pocholin

I need honest opinions about these 4 wheel models:

I've narrowed my earch for the "perfect" wheels for my 1999 E55, my choices are based on the looks that (what I like), price is an important issue (money doesn't grow on trees around my house at all) but it doesn't mean I looked at the cheapest i could find:

1st option is Fittipaldi Force 18 x 8.5 5-112 38 sm $ 260.00 ea.

pocholin

2nd BBS RC 18 x 8.5 5-112 $ 469.00

pocholin

3rd Fondmetal Type 6500 18 x 8.5 5-112 30s $ 200.00

pocholin

4th Lowenhardt I don't know the model or price, but it should be around 600.00 in silver

pocholin

I was offered a Löwenhart replica in silver 18 x 7.5 (for all 4 wheels), but I'm not sure I should go with 18 x 7.5 all around, the price is just right 1,050.00 set installed. This is truly my very last option just because of the width of the wheel.

May be somebody can give me a reason why not to go 18 x 7.5 all around, so i can get that out of my head

Thanks in advance for the opinions

lee2375

Replicas are low quality and can crack easily. 7.5 is way too thin for that car, the tire will bulge out becasue you need to use a 235/40/18 on that car otherwsie the tire OD will be too short.

The best choice from the list: BBS RC
Best choice for around your price range (my opinion): SSR GT3 or Carlsson 1/5, 1/6, or 2/5

Email me if you need a price. If you're in Houston, I can have one of my drivers deliver them to you.

lee2375

I almost forgot. 18" Brabus V and VI one piece can be had for around the same price.

young

of the 4 you show, i like the fittipaldis based on aesthetics (the lowenharts, the least). sort of looks like AMG dual spokes (which i would get instead if fittipaldi's are not a good company... i don't know)

Scylas

are fitipaldis any good?

E55 KEV

pocholin:

I believe you have forgot something. You need a staggered set- up. Most of the wheels you have listed do not offer wider rear applications. Your E55 is 18X8 in front and 18X9 in rear. You may be limited to MBZ tuners:

AMG
Brabus
Carlsson
Kleemann
Lorinser
RennTech

pocholin

What is a staggered set-up? The fact that fronts are 18 x 8 and rears 18 x 9?

Will I be OK with 18 x 8.5 all around? Dissadvantages?

I really like the fittipaldis because they are very similar to the AMG dual spoke on the C32 (C32 AMG wheels are 17")

Any good/bad comments about Fittipaldi as a company?

Lee2375 I haven't gotten your quote yet, did you get my e-mail?


Thanks for the replies and the patience.

E55 KEV

Staggered Setup - wider tire and wheels in the rear.

E55 Front - 18X8 rim with 245/40/18 tire.
E55 Rear - 18X9 rim with 275/35/18 tire.

A '275' width tire will not fit on a 8.5 inch rim.

Notes & Errors:

1. TireRack.com has an error on their Upgrade Garage - they show the E55 rear tire size as 255.

2. Discounttiredirect.com shows 18X8.5 inch wheels for E55 and list 'tire options' as 275/35/18, however, most minimum 'approved' rim widths for 275 tire is 9 inches per:

www.michelin-us.com for Pilot Sport
www.dunloptire.com for SP Sport 9000
www.kumhousa.com for Ecsta MX
www.nittotire.com for NT-555
www.yokohamatire.com for AVS Sport

lee2375

pocholin,

I have not received your email. could you send again or use PM. Thanks!

JamE55

pocholin

If you've seen Peters red CLK with the HRE wheels 449R go with those! I think those will look really nice!

oresama99

true, except he doesn't want to break the bank.

go with the rc's, esp if they are forged.

did you decide on a rim yet Jam?

pocholin

I talked to my guy at discount tire (Ella Blvd location here in Houston) and we are going to put the Fittipaldis on the car.

18 x 8.5 all around is going to squeeze the rears a little 265/30 (or 35?)/18, I still need to check about making it wider (we've done this before at the Impala club, and it works fine) and may be go 10 or 9.5 for the rear. I'll send pics once it is done.

Thanks for the opinions, BBS RC's were also 18 x 8.5 all around.