hoyabob2003

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be purchasing a tire and wheel set for my 2002 C230 coupe. I see that I have the option to go with 225/40/18 or 255/35/18 on the rear (18x9 wheel) with 225/40/18 (18x8 wheel) up front. Will the wider tire in the rear improve handling in any way? Thanks for the advice.

kostas86

On DRY surface it'll improve handling, but it'll do the complete opposite on wet surfaces and in snow.

2000BEAST

Agree. But - wider looks way cooler too.

Luke@tirerack

a wider rear tire actually hurts handling in a static radius turn by increasing understeer .... what it does offer though is a reduction of throttle induced oversteer so, when driving extremely aggressively you can get on the throttle at the exit of a turn sooner and harder

hobie

A C32 rear (only) sway bar is a cheap way to balance the car. Much better for static radius, ever a little oversteer. Downside is it has the effect of increasing the dampening on the w203 chassis, consequently it was a bad move for autoX where low speed exit traction was compromised. I'm on stock wheels. So it's "how you feel" vs. "how you look" unless you balance it. I think Tire Rack might have adjustable bars?