I am looking at a 2001 E55 and want to know if it is possible to swap the AMG wheels for the E430 wheel/tire combo. I know it will sacrifice handling but I am willing to make the trade. I had a problem when I did this a few years ago with my 540i because the brakes/rotors were too large for the smaller rims.

Can anyone confirm if this is possible?

I asked a similar question about the C43 and was told in that forum that the brake rotors are too large.

Thanks for your help.

The 17's on the E430 won't clear the brakes on the E55. 18" wheels are the minimum for an E55.

18" minimum? wow.. didnt someone manage to get a wheel on with only mm's clearance. *looks at Derek*

I believe the W202 C43, W208 CLK55, and W210 E55 share the same front brakes. If you can fit 17s on the C43 and CLK55, I don't see why they wouldn't fit on the 210 E55 However, as knvs replied re: C43, I think 17s are the minimum.

The fronts are the reason you need 18's. They are unique to the W210 E55.

pretty sure that they all share the same front brakes. if i remember correctly, the 202 C43 and 208 CLK55 both have a 210 part number for the front rotors

Probably told that to justify the B.S. cost!! I think a stock front rotor is around $250.00!!

no kidding. and if the price of the part doesn't take away your breath, the price of labor at the stealer will

I have a 2001 E55 and run 17" AMG clone wheels with my winter snow tires. In the owner's manual Mercedes suggests down sizing to 17" wheels for better winter traction. If the E430 stock wheels are not AMGs, you would need to make sure they work, but they likely will.

Are you doing this for snow tire purposes? If not, why would you buy an E55 and put 17" wheels on it year round?

man, put on the e430 stock wheels, shave the AMG emblems and you're waaay stealth!!!

But you won't be able to use that AMG power with those lowly 17" treads.

Agreed - I want to be totally stealth and am in the real estate business and need to keep a conservative profile around town. Thanks for the help and I look forward to finding out the final answer.

Well, after asking the local shop, the answer is: It depends. Apparently some 17's will fit, others probably won't. I was told that even if they do fit, there will be insufficient clearance for brake cooling. Of course, that probably is true only if you plan to track the car and it would be fine on the street. I say grab one and test it on the front. If it doesn't rub, I'm sure it'll be OK unless you drive it like you stole it all the time.