007

hey guys,

i am interested in changing my wheels from 16 inch to something bigger on my e320. However , I am wondering would there much difference in the ride going from 17 to 18.

Should i even bother going to 17 inch just for the looks at this point.
Thanks

Rdigglerino

I'd say if money is an issue jump on ebay and get some amg monoblock 2 17", seen em go for like 800.00. But its just gonna look like every other factory benz with an amg upgrade. I have 1996 E320 with Brabus monoblock 5 one piece 18" still at the factory height and the **** still looks small. I'm gonna lower it next week with and H&R cup kit I'll post pictures. All I'm saying is bigger is better. You can fit 19" on that ***** and them dump it. Again if money is an issue you can always go replica, saw some Lorinser LM5 replicas 19" staggart for about 1500.00 on ebay (ref: I do not support replica products, but you gotta do what you gotta do) Bottom line 17" are a waste because everytime you look at your car your gonna wish you went bigger and there is huge noticable difference.

1996 E320
18" Brabus monoblock V 1 piece non-staggart
coming soon H&R cup kit
Eclipse 5.8 lcd head unit tuner
Eclipse hideaway dvd player
Brabus exaust
Brabus doorsills
Brabus shiftknob

pictures after I drop it on friday

ryson

I agree wit Rdigglerino. 17"s are too small. 18's are what I have and the ride is not that bad. You can tell the ride is more harsh but it's not unbearable (for me). 19's would look the best.. or 18's with a drop but I'm fine with just straight 18's and no drop. Potholes will ruin your 19's very easily. So far I've had no problems with potholes on 18's. For my next tires, I'm considering Yokohama's AVSdb in 235/45r18. You can also increase your tread width to 8.5" with no rubbing problems. I believe stock is 7.5".

007

thx rig and ryson for the views,

how come i dont see alot of people talking about SSR's wheels. I believe that they are pretty much one of the lightest ones out there. i know everyone favors amgs and so forth but perhaps diffrence my spice things up.

any thoughts?

MikeyE430

I have owned a set of the Japanese SSR Integral 18" wheels for a couple years now on my E430 Sport (see pic). Indeed, they are nice and light, but strong (semi-forged). I saved 3 pounds per corner with them and the Dunlops over my stock 17" x 8" with Goodyears. The fit and finish is excellent. Got them at Tire Rack. I recommend them if you like the 5-spoke look.

Rdigglerino

I think that SSR's are tight and I would have loved to have the money for them when I had my accord. But save weight on an e-class, its a heavy *** car and couple of pounds won't change much. But I'd take SSR's over AMG's, AMG is to factory everybodies gottem, I just personally prefer the prestige of Brabus & Lorinser, Carlsson sometimes. But do your **** the way you want, the only person you should be concerned with the look of the car is you.

E55 KEV

Most Tuner wheels (AMG, Brabus, Carlsson, Lorinser) are very heavy, well over 30 pounds. Maybe for durability. Lighter wheels reduces unsprung weight and the suspension works less hard.

I completely ruined a 17 inch wheel with 235/45/17 on a pothole. 19 inch wheels look nice however, not enouch sidewall for me. I want to drive my car not just look at it. Too big wheels look awful sometines and looks like you have a 'rubber band' around wheels rather than a tire.

sportlichE430

I'd like to chime in with a BORBET German mfg. wheel recommendation in lieu of the small spoked SSRs or conservative AMG monoblocks.

You do have to know your roads around pot hole city (chicago), but I have not bent a rim yet...

AJChenMPH

Heh...you Chicago people ain't got nuthin' against NYC.

Just my $0.02 -- what are the roads like in your area? Since you're in SoCal, I'm assuming the roads are fine; I'd get 18's. If for some reason the roads aren't so great, get 17's.

VOID 65

I've been running 19's on my ride for a few years now. Not sure how the roads in So Cal compares to other parts of the world but I haven't had any major problems with the wheels.

Carlsson 2/6 19"x8.5" with 235/35 up front and 19"x10" with 265/30 out back.

If you are upgrading the wheels to enhance appearance, then you gotta go big.

007

that is a fat ride void.....awesome, anyway i am planning to looking at least 18's possible borbet or the ssr. tnx for the pic