E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

2003 E320 - 18" or 19" wheel upgrade??

Old Mar 5, 2015 | 10:09 PM
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2003 E320 - 18" or 19" wheel upgrade??

Debating what size wheel I should upgrade my 2003 E320 with, ..... 18" or 19"?????
I will keep the suspension stock as it is, no lowering plans at all. However, I would like to upgrade to a staggered set up, 235 tire in the front, 265 in the rear.

I do like the look of a nice set of rims, as it is like a nice pair of shoes on a sharp dressed man. The 16" stockers don't really cut it for me.

I am hoping that some of you can:

A.) Share your thoughts in regards to the 18" or 19" set up. Which is better and why?

B.) Post some pictures with your 18" or 19" set up and let me know the size tire you are running front and back.

Many thanks in advance, greatly appreciated I ate your help.
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Old Mar 7, 2015 | 11:02 AM
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B U M P - Anybody?

I am sure lots of you have upgraded wheel/tire packages.

Last edited by S70Houston; Mar 7, 2015 at 11:09 AM.
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Old Mar 7, 2015 | 11:44 AM
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No idea, but I think 18 would be easiest, some have gone to 19. Only drawback with bigger rims is that the tires and rims are more likely to be damaged in potholes and there's lots of those popping up now in my part of the country. According to carfax, one of my 18 inch rims have already been repaired. Plus the cost of tires are higher than 16 inch rims. If you have smooth roads, 18 is easier because those were standard sizes on later years and probably easier to find. I would have preferred 17 inch rims and I've noticed that a lot of the newer W212 cars have 17 instead of 18 as standard.
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Old Mar 7, 2015 | 02:10 PM
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2003 E500
19s work well. I had 20s before and the roads just tore them apart. With 19s, there is enough rubber to protect the wheels even when the car is lowered.
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Old Mar 7, 2015 | 11:07 PM
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Thanks guys.

Some pics would be nice.
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 10:37 AM
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From: Frederick
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I ran 18's. Driving up 287 I hit a spot of repaving. They didn't taper the road grading and it broke the barrel of the wheel. Normally, 18's are fine, but you need to know where you live and how the roads are.

This is the set I was running.


Last edited by boardboy330; Mar 8, 2015 at 10:42 AM.
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 04:53 PM
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Using 19's on stock suspension will give you a harsh ride if you care about it. 19's and perhaps even 18's (though I have no experience with 18's on a Benz) may seem out of place if you don't lower the car. You definitely need to be wary of where/how you drive if driving in pot-hole territory; I know I live in one NJ.
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 06:14 PM
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From: Frederick
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Originally Posted by pinebaron
snipped...18's (though I have no experience with 18's on a Benz) may seem out of place if you don't lower the car...snipped
FWIW, the picture above is what my car looks like with 18's. Stock height. My brother has an E320 and for some reason it sits higher on 18's. Not sure why. I agree with you though, may be out of place. I think it depends on certain factors.
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 06:25 PM
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AMG's generally sits lower than other models (Avantgarde, Elegance, Classic) upgrading to either 18 or 19 is easy, but apart from the difference in ride, you should also consider the end result. I have a 03 E320 Avantgarde, (on paper it should sit lower than an Elegance 20mm i reckon) but when I put after market wheels on it, it looked like it was running on stilts! it was ugly because of the fender gap. but thats just me...
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 10:35 PM
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19s are a good compromise between looks and weight/acceleration issues in my opinion. I am on 18s and I think 19s would be about right, but as far as being less of a pain in the butt when it comes to bending wheels, ride, and tire cost, 18" wheels are definitely better. If you are on 19s though you should probably be lowered as pinebaron suggested
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Old Mar 9, 2015 | 09:30 PM
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19's all the way I got 235s in the front 265s in the rear, Now I just need to lower it just a little especially in the front, If anyone knows the correct MM to lower it without that slammed looked with 19's that be helpful.


Last edited by 1manarmy; Mar 9, 2015 at 10:29 PM.
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Old Mar 10, 2015 | 03:17 PM
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THANKS VERY MUCH for everyone's input. Based on ride comfort, which is important to me, I will go with 18's. also do NOT want to lower my car.

On a BMW, switching a 16" inch wheel to an 18" inch wheel with stock suspension did not cause any issues in regards to looks at all. Other than of course IMPROVING the look tremendously. (Did this on 6 Bimmers in the past).

NEXT QUESTION:

-----> Will the 18" AMG monoblocks from a 2001 S500 (see pics) fit on my 2003 E320, W211 with no issues?

Thanks again guys, greeatly appreciate the support.
Attached Thumbnails 2003 E320 - 18" or 19" wheel upgrade??-00l0l_loekrnaxdsd_600x450.jpg   2003 E320 - 18" or 19" wheel upgrade??-00r0r_fvuxkg94mws_600x450.jpg  
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Old Mar 10, 2015 | 08:52 PM
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From: Frederick
2000 ML320, 2005 E320 CDI
Proper offset for the w211 is around 25-30 depending on wheel width. If you go with an 8-8.5" wide wheel around 30 is a good start. Higher than 30 can use a spacer to make it work. Meaning if you have a 50 offset wheel, you can use a 20mm spacer and 20mm longer bolts to put on the car. Backspacing shouldn't be a problem. Don't go too far out, otherwise you will rub the inner wheel/tire on the wheel well.
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Old Mar 10, 2015 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by boardboy330
Proper offset for the w211 is around 25-30 depending on wheel width. If you go with an 8-8.5" wide wheel around 30 is a good start. Higher than 30 can use a spacer to make it work. Meaning if you have a 50 offset wheel, you can use a 20mm spacer and 20mm longer bolts to put on the car. Backspacing shouldn't be a problem. Don't go too far out, otherwise you will rub the inner wheel/tire on the wheel well.
Thanks very much.

Unfortunately I do not have any idea what offset a S500 wheel from 2001 may have, so I am still wondering if these monoblocks will work?
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Old Mar 10, 2015 | 09:39 PM
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those monoblocks should work but like mentioned above, wouldnt know how it would look unless you fit em. offset wise. the rims looks good especially with the staggered fitment.
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Old Mar 10, 2015 | 11:14 PM
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From: Frederick
2000 ML320, 2005 E320 CDI
Originally Posted by S70Houston
Thanks very much.

Unfortunately I do not have any idea what offset a S500 wheel from 2001 may have, so I am still wondering if these monoblocks will work?
Try Google. There are so many different OEM wheels used on many different cars. I doubt many here will be able to answer your question. You didn't give a part number from the wheel, so we don't know if they are legit Monoblocks or reps. Which year, which car. There are many variables. If you want answers you need to provide more information. I understand you say they are 01 from a S500, but it doesn't mean they really are. I only question because the picture you added looks like they have chrome outer rings. I have never seen OEM wheels like that and a search couldn't turn up OEM wheels from those years like that. It may just be how the camera took the pic. They do make plenty of reps like that though.

Assuming they are actually 2001 S500 or S600 Monoblocks, they SHOULD be 44 and 46 offset. Assuming they are staggered and not all fronts.

Last edited by boardboy330; Mar 10, 2015 at 11:20 PM.
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Old Mar 11, 2015 | 06:23 PM
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Pickng wheels for this damn car must have been one of the most exhausting excercises I have done in quite some time.

Now I found these on craigslist for a killer price, brand new wheels and tires, but how does one know if they will fit on my E-Class.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/4927662454.html

I also sent the seller the following question:

"Staggered wheels are usually taller in the front than in the rear, you advertise your front to be 245/40/18 and the rear to be 275/55/18. Is this possibly a typo and the rear is a 275/35/18?"

Am I wrong?
- I would imagine a 55 tall tire on an 18" inch rim will not fit on my '03 E320.
- Will a 275 wide tire in the back be too much or can the E handle that width?

I am sorry guys, but as mentioned above, the ordeal is exhausting.

THANKS.
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Old Mar 11, 2015 | 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by boardboy330
Try Google. There are so many different OEM wheels used on many different cars. I doubt many here will be able to answer your question. You didn't give a part number from the wheel, so we don't know if they are legit Monoblocks or reps. Which year, which car. There are many variables. If you want answers you need to provide more information. I understand you say they are 01 from a S500, but it doesn't mean they really are. I only question because the picture you added looks like they have chrome outer rings. I have never seen OEM wheels like that and a search couldn't turn up OEM wheels from those years like that. It may just be how the camera took the pic. They do make plenty of reps like that though.

Assuming they are actually 2001 S500 or S600 Monoblocks, they SHOULD be 44 and 46 offset. Assuming they are staggered and not all fronts.
Thanks again for everyone's patiance and for providing the needed input.

Ok, I finally did get some additional pictures from the seller as well as some part numbers for the monoblocks.

The wheels are original staggered AMG Wheels that came from a 2001 S500.

Front wheel part number:
A2204011902

Rear Wheel part number:
A2204010802

These wheels are in pretty darn good shape and the seller claims he had them installed on a 04 E320 in the past and they worked fine. I think they would look killer on my car.

If anyone could possibly verify if these wheels will indeed fit my 03 E320 with no problems, I would appreciate it.

I would run 245/40 in the front and 265/35 in the rear.

Thanks very much for your help.

Last edited by S70Houston; Mar 11, 2015 at 10:18 PM.
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Old Mar 12, 2015 | 08:40 AM
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From: Frederick
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If you can get Monoblocks, I would go with those over other styles. I think they are classic and look great. I wouldn't use staggered simply because you cannot rotate, but that is a personal preference. Those should fit as is, but I would put spacers on them myself just to push them out a little. As they are, if the sizing I found is correct, they should fit.
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Old Mar 12, 2015 | 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by boardboy330
If you can get Monoblocks, I would go with those over other styles. I think they are classic and look great. I wouldn't use staggered simply because you cannot rotate, but that is a personal preference. Those should fit as is, but I would put spacers on them myself just to push them out a little. As they are, if the sizing I found is correct, they should fit.
AWESOME, THANKS SO MUCH boardboy.

I personally do prefer the staggered look, and I feel as it makes the car perform a bit "tighter". On average I only drive about 8 to 10k miles per year, so the tires should still last a while.

So I should be able to install AS IS, and spacers could always be added at a later time, CORRECT?

According to the seller, the rim sizes are:
Front: 8 1/2 x 18,
Rear: 9 1/2 x 18

COUPLE MORE QUESTIONS:
- Will the tire sizes I picked work for these rims?
245/40 in front
265/35 in rear

- Where would one get the spacers and what size?

- do I need different lug bolts or will the ones from my factory 16 inch wheels work?

I will be looking at the wheels today, so your quick reply is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.
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Old Mar 12, 2015 | 10:47 AM
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From: Frederick
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Originally Posted by S70Houston
AWESOME, THANKS SO MUCH boardboy.

I personally do prefer the staggered look, and I feel as it makes the car perform a bit "tighter". On average I only drive about 8 to 10k miles per year, so the tires should still last a while.

So I should be able to install AS IS, and spacers could always be added at a later time, CORRECT?

According to the seller, the rim sizes are:
Front: 8 1/2 x 18,
Rear: 9 1/2 x 18

COUPLE MORE QUESTIONS:
- Will the tire sizes I picked work for these rims?
245/40 in front
265/35 in rear

- Where would one get the spacers and what size?

- do I need different lug bolts or will the ones from my factory 16 inch wheels work?

I will be looking at the wheels today, so your quick reply is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.
Assuming the offsets are 44 and 46 as I found, yes, they should work as is. I broke a wheel in NJ last year and the only replacement wheel I could find was a 50 offset. Those tires should be fine. I run 225 as I prefer the slightly stretched look but those are stock IIRC.

You would want to look on a major website for those. I wouldn't trust an Ebay spacer myself. H&R make some IIRC. The offset is measured in MM. So an offset of 44 with a 15MM spacer would be 29. Around 30 is where you want to be. With stretched tires, around 25.

Def want to see pics of the car with the wheels on. I bet it will look great.
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Old Mar 12, 2015 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by boardboy330
Assuming the offsets are 44 and 46 as I found, yes, they should work as is. I broke a wheel in NJ last year and the only replacement wheel I could find was a 50 offset. Those tires should be fine. I run 225 as I prefer the slightly stretched look but those are stock IIRC.

You would want to look on a major website for those. I wouldn't trust an Ebay spacer myself. H&R make some IIRC. The offset is measured in MM. So an offset of 44 with a 15MM spacer would be 29. Around 30 is where you want to be. With stretched tires, around 25.

Def want to see pics of the car with the wheels on. I bet it will look great.
Thanks again for all your help boardboy.

Attached are some better pictures of thoses wheels. I as well think they will look great on my car and I will definitely post some pics after they get installed. Will have to safe up a bit for some tires now.
Attached Thumbnails 2003 E320 - 18" or 19" wheel upgrade??-amgmonoblocks.jpg   2003 E320 - 18" or 19" wheel upgrade??-amgmonoblocks1.jpg  
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Old Mar 12, 2015 | 11:51 AM
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From: Frederick
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Beautiful wheels. They will def look cool.
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Old Mar 12, 2015 | 01:43 PM
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The never ending SAGA, ...................... Still need to know if my lug bolts form the OEM 16" inch set wil fit on those?

Thanks Guys.
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Old Mar 12, 2015 | 10:57 PM
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Originally Posted by S70Houston
The never ending SAGA, ...................... Still need to know if my lug bolts form the OEM 16" inch set wil fit on those?

Thanks Guys.
I am also wondering what you guys thought about the price?
Seller claims that that rims are Immaculate with no curb rashes. The pics definitely look clean, he says the marks are dirt and will wipe off.

Asking price is $800.00 for the set with tires (rear approx. 80% tread left, fronts need to be replaced).
I will change the tires anyhow and will put 245/40 front and 265/35 rear on the wheels. I tried to score them for $700.00, but he won't go down in price.

Will look at the wheels tomorrow.

Thanks guys.
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