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I cannot make a damn decision between two sets so I decided to bring it here for opinions. For reference, I drive a white wagon exactly like the one with the BBS's.
OPTION #1 - CLS63 forged wheels
- About $3,500 for wheels alone, after shipping and swapping tires over
- 26lbs front & 28lbs rear
Pro's:
1. I can swap my new Michelin's right over
2. Factory tire sizes
3. I can use them year round as I have all nice all seasons (AS3+)
Cons:
1. Wheels themselves are used
2. Wheel for wheel, they are more expensive than option #2
OPTION #2 - BBS CI-R
- Just shy of $5,000 for the wheel & tire package
- 27 lbs front & 27lbs rear
Pro's:
1. I love the look
2. Can keep my wheels to use for winter
Cons:
1. They are 20" so I'd need new tires
2. I'd have to go to a 25 profile tire in the rear, which I am very afraid of in NYC
3. Would have to swap stock wheels on for cold temps
PS - i am borrowing photos from two fellow MBW members. I hope you gents don't mind.
Yes, I'm running Pilot Sport 4S in 265/30R20 and 295/25R20. They don't quite meet load specs for this car, but I never run fully loaded, and if I did, I would not be driving aggressively, so I don't mind. Overall, I like them. I have the OEM forged wheels like above, but prefer the look of the CI-R.
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Those Ci-r look great....
and even better with the slightly lower ride height.
More pix please!
I'm going to buy a third set of wheels shortly and those are on the list. Which finish is that?
Yes, you'll need to be lowered to achieve the same look (I'm lowered on KW HAS). Actually, the two cars pictured above (i.e. Jimminez's white wagon and my black sedan) have the identical wheels as I bought them from him when he sold his wagon earlier this year.
Yes, you'll need to be lowered to achieve the same look (I'm lowered on KW HAS). Actually, the two cars pictured above (i.e. Jimminez's white wagon and my black sedan) have the identical wheels as I bought them from him when he sold his wagon earlier this year.
Tire rating is a good point, cant get 96Y and 98Y in 255/30/20 and 295/25/20... i don't run heavily loaded but these cars do have immense torque so something to consider.
I find the ride almost identical, with the only differences being: (i) ground clearance (i.e. the bottom of the front bumper may scrap on steep inclines or descents entering parking lots if one is not careful to traverse them diagonally); and (ii) the front will sometimes hit the bumpstops over speedbumps or other large hits. Of course both of these can be controlled depending upon how low you drop the car.
Personally, I think 20s look odd on an E63 that is not dropped as the ratio of rim to tire to fender gap is not visually pleasant. Others' opinions obviously may vary.
The good news is that I don't have any rubbing on this setup. I initially had some odd noise (creak / clunk) coming from the driver's side strut, but after disassembling, cleaning and reassembling the strut assembly, it went away. I'm guessing that upon original installation, the spring and top plate of the strut were not properly aligned / seated, which was making the odd noise.
Ive got my forged HRE's for sale here. These are for a W212 E63S but I ran them on my W218. Let me know if you are interested. They have PS4S tires with low miles as well as OEM TPMS and are ready to go.
How about bc forged or bbs fi-r 20x10 square set up and 5lbslighter then the 19” forged stock rims. Brushed aluminum face and matching inner barrel with clear powder coating
I think this is the right answer. 20lbs a piece,
forged 19”, true race wheel.
What does everyone think?
This is photoshoped for a visual FYI. Mine would be brushed finish, not chrome.
I considered going the CCW route, but in the end, I decided against it b/c I don't think the w212's body enables us to pull off certain looks with certain wheels.
These are the CCW classics I love:
I dunno the specs for that wheel, but I bet you the offset is very low (for the average car and our chassis). If you can't fit the offset then you can't have that lip => You can't have the look. I bring this up b/c it's the same deal with your Photoshopped pic. You are not gonna be able to fit that wheel with that deep a lug pocket; which, IMO, gives that wheel an edge. Manufacturers will always advertise with some aggressive, deep dish, super concave spoke wheel that will only fit and look awesome in some two seater sports car or something and when they give you the specs for your family sedan... you get the flat spokes and 1/4" lip
Same goes for those that think they can simply throw a $7K set of shoes at their car and NOT lower it... cough ,(Peterubers). ahem... "why doesn't it look like the pics on the forums?" you ask... well, stance ain't right! Ever see a SUV with 22's and skinny tires? Yep! That's why they also make lowering springs for trucks.
I considered going the CCW route, but in the end, I decided against it b/c I don't think the w212's body enables us to pull off certain looks with certain wheels.
These are the CCW classics I love:
I dunno the specs for that wheel, but I bet you the offset is very low (for the average car and our chassis). If you can't fit the offset then you can't have that lip => You can't have the look. I bring this up b/c it's the same deal with your Photoshopped pic. You are not gonna be able to fit that wheel with that deep a lug pocket; which, IMO, gives that wheel an edge. Manufacturers will always advertise with some aggressive, deep dish, super concave spoke wheel that will only fit and look awesome in some two seater sports car or something and when they give you the specs for your family sedan... you get the flat spokes and 1/4" lip
Same goes for those that think they can simply throw a $7K set of shoes at their car and NOT lower it... cough ,(Peterubers). ahem... "why doesn't it look like the pics on the forums?" you ask... well, stance ain't right! Ever see a SUV with 22's and skinny tires? Yep! That's why they also make lowering springs for trucks.
I couldn’t agree more, on literally every point. I am awaiting confirmation from CCW on the exact depths of the hubs before i pull the trigger. With some quick estimates, i am guessing about 2.5” depth which should be cool. 4” would be amazing, but 8’d be happy with 2.5”.
They sent me these and told mine would be 1/2” shallower than this E46 M3. I am not taking their word for it, i am waiting for a definitive measurement before I officially buy them. Hopefully Monday.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
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