I am going to replace my 17" Sport Wheels with Styling IV AMG wheels. I am going with 18". I was told if I wasn't going to stagger that the correct size tire would be 245 40 18 and that they would bolt right up with my Sport wheel bolts and that I could use my Sport caps.

My question is this. If my tires are now 245 45 17 will the new 18" wheel and tire setup be taller or the same as I have now? In other words will it fill the wheel well the same or will it fill it more top to bottom?

I don't have at hand the site of a tire size calculator, but I believe that your new tire will have the identical outside diameter of your current tires. That being the case, it should not rub against anything or cause the speedometer to be incorrect. Essentially, you have more wheel and less tire around it. It should occupy the same space in the wheel well.

That's what I thought. Thanks. BTW great color combo. I'm hoping the new wheels will make it a little "tougher" looking.

STK why 18 why not 20?

Conservative out here in the midwest. It takes us a while to catch up with you folks from the coast. We are still quided by
dorothy and toto!

oooo... are you going to lower it, too?

That's going to look sweet. I'm running the 245/40/18 (at least I think they are the 40 series :p ) setup on AMG 18x8.5s (not the styling IV) ET 31 Perfect match for the stock wheel/tire diameter.

The overall diameter of the 245/45/17 is 25.7".
The overall diameter of the 245/40/18 is 25.7".
It will be a perfect fit!!
Are you going to buy your new wheels from me??

Here's the tire size calculator site:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

sf49er, I knew you would say that!! It's like your mission to convince everyone to get 20" wheels LOL. I'm just busting your chops. But as STK said, some of us are more conservative (and older!) and we would get some strange looks having 20" wheels on our MB's. Seriously, do you really drive EVERY day with 20's. I never drove in San Fran. but if the roads are anything like they are here in Long Island / NYC they would last maybe a week!! I typically drive 20-25K per year; I'd be buying wheels monthly!

STK, I just did the same exact thing. AMG syling IV with SO3's. Same lugs and they just bolted on. I would recommend the staggered setup (275-35). Can't rotate though. Are you going to keep these for all year use (all season tire) or use it as a summer setup with a hi-perf. tire? I got mine as a summer setup and will put the stock wheel/tire setup back on in the fall. I'll probably end up buying another set of AMG's with an all season tire

I'll be using these as my main wheel and tire setup for all occasions. I'll be getting the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. I've had those on other cars and they are THE BEST for all weather ride and road noise. A little pricey though.

stklaw, I love those wheels. I also want them for my '04 e500. Looks like $489/$519 on tirerack. Is that the going price??

David

David,

I thought they were $439. 18X8 all the way around. I am not staggering.

I can definitely do a better price than that.

I don't know what I was thinking. $439 is the price on the sight. Are you getting them settup with tires, or doing that locally?

David

I plan on getting them with tires mounted and balanced and shipped to my house. All I'll have to do is jack up the car and swap. My car came with the Continental Conti Contact Sports and rode relatively smooth and quiet when new. But now that I have 3000 miles on them I am beginning to notice some roar. I know it will just get worse. So, I'm going to get Michelin Pilot Sports A/S. I had them on my E 430 and drove them for about 15000 miles and they were always very quiet and smooth riding. I'll either sell my whole set of stock Sport wheels and tires or just keep them and put them back on when I sell the car. However it's hard to see that far ahead because I plan to keep this car for a good little while.

Have you gotten any quotes?

You will love the Michelin Pilot Sports A/S. Have them on my car and I like them. Great ride, handling and quiet enough.

Ben,

Your post says you have Styling IV wheels. Do you have the bight silver or regular silver. I assume yours are painted. Aren't they all? Do you have 18X8's?

SKTLAW, I have the staggered set-up; 8.0J x 18 with 245s (front) and 9.0J x18 with 275 (rear). The painted finish is bright silver just like in the E55.

Here is a photo.

Do you suppose these are bright silver or the regular silver?

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&pagenumber=21

Have you seen non bright silver? Is there a big difference?

Yes, those look exactly like mine. I didn't know the AMG Styling IV came in non-bright silver.

If you are buying OEM wheels from the dealer, they should come with bright silver paint. Perhaps the non-bright silver versions are from aftermarket stores and could be knock-offs.

Part #6-603-1300 (8.0J x 18) and #6-6-03-1301 (9.0J x 18).