Tidybeard

Hi all,

First post - sorry it's long but I'm really excited!

I have just bought an 05 E320CDI Avantgarde Estate (in the UK) which I pick up in a couple of weeks. Really impressed with the car - my first Merc (last few cars were A4 Cab, XJ6SE, A8 Quattro, 330D, GS300 and IS200) and I think I got a great deal. The car is Obsidian Black and has Comand+Nav, Pebble leather, memory heated seats, Xenons, phone kit, 3rd row seats, CD changer, parktronic, full dealer history, 35k miles, etc.

I'm thinking the only things I need to do are the Bluetooth cradle, the Ipod kit and a light tint to the windows, plus....

The car comes with standard 16 inch wheels which look a little odd. I have sourced some 19in E63 replica wheels which come with 245 front/275 rear tyres which are well priced and I'm going to look at them on Monday.

However, I've been searching on here for several days and I notice that not many people (if any) have gone above 18in on the CDI - is there a reason for this as I have seen loads of 19s and 20s on both saloons and estates?

My car is an Avantgarde so has the slightly firmer suspension but on the 16s I still felt the ride was a little wallowy (my current A4 Cab is an S-line with sports suspension on 18s and my previous XJ6 had 20s so I guess I'm used to a slightly firmer ride).

So, to the point - are 19s OK? Any reason not to go for them? Anything else cool I should know about my new car?

Thanks for your patience with an excited newby

TB

Tidybeard

Bump...please?

Tidybeard

I understand that the CDI Estate may not be available in the US at the moment so understand the lack of responses - since I'm still fairly excited, does any one have an estate with 19s on of any description?

Many thanks,

TB

seahonu

Admittedly I don't have an estate CDI, but the sedan CDI. I went through a similar decision process on 18 versus 19, and eventually choose 18". Many reasons;

- Availability of OEM 18" wheels versus 19". Readily available are the 18" from other MB models that can be mounted onto our E320 CDI. In particular, the CLS wheels are a very nice option at 18"

- Cost of 18" tires versus 19". The mere fact that I own a CDI, means I'm more practical on fuel costs and thus whatever maintanence too. The 19" tires will cost abit more, being lower profile.

- Ride/firmness will definitely be effected. Going from the OEM 16" to 18" is a huge leap. Jumping further to 19" profile is pretty low, along with minimal rim protection too.

Tidybeard

Thanks for the reply seahonu. I take your point about availability, I really like the AMG style 3 five spoke in 18in but I can't find a set in good condition. I'm certainly not set on 19s and I've also never had replicas before so perhaps I'll just bide my time and find a decent set of 18 AMGs.

Thanks again,

TB

traumatic

I have 18 inch AMG rims from an E55 wagon off ebay. Looks great and stiffens up the ride significantly. You may have issues with rubbing on larger or wider tires. the plastic inner fender liner is torn on mine and will pop out about 1cm. When it pops out, it rubs, especially while turning in reverse. likewise, make sure that you get narrower, 8 1/2 inch wide wheels for the front, and not the wider rear rims (9 1/2 inches, I think).

Tidybeard

Thanks Traumatic.