and put some 17" on my car.

By the way, have you lowered your car? Or are you using stock shocks/coils?

tyswong

STKLAW,

Thanks for posting the picture of your car and giving me your information. It looks absolutely great. I guess I'll take the leap and put on some 17" wheels. By the way, have you lowered your car? Or is it the stock setup?

STKLAW

It's a stock setup. I like doing some mods but I am VERY conservative when it comes to changing things on a benz. I do only cosmetic and I might get to audio.

STKLAW

If you like the Sport wheels I've seen some--either monoblock 3 or 4 that look a lot like them. As a matter of fact I like them better than the MB Sport wheels.

tyswong

STKLAW,

Thanks for the information. Actually I found a guy here locally who is selling his OEM 17" wheels from a 2001 E430 standard model that are the same as the ones used on the older Sport models (at least it looks the same and the specs are the same). He upgraded to AMG Aero's. Thanks again

STKLAW

Your lucky! I'll bet for what you are paying you're saving a boatload of money. Yes I think the sport wheels have been the same for some time now. What color and interior is your 430?

tyswong

Yes, I'm getting a good deal. I just hope that they look as good on the car as I hope they do. My car is silver with a black interior. I also plan on having the lower body panels painted to match the main body. The stock model has black panels and they don't look right to me against the silver. You said you had Pilot's on your wheels. Are you using the 235/45 Sport Pilots?

STKLAW

Yep. That's the standard size that Michelin calls out for my car. So I imagine it would be the same for yours. I really like them. I was worried that it wouldn't ride as smooth as I like but I was pleasantly suprised with the ride and handling.

AJChenMPH

Your stock suspension setup will be fine with your new 17" rims, enjoy!

If you're looking to upgrade your suspension (which I'm contemplating at some point), look into the AMG E55 suspension (springs, dampers and sway bars) -- they should bolt right in, and others have said the ride is much tighter without being harsh.

tyswong

Andy,

Thanks for the input! I'm picking up the new 17" rims this week. By the way, what does an E55 suspension upgrade cost and where would you get it from?

AJChenMPH

Honestly, I have no idea -- I asked about suspension upgrades in another thread, and this was a good suggestion. You can probably order the parts through the MB parts department, and then have the dealer do the install -- but it'll expensive (be prepared for at least $3K). The only upside is that there should be no factory or extended warranty issues.

HTH...