Has anyone tried 17 in. rims on their 107? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Richard1 · #1 01-01-2003, 07:36 AM

By the way, Happy New Year to everyone on the forum and thank you all for the advice this year.

BDBENZ · #2 01-01-2003, 08:18 AM

I too have looked at the same rims you are looking at and wondered how they would look and perform. Ultimately, I would like to get a set of monoblocks in perhaps a 16", as I do not want to destroy the ride quality, but sure would like the 107 to corner a little better.
Keep us updated on what you do.

BD

Richard1 · #3 01-01-2003, 08:46 AM

I found 17s in an ET 25 that I like...a bit flashy for a 107 but what the heck. Has anyone tried 17s in a 107 and if so, what was the result? Any rubbing? How rough is the ride? Thanks.

#4 01-01-2003, 09:32 AM

BDBENZ,

I have seen a black 107 here in Southern Calif. with the wheels that you are talking about and all I could say was, "WOW". Your car looks great, love the black and it would go good with a set of those wheels. If all goes well this will be the year my grey 107 will become black.

Have a great New Year!!!

Richard1 · #5 01-01-2003, 12:40 PM

Thanks for the feedback...my 560 SL is red....I've found on my other cars that black really shows paint inclusions...something to consider.

BDBENZ · #6 01-01-2003, 09:13 PM

Rayson,

Thanks, I have seen the wheels on the 126 series, and I really liked them, maybe that will be my upgrade this year. I hope that Richard gets some replies on the 17" wheels.

Richard1 · #7 01-02-2003, 08:03 AM

Fellows, I read through several wheel and tire posts from the forum and several posts mention that the older suspensions are not made to handle the low profile rims.

So, I'm going to try to find those monblocks in a 16 and go with michelin pilot a/s. I use my 560 as a daily commute car so these rims need to work for every day use. Take care.

Steve Gutman · #8 01-02-2003, 12:51 PM

I have 225/50/16s on my AMG Euro 107. It has HD shocks and looks lowered but I don’t think it is. I know there are different spring heights available in the 107 manuals.

Regarding rubbing, the front wheels have about ¼” clearance to the front of the front fender. That is when the wheels are turned. The inside edge can catch the fender. It usually happens when I am in reverse. They are really too close. If the tire was narrower or smaller in diameter it would be okay but rubbing is a problem. I asked a custom tuner (who supercharges 117 engines) about it and he said, “They all do that”.

Regarding ride, the difference between my snow tires (205/70/14s) and the “stock” 16” AMGs is dramatic. The 16s are a lot stiffer. I don’t mind it much but it makes a big difference. I would get 215/60/15s for the best balance of ride, traction and handling. Rim width of 7.5 would suit me well.

The 17” rims would fit a maximum of 225/45/17s but they probably would rub. If you went to 215s or 40 aspect ratio they would fit better but beware of the stiffer ride. It is really a tough trade off.

All IMHO,
Steve

Richard1 · #9 01-02-2003, 01:08 PM

Steve, that is a very cool SL. The issue with the 16s is that I live in DC and want the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires, which only come in a 16 to 18. My stock 15s are in bad shape anyway.

Tirerack recommends a 225/55-16 when going to a larger rim. The 17s would likely be over-kill...unfortunately, the monoblocks only come in 17+ for a ET-25 so I can either do those or the 16s.

Steve Gutman · #10 01-02-2003, 02:16 PM

Hello Richard

Thanks for the compliment.

I believe the 225/55/17s will rub on the inside of the tire against the front fenders when turning. Maybe it's just my car. I think you may get the same tire Outside Diameter (OD) by going to a 225/45/17. Perhaps someone is running 17's on a 107 and can tell us.

There is also a web site that performs diameter calculations but the other issue is width. The narrower tires don't contact the fender from the inside edge of the tread.

Keep us informed!

Steve

#11 01-02-2003, 05:41 PM

Steve, Like your SL very much. Noticed that the windshield frame, the front grill and bumpers and I suppose the back as well are all black. Did you have this painted or how is that done? Really looks different but no to radical.

Thanks

BDBENZ · #12 01-02-2003, 11:51 PM

Steve,

I too like the blackened out small bumpers, your car looks great. Thanks for the input on the wheels. I think I will stick to looking for 16" rims and 225-55-16 on the tire size. That will keep the diameter the same. This link should help with the tire calculations. URL=http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html. ]http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html.

Thanks again

BD

BDBENZ · #13 01-02-2003, 11:55 PM

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Steve Gutman · #14 01-03-2003, 02:34 PM

Hello friends,

BD - Its also the width and offset. My 225/60/16s rub so the 55s would be worse. Be careful. I would find a way to try them first and look at the clearance going lock to lock. Best Luck...

Rayson - This car went straight from MB to AMG for the makeover. They painted all the chrome with body color (199). I like the look very much as well. Thank you.

Steve

Richard1 · #15 01-03-2003, 03:25 PM

There is only a 0.2 inch width difference between 205-65-15 (stock) and 225-55-16 tires. I think it would work. And, given the slope of my new drive way, I think the michelin A/S tires are the way to go. Thanks for the advise guys. I'll post a pic of what the new rims look like, after I finally make up my mind.