Luke, Harris or whoever else might know

Picking up my new (to me) E500 W211 on Saturday and I'm already looking at wheels. Quick question: what is the diference (in appearence) between 8.5, 9 and 9.5 for the rear wheels.

Someone here suggested that 8.5 in the rear is too small, won't look as agressive etc. A vendor (who only offers 8.5s in the rear) suggested using a 265/35/19 tire instead of 9.5 in the back.

Thoughts, comments, pictures?

Thanks a lot,
Sergiu

Huge world of difference in appearance. Do get staggered! Even the best looking wheels in non-staggered formation look weak.

What are staggered wheels - with big lip? I keep hearing the term... I feel like an idiot now.

Any pics of different wheel sizes in the rear? Also, I am having the dealer drop the car 1" with the airmatic suspension - anyone know of any rubbing issues?

Thanks again,
Sergiu

It means having wider wheels in back than in the front. Typical for C's are 8.5 in front and 9.5 in back.

So going for 9.5 in the back would achieve that, right? Time to order...

here's a pic of staggered

That's nice

ya staggered is the way to go!

Intrinsico,

How much is your dealer asking for to drop your car via airmatic?

Thanks,

Bugs

2 hours of labor at $95/hr with tax, about $200 - very very reasonable.

Yes that is very reasonable. Don't forget you have to do your alignment too though which is something like $200 at full price. I live in the Bay Area and I'm hoping to have Scorchie do it however he hasn't returned my email yet. I need to email him again as it's been over two weeks.

Thanks,

Bugs

I was planning to perform the alignment after I got and installed my new wheels (this week). Do you think that 200 or so miles (that I've driven so far since the car was lowered) without alignment can hurt? Also, can a place like Midas perform the alignment or does the dealer have to do it (any airmatic specific stuff that needs to be performed, etc.)?

Thanks,
Sergiu

To answer your first question, no I don't think 200 miles will really do anything. However the longer you go, the more retarded your tires will become which will take a long time to correct once back on the car with proper alignment. This could haunt you if you sell them to someone when you put your new rims/tires on or if you put these back on to sell your car later as you probably won't drive long enough to wear them out evenly across without any signs of pulling to the sides. I'm not an expert but this does sound reasonable.

For your second question, I have no idea about Midas. I personally wouldn't take my car there just for the fact that I doubt they would be as carefull as mb tech's. Also, if anything happens at the dealer, then you know you are covered. Plus the free rental would make things easier as long as you can find something to complain about under warranty to get one. I got an alignment done after bumping a curb really good but I also had them replace my rear speaker and adjust my headlights so I got a rental too.