aceman

OK,

I did a search on 4matic wheel options and found like one post back in early 2004 so i'm going to ask. What options do i have for wheels on a 2005 e500 4matic? I'd like to go with 18's, staggered, specifically the amg split spoke replicas (8's in front, 9in back). can i do this? if not, what are my choices?

thx in advance!

Aceman

brlazar2

It may have been my post back in 2004. 1st off, you cannot do staggered set up on 4-matic, why, im not sure.2nd, i would like to hear from anyone who has changed wheels on 4-matic regardless of size.pics would be great,
thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

uncle dan

I took delivery of my 05 E500 4MATIC in late March with the AMG 18" type 211 wheels staggered with Michelin PS2. Very happy. No problems. Wheels were mounted by dealer and part of the transaction.

Kev04C320

Luke (Tirerack) indicated that staggered setup is possible with 4MATIC models, but he said that it's a little. He didn't go into great details, but I would definitely talk to him again soon to find out a little more info before I go pick up my car.

For now, I'm going with a set of HRE841R (18X8.5) with Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S for now. I might put on some 840R in 19" for the summer.

Craig Cooper

I have an 02 E430 4matic and I just upgraded to 19 inch Zenetti rims. I also was told by several people including MB that all 4 tires and rims had to the the same or it would screw up the 4matic system. For me the rear setup went fine but the front required shorter lug nuts that I had to have machined. The ride quality has suffered a bit ( not sure if it's the tires or the size) but the car looks great.

You can view more pictures of my car here:

http://eclass210.com/eve/ubb.x/a/tpc...153#9210055153

I hope this helps...

brlazar2

KEV........Your reply said Luke thought it was a little...????????????????
a little what???????

aceman

Guys,

I spoke w/ Luke today. He said some folks have done a staggered setup and haven't had any issues. I still am not 100% certain that this is something i'm going to do. At the end of hte day - whats the diff in size between fronts and rears - i'm assuming 1". Is that one inch really a big deal visually [no comments from the peanut gallery!]? Anyone out there with some nice rear/side shots?

I'm torn right now between the ASA that tirerack has for 800 (200 each) and eurotech has the exact same wheel, no name, for 570 for 4. dunno. still want to see it. also - luke recommended avon m500 tires - don't know if anyone has used them i'd like some feedback.

will keep you posted.

thx.

aceman

Gregs210

Hi, Ace.

If you're familiar with the relationship between width, sidewall/profile series and diameter then you know that if your wheels are all the same diameter, then even with a staggered setup, viewed from the side of the car your tires will look the same. Why? Because with the 4-Matic you have to maintain as close to identical a circumference/overall diameter as is possible. Since the wheel diameter is fixed and the OD of the tire is fixed, the sidewalls will be virtually identical in height. Thus, the only realistic difference will be in rear tire width, which should increase available traction but may tend to make the car push more in corners as it reaches it's handling limits.

If you want to play with tire widths and profiles on a given diameter, there is a great little tool on a Miata site. It's at http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Just plug in your various numbers and when you're within a tenth of an inch on overall diameter, you should be perfectly fine for the 4-Matic.

Avon tires have been very popular in MC circles for several years. So long as they meet whatever requirements you have for the tradeoffs of tire life, traction, performance and price, I would have no concerns at all about the brand. I certainly hold them in higher regard than some of the newer players that lots of folks are throwing on their cars.

On the wheels, if you're not going to go with one of the MBZ brands, personally I'd recommend avoiding the unknowns. Although I'm not their biggest fan, I do generally like Tire Rack and have purchased from them in the past. In this case ASA makes a decent wheel; one of the things I like about Tire Rack is that they don't sell questionable stuff. Moreover, if you buy tires and wheels from one source you'll receive them ready to install, already mounted and balanced, which by itself will cost you quite a bit if you have to source it locally after buying wheels 'here' and tires 'there'. Bottom line: even if they look exactly the same, I'd steer clear of the Eurotech unbranded ones; $230 is a good chunk of money, I admit, but divided out over the life of the wheels, it's nothing. Plus if you get a hard number from Eurotech you may convince Luke to come down a bit.

That's my sixty-seven cents worth (inflation, you know); enjoy the ride!
Greg

aceman

Greg,

thx for the advice...many good points. I am aware that the od's of the tires are the same, i was curious how it looks from the rear rear/quarter to see the diff in the width. I think i'm probably going to play it safe and just go w/ 18x8's on all 4 corners.

I agree w/ your assessment on tire rack. They seem very reputable, and at the end of the day, a couple hundred bucks seems worth it...

aceman

Kev04C320

tricky, and a delicate balance

sorry about the typo

pratas

hi aceman
hope this reply will not too late for your reference

my E350 come with 18-inch wheels and staggered-width tires — 245/40 in front, 265/30 in back from MB dealership as standard for the new sport package. When I pick up my car I did see one E350 with 4matic options also carry the same size of tires in the dealership. So I think it should be OK.

aceman

Pratas,

I'll stop by the dealership and take a look - thanks for the heads up as i'm going to pull the trigger more than likely this week!

Aceman

pratas

You are welcome. :p

You can also check the test drive report of the 2006 E350 from the edmunds.com. My car comes with the wheel/tires just as the same as the pictures from that report.

Report http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/merc...Mercedes-Benz*

Photo Gallery
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/merc...age=photo.html

Best regards,