ColorChange

What are the biggest tires anyone is running on their car? I am planning on having to replace the Conti2's when I return from tracking my car and I would like to have new shoes lined up.

norb

I don't think you can go bigger than 265 for the rears. Its super tight back there, maybe 275 but certainly no bigger.

saber

If you keep the stock rims, I agree 275s are the largest and 265s are the best choice. With wider rims and the proper offset, I have read reports of 285s being used but that they stick out a little and have a rubbing potential.

cte430

I was just going to ask this question. I am getting ready to purchase an E55 (need wife's final approval ). I am running 275's now on my E500 w/ the AMG wheels. The tires are brand new SO-3's. I would hate to not be able to use them. Would the 275's be that tight?

Dr Chill

285's will fit since someone on this board runs 9.5" rears from a new SL55 with 285's. The question remains will 9 " fronts with 265's rub. Blocktrader says no but he hasn't driven his car hard with the rear wheels mounted in front. For my next track session I will probably run with 265 R compound slicks mounted on 9" AMG stock rear rims used in the front. Hopefully this will decrease understeer.

scorchie

I've run 265 fronts with 9" wheels (ET35) after I had a flat and used the rear wheels off my C43 as temporary fronts. I didn't drive hard like on a track, but for normal street use it never rubbed.

255s from an R230 SL seem to fit fine on front, with the matching 285s on the back. They are a bit tall but it seems OK.

(Of course, tire manufacturer is going to make a huge difference as to what really fits... so check your manufacturer specs instead of "calculating" the size.)

-s-

ColorChange

I plan to stick with the stock rims!

Blocktrader

After a trip to the track you might change your mind. I am getting ready to replace at least the front wheels and switch to 265's up front. As Chill said, I didn't get much load on the suspension when I tested it before. This time I will.

Chill, when is the next event you are going too? Sebring?

Dr Chill

Whatever event is up when my brakes are finally upgraded. I won't go out there on stock pads again because so much heat is generated by these heavy cars, I need a pad that can handle the heat better.

ColorChange

OK, I am now considering going to 19's. Any more sugestions?

water34

I'm currently runnig 245/35/19 on the front and 275/30/19 on the rear.....I think many after market rim makers recommend this size for 19s on the E55..... I think some people use 285 for the rear just like the SL55....

Blocktrader

I am still considering this as well. I am concerned with the ride penalty though. If I do go this route, I am most likely to put on Pilot Sport PS2' on in 255/35 19 (f) and 275/30 19 (r). Both are 96Y tires. I figure the increase in load capability on the front combined with the slightly increased width would likely help the grip a little.

BenzoBoi

275's will fit in the rear. I am running a 275/30/20 in the rear and I am fine. Now as some has said I don't know about a 285. But I am sure a 275 will work without any problems...

ColorChange

OK, I just ordered HRE 547's in black for my car. Here is a bad PS proof. What do you think? Too much?

BenzoBoi

It is far from being "too much" That actually looks hot!~! It's weird how lot of people are gettin black rims with a polished lips these days. Strangely I didn't stat noticing until after I got mine in black wit a polished lip too...hahaha...Anyways that looks good. I fergot but I remember someone else running that exact same set up...Dr. Chill maybe? Sorry if I'm wrong

stephens

I have had rubbing problems with 255's on a 29mm offset front, which was resolved by re-rolling and slightly pumping the guards, but my car is lowered as well.
With a 35mm offset you should be OK, with the outside of the tyre, but have a close look to see if the inside is close to rubbing anything.

BenzoBoi

To the best of my knowledge you won't be able to run anything above a 30 series up front. I ran into that problem. I originally had a 255/35/20 in the front but the control arm bolt got in the way. I moved down to a 245/35/20 thinkin it would be okay but it still rubs. When I had the 255 I couldn't move the wheel at all. The 245 I could move but it would be about 200 miles before the tire cleared the control arm bolt, and yes the control arm bolt did leave it's mark if you knoe what I mean...My best best would be running a 30 series up front but again that is very dangerous. Jus my 2 cents

mjc123

I'm running 285's in the rear, 255's in front, you can see pics under the "new owner" thread.

sloloco

I pimped hoops (sold tires) for 6 years and didn't do much with Mercedes (not many on the Central Coast here). So, even with my knowledge I am lost. I called an old friend at the Tire Rack and he said the stock width was snug as it is. I was interested in swapping on some rims and tires off a new SL55. Has anyone done this swap and how's the offset?

stephens

It's been done by a few owners with no problems so far, but none have had their cars at a race track.

Benzoboi
You only need to run a 30 profile tyre with 20's, 35 profile is correct for 19" rims on the front with 30 profile on the rear.

BenzoBoi

Correct dear sir. Sorry for the mistake. I sometimes forget I am rollin on 20's. hahahahahaha

stephens

We were doing some work on my SC cooling system today, so i took some time to check out the front suspension clearance while the car was up on a hoist.
My car runs 255/35/19 with a 29mm offset rim. The car could easily run a 35mm offset with no rubbing inside. Depending on the amount of deflection allowed a 265 may work. Even though it looks fine on full cornering load deflection in the bushings may allow the tyre to rub the side of the top link. It will be very easy to see if this happens though.
I am now thinking of selling my front Brabus rims and putting another set of rears on the front with 265 tyres.

Dr Chill

Any reason why I couldn't use 275/35/19 in the rear rather than 30's?

Vic55

I am sure you could but the plus size setup for 19's versus the factory 18's is 245x35 and 275x30. Using 35's in the rear would increase your diameter versus that of the front. Especially since you run 235x35 in the front if I am not mistaken.