usernamehere

Just looking at a set of 19" staggered wheels for my r320, is this advisable as I have read on Google not to do this, can't understand why as the circumference is the same. Thanks in advance.

BenzIsWin

I just purchased a '09 W251 and was about to buy a set of wheels off FB Market place, but was informed by the seller that you CAN'T put a staggered set on an AWD vehicle because it will damage the differential. Have no idea how valid or accurate that statement is so if anyone knows definitively, please share.

usernamehere

I think staggered is grand when you loko at the ML's and X5 etc with factory standard staggered sets, my worry is the tyre size difference on the rear compared to the front ones, maybe someone could advise

BenzIsWin

Agreed, and a staggered set (in most cases) looks better aesthetically than a static set in my opinion. But I really don't think tire width size difference from front to back would be an issue. I know it's an apples to oranges comparison, but I have a SL-550 with a stock set of staggered 19's and no issues. Just for what it's worth..

usernamehere

thanks

Tsumi

If your R320 is RWD, no problem. If it is AWD, you will damage the transfer case. It doesn't matter if the wheel diameter is the same, what matters is the tire diameters are the same. You can go 18" wheel front and 19" wheel rear and not damage the transfer case as long as the 18" front tire has more sidewall height to make it the same overall diameter as the rear tire, for example. Or you can go wider rear and narrower front as long as the front has a higher aspect ratio to make it the same overall diameter.

usernamehere

Thanks, fronts are 255/35/19 and the back are 285/30/19. Would this have an affect on the car given that it is only a slight difference?

Tsumi

Yes, it will damage the transfer case over time if it is not the same. The real question is how long will it take. It might be a 5000 miles, or it might be 150,000 miles. Given that the difference in size is only 1.2%, your transfer case will probably go a long ways (with regular maintenance) before noticeable damage. Your traction control might react prematurely due to the difference in tire speed, but that probably does not matter in most scenarios.

Tip: 295/30/19 has the exact same diameter as 255/35/19. 245/35/19 is almost the exact same (less than 0.5% difference) diameter as 285/30/19.

usernamehere

Tsumi,

Thanks for your help, really appreciate it.👍🏻

BenzIsWin

Really good info here! I would have done some damage had I not checked back, so thanks for posting this!!