bluechick

Below is my car with its stock wheels; above is an e350 with the wheels I'd like to get.


Hi all! I have read thread after thread, forum after forum, and I am now more confused than I started with. I have a US-spec 2007 e320 Bluetec which came standard with 16" double-5 spoke wheels. I was hoping to install 17" 5 spoke wheels from an e350 which are about the same width and offset (2 mm difference in offset) and SHOULD be a direct bolt-on logically speaking...


But I have read anything from "sure, bolt them" on to "no, you have to change some stopper in suspension or else the wheel will hit something" to "you must install sport suspension". Are the cars really so fussy that increasing the rim radius by half an inch will make the rim hit a part of the suspension, or are people just writing nonsense?


Please help, I would really love to get the e350 wheels but not if it means a suspension swap which I can not afford right now, or damaging the car/wheels even if it's just a tiny bit.

Blitz2639

You won't have any issues with installing those wheels and tires on your vehicle. You won't have to change any suspension components. They'll bolt right up.

2.7Tallroader

That is correct. They bolt right on. I have the 5-spoke top picture wheels and have tried them in another vehicle that had 16-inch wheels and they fit perfectly.

AMGAffalterbach

Who is telling you that you have to change suspension bits? If the bolt pattern and offsets of those wheels are fine (which they are) then you will have no issues, no sport suspension or anything required.

beejAMG

go for it, it'll fit just right.

bluechick

That's what I was thinking... logically speaking, I see no reason why they wouldn't bolt right up. Same lug pattern of course, offset within 2mm, and the tire outer diameter is the same but the tires are a little wider. I guess I'll go for it

beejAMG

pics after yeah?

bluechick

Of course . My wish list for this car is not very long. For now I want 17" wheels and a wood/leather steering wheel. Later maybe a sport suspension (currently it's a boat) and real leather interior as I am not a big fan of MB Tex... But that's a big maybe.

JDM_SXE-10

Where are you located? I have a set of those 17" wheels for sale.

bluechick

Seattle area. I do go down to Califonia a bit. Depending on what shape they are and how much you are asking, I may definitely be interested!

F1BHP

The wheels will fit fine but you need to drop down one size on the tire sidewall. What size tires do you have now?

bluechick

I think mine are 225/55r16 and the others are 245/45r17. Outer diameter was about the same but the 17 tires are wider so I probably would get more resistance/worse fuel economy. Although the wheels are only 8" wide so I imagine when they are due for tires, theoretically I could put slightly narrower tires on them...

F1BHP

With the diameter being the same they should be fine

rediesel

I ran 245/265 staggard 18" in the summer and lost 3-4 MPG over the 225 16" I ran in the winter; however, the grip was improved.