8.5 with 215/40/17?

[ScottyC190E]

Hello,
Until recently, I was under the impression that you shouldn't put anything more than a 7.5 wheel on a 215/17 tire. Lately I have been seeing 190's and such with up to 8 and 8.5 wheels still with 215 tires. I love the deep lip look, (I only have 7.5) and was wondering if it would be ok to put 8.0 or 8.5 on a 215 tire. Also, does this have anything to do with offset? Sorry but one more thing, I'm pretty sure my monoblocks have a ET of 35 but in the wheel mags it lists like +40, or +30. What does the plus mean? Does that mean Any offset above 30 or 40? What offsets are acceptable for a 17inch wheel for a 1986 190E? Thanks guys, Scott

[Chiragp]

Some 190E owners push until 17x8s using 215/40/17s. I know other who do put 17x8.5 and use 235/40/17s. But these owners have usually down the Evolution II Body Kit on them, or own an Evo II and have the fenders to fit them. I don't know of any 215/40/17s that would fit an 8.5" wide tire either.

You think thats crazy, I've seen Evo II owners push 18x10 in the rear with 285/30/18s, and 245/40/17s up front. If I had the money to do the Evo II kit, I'd certainly do it Just imagine how much money I would spend getting them rims straight though.

When those wheel mags publishize +30, they ususally mean an offset inn the 30s, and +40 = offset in the 40s, etc. Its not a real nice way of doing things, because I know I had problems with my SLK wheels, and my 400E brake calipers by 2mm, so a difference of 37 to 35mm would have made the world of difference for me. In my mind, those wheel magazines are irresoponsible to publish those figures.

I'd see what Luke has in stock, If he doesn't carry what you want, then I might Suggest Discout Tire, then Bekkers, in that order. After that, Your guess is as good as mine.

[Luke@tirerack]

on a 190E an 8" or wider wheel will stick out of the fenders unless you widen the body width.