montini

OK here goes...

I bought some nice ADR M-Classic Chrome rims from Nate's Wheels, situated in Minnesota, on eBay. Now first of all, it was a very pleasant adventure because this seller is very communicative and helpfull. I received the wheels some 3 day after I paid. They were all that I expected and then some... Thats 3 day from Minnesota to Belgium (Europe) quite good if you ask me.

Now my question : the wheels are 8,5x20 ET35 (front) and 9,5x20 ET35 (rear). What tyres can I fit on the rear wheels without the necessity of modification work on the arches??

Anyone has some expertise on this?

bamberger_1

Check out my reply on this post:
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/153816-fs-19-wheels-tires-symbolic-sl-1-a.html

With ET 35 it's getting very tight. I would think the max will be 255 mm wide tires for the rear axle, front axle 265 mm but that looks no good. 275mm will not work with ET 35 w/o body work, or the risk of tire rubbing (and distroying) the plastic and metal parts of the arches. Do you have something like the TÜV in Belgium, who needs to inspect and certify this?
For the side wall dimension you need to calculate the circumferenc of the stock tires, and the circumference of the new tires shall be within 5% tolerance. Otherwise your odometer, the speedo and the NAVI show incorrect readings.

Example: circumference of the stock tire is: (16"+225*0,6*2)* 3,14= 2123mm

your possible tire and rim combination: (20" + 255*0,35*2)*3,14=2172mm This would be within the 5% range and would work. 255/40 tires would slightly above 5%

montini

@ Bamberger_1

Thanks for your help. I am not going to try my luck with the 275s. I just ordered 245s for all 4 corners and just go from there. Here in Belgium you have to take whats on offer or wait very long so 245 it will be...Tyres are BF Goodrich and they should be on my S by next monday so I will post my opinion tuesday...Hopefully they work well under there as I am currently saving every dime for an STi and I am not even considering buying another (smaller) set of wheels. Too bad I cannot slam 285s on them like the Beemer 7s. One of my best friends car has them and I just love the site of wide tyres and rims.

Should I go for an STi or a Lotus Omega instead as I am planning to use it mainly on my few spare time and in weekends?

I don't think many US citizens know about the 1990-1994 Opel Lotus Omega. It has a bored 3.6L Twin Turbo with standard 377hp and 419Lb torque to play with. And I can easily be tuned to produce in excess of 500-600hp. But spare parts are very rare and maintenance is said to be very expensive...

Greets

Jayhawk

I would urge you to post this question on The Tire Rack forum here. Luke is a genius w/ this stuff, and he can sell you the tires you want too. They are a sponsor of this board and it is good to support our sponsors.

ClayJ

What he said.

Vader55

If you run 275's in the rear go with toyo t1r's. They have a more rounded track and is the best fit. Nitto's will rub because they run a wide track.. I have had 20x10 rear wheels on my car but it is lowered with 275/30/20's and no rubbing but I had my wheel wells rolled and some minor grinding. If your car is not lowered the Toyos will be your best bet and should not be a problem but if you run 20's you have to lower your car or it will have the dreaded check wagon look.

hawk20

Seems such a shame to buy such a lovely car with arguably the best ride in the world and then wreck it with big wheels and low profile tyres. IMHO.