clmulli

No problem! I think this is the best place to ask questions. Guys/Gals whos actually ran into issues with mods and other things. Case in point: My dealer keeps telling me that I have airmatic suspension because I have the C/S button. Not true after reading a couple of post. My year and model have springs.

threeMBs

An authorized Mercedes Benz dealer? Sales/service? Regardless, he/she needs to be fired... immediately.

aboutros

I just got off the phone with the rep at Element wheels and I think due to the pressure and advice from all of you, they are going to get me a new set of back rims. Thanks again and I will keep you all informed to the developments as they unfold this coming Monday.

clmulli

I agree! He's actually the performance parts specialist. Haha which makes it even worse.

bigigg

It comes down to being a "salesman" Ill tell you anything you want to hear to make a sale.. My first set of wheels on my 08 C class destroyed my front fenders because the offsets were so wrong and tires were rubbing.

threeMBs

Aboutros, if rear wheels are not available at around et45, I would stay as you are. Most importantly, the 2-3mm shaving will not make much visual difference (wheels will still protrude 3-4mm), but may compromise wheels' stractural integrity. Personally, I prefer a slight protrusion (et38) over a slight "in" look (et50), but that's a personal choice that you will have to make.

Over time, wheels will "settle" in and you will get used to the look. The only issue you will have is if you decide to lower.

As an example, my rear wheels are 9.5" et43. I was not happy with a slight "in" look. Unfortunately, 5mm spacers can not be used on the rear hub (for et38). So I used 10mm spacers for et33 - wheels protrude about 5mm - about the same as your wheels, except in your case it "looks" worse since your tires are 10mm wider (275 vs.265). I am equally unhappy about a slight protrusion. So of the two "evils" I picked the lesser.

aboutros

The funny thing is, the person that we spoke to is the owner of Roderick wheels. The website indicates that its fitamet takes care of the new offsets on the e-class. He guaranteed it or they would work to resolve.

The next size is a 50et that should do the trick to push it under and allow for a potential lowering. It just looks like the old muscle cars with the wheels sticking out, not all the bad but not all that good for a sedan. I would rather have it slightly under than slightly over.

aboutros

Success Guys, new rims with 50et being mailed today. Thanks again to all for the information and support to getting this done. I would have been lost without all your help.

Mtl20v

275 25 20 on a 20x10 +45 offset is perfect for the rear of a W212.

aboutros

Hey guys, I got the replacement wheels and I know that I will be replacing the back wheels with from a 38 et to 50 et. The question that I have is that Roderick sent me 45 et front rims to replace the 32 et. The 32 et rims look flush with the car but I am wondering if I go to lower the car would the 32 et rub 235/35/20. Would the 45 et 20X8.5 rim fit better with a potential lowering of about 1/2 inch and not cause any rubbing?

Thanks for your help any and all.

EmE247

Main thing you want to consider is what stance you are going for.

If you like it flush like I do, then you probably want to stick with your current front wheels if it is flush. With the higher offset, you will have your wheels "in" more and will probably allow you to lower it a bit more. You will also need to take into consideration the tire sizes.

My ride is also lowered w/ H&R Sport Springs. Any lower with the current stance and I will rub. I already get slight rubbing once in a while when hitting bumps at higher speeds. Check out my link below in my signature for pictures of my ride with the flush look.

aboutros

The pics of the car looks awesome and I like the flush look. That is the look I want and probable get the same h&r springs with 10 mm spacing. The back rims should be fine with the 50 et but I think I need to go with the 45 et to get the look that you have with a 8.5 inch rim the 32 et is close but I think if I lower it will rub. What are you thoughts.

EmE247

Im not a pro w/ wheels, tires, or offsets.

My suggestion is to get the wheels and tires and drop first.

Then check it out and add spacers whether 10mm or smaller/larger to get the stance you want.

Dropping w/ H&R and 20's is not a problem. Think you might need a 25 / 30 tire size tho to fit.

threeMBs

With 235/35-20 tire on 8.5" wide wheel with et45, front tire will be too close to perch. It mostly likely will rub, even before you lower. I strongly urge you to stay with et32 upfront. If you'll go et45 - you'll be almost exactly like stock (not flush at all) and as I said above you'll rub on the perch.

FYI: EmE247 is using 8.5" wide front wheel with et33 (et43 + 10mm spacer) and lowered, but he's using stock diameter 245/35-19 tires (almost 3/4" less diameter than 235/35-20 with more room to "play").

aboutros

You guys were right, I took the car with both sets of rims today and the 45et would have hit. With the 32et it is very tight and close, so we did not change these out. The 50et in the back was perfect and is has the same exact look as EME247s. As soon as it stops raining here in SFLA and I can clean the car, I will take some new pics and send them. Thanks again for your help and responses. You guys are amazing.

threeMBs

Glad everything worked out to your liking.

However, just to keep record straight:

EME247's rear fitment is 9.5" wide wheels et43 with same width tires. This would yeld the same look as your 10" wide et50. But as far as I know he's running (or was running when pictures were taken, EME247 please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) rear fitments with 10mm spacers that result in et33 - equivalent 10" wide offset would be et40. So you're 10mm more in than he's. The result is you're about 5mm "in" from ideal flush look and he's about 5mm "out". The only reason I brought it up is that 10" et50 can not "have the same exact look" as 9.5 et33 (difference is 10mm more "in") with same width tire. Again all above does not apply if EME247's pictures were taken without spacers.

EmE247

Listen to threeMB. He seriously knows my car better than me. :P

threeMB is correct and I am running 43 offset on front and rear and have 10 mm spacers in front and rear.

Glad things worked out. Post up pics and a sideshot that shows both front and rears in one pic. Stance should be nice.

hofb99

Hope you're not planning on just PM'ing them...please share w/ rest of the forum!!! We want to see too!

aboutros

Hey Guys, I have upload a bunch of new photos as requested. Hope you guys like and please provide your comments.

hofb99

Very nice...back wheels look PHat! Love the color of your car too! Wish I could register in FL so I don't have to put this stupid front plate on!!!

aboutros

Thanks a long process of selecting and then fitting but it was worth it. I just purchased a carbon fiber trunk spoiler, it should add the final touch

threeMBs

I do not see anything, Where are they?

aboutros

Sorry guys, little tricky as they have been posted to my garage

clmulli

Looks good aboutros. Use photobucket. Post them in the W212 pic thread.

BM2BZ

you actually see something ? i guess i need new glasses .