Need some help with rims/tires for E420

[Dcraig]

I'm buying an 1994 E420 next week and I want to replace the stock rims and tires with 16" rims. I was thinking about the AMG Monoblock (or replicas) style. They are getting to be a common style for this car. I think they look great, but I might want of something different.

Anybody have any other suggestions what looks good?

Also I need tires to go on them. I live in So. Cal and I doubt if this car will ever see the snow, and we only get about 12" of rain in the winter. Handling is important because I'm also planning on putting Eibach or Sportline springs with 4 bump in the back and 1 bump in the front (I think, I really don't understand the bump combination thing yet). A quite tire is also important and smooth on the highway.

What tires should I get?

Thanks,

Craig

[JCE]

Craig:

The MB dealer has a catalog of all the optional wheels MB makes for your car, the size and offsets, and whether they are rated for V8s or not. They have quite a selection if you don't want the aftermarket or AMG look. Also, the Lorinser tuner group has some attractive wheels in 16x8 for your car. http://www.lorinser.com/


For Tires, if quiet and comfortable is what you want with your handling, I am currently fond of the Yokohama AVS dB. Looks aggressive, corners well, more quiet and comfortable (and less $$$) than my Michelin Pilot XGT V4s.

[Chiragp]

Well first off, If you ever plan on selling your spare, please let me know :p The 16x7.5 with 215s is way to big for my spare well, and won't fit over my 400E brakes. :p

Serious note, if you plan on lowering your MB, don't go wider then 16x7.5s or 17x8s. Get a fender roll if you want to get wide tires and have any performance gains from the handling side.

225/50/16s are a great size, especailly the wider rubber and getting the power to the ground, as well as around turns. However, most 225s will rub without a fender roll. Now if you will lower your car, its even tough to see wether they will rub with a fender roll, but a lowered suspension. I tried doing 225/45/16s with a lowered suspension and wide tires on 16s on my 190E.

I say many w124 wheels will fit your car, just need to see if they clear your brake calipers thats all. 16 or 17s are totally up to you. The 16x7.5 8-holes I have look great, classic, and totally keep the sleeper look, as well add to the performance quotient.

As far as lowering, if you care about a quiet smooth ride, might want to consider a more factory apporach. Something like a MB E420 Sportline Euro* spec. It handles great, maybe not like an Eibach kit, but the ride is probably twice as better.

So basically, what is more important ride or handling?

I say talk to luke, I know hes done a few owners using 215/50/16s just because its more rubber, yet won't rub.

Totally dependant on your priorities.

[James L]

Wanted to buy your future set (if they are the OE-15",8 hole-D shaped rims) off the E420. Will they fit my 1993 W124 300D 2.5 turbo?

6.5 X 15 or 7 X 15? Does it matter with my car since the brake calipers are smaller on mine?

James L
newkstime@yahoo.com

[Dcraig]

OK, I decided to go with AMG Monoblock 17X7.5 rims with Kumho 225/45/17's.

Last Sunday while running laps at Willow Springs I noticed my front passenger tire rubbing in the tight left turns.

A few MercedesShop.com members at the event think that the offset is wrong because there was a good amount of space between the caliper and the rim and the tires are past the wheel well.

Does anyone else have this setup on their W124? Any ideas? Do I need a roll or a different offset?

Craig

I may be selling the 8 hole 15" rims.

[Dcraig]

I spoke with the tire shop that I got the rims and tires from yesterday. I was told that the offset is 35mm. He told me that I can put on different tires or that he can shave 3mm off the rim.

What does that mean?

My cell phone cut out and I didn't get to call him back. I've never heard of shaving the rim. I really don't think I want to start shaving metal off of a new set of AMG rims.

It seems that he should have sold me 215/45/17's and not 225/45/17's.

Thanks,

Craig

[ke6dcj]

By shaving off 3mm from the hub, you will go from an offset of 34mm to 37mm, which BTW, is the closer to the offset for 17x7.5 wheels. Remember mine are 17x7.5 with an offset (ET) of 41mm.

HOWEVER, the 3mm taken off must be done with the utmost precision to make an absolutely flat surface. Ask how he intends to "shave" off 3mm. He should be using a jig and some sort of machine-shop machinary. No cutting torches here because you will change the strength of the alloy.
Sending them out to a machine shop is even better.

You want to take off just enough to clear your front calipers.

With the proper offset I can run 225/45R17 in the rear, and possibly in the front (haven't tried it). So perhaps with the right offset, you can keep your tires.

I myself, would return the wheels, and get AMG's or AMG replicas with the proper offset from someone line "Performance Products" or "Wheel Concepts" in Newbury Park (ask for Allen).

Best of luck,
:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

[ke6dcj]

BTW, with 215/45R17 tires on 17x8 ET 34 rims, I was still rubbing on the left front tire.

Skinnier tires will still rub when the offset is 34mm or less and you're pushing the car to the max (like at Willow).

In short, get the wheels with the proper offset.

:-) neil

[Dcraig]

Thanks Neil.

Craig

[Dcraig]

Neil-

I just looked at the Performance Products catalog and they only have 17x7.5 ET 35 or 17x8 ET 30 listed.

I'll give them a call and see if there are other combinations.

Craig

[ke6dcj]

Don't trust Performance Product's catalog or their computer.

I have a friend who works their and their rims sizes and applications are all messed up.

Also, check on ebay, esp. from a company called
"The Wheel Exchange":
http://www.thewheelexchange.com/

I got my wheels from them, and John, the owners, was very accommodating. He sent me ONE wheel to test fit. He gets new container loads of wheels all the time from Germany.

Also, on ebay their are some wheels that are 16x7.5 ET 41 and sometimes 17x7.6 ET 37 or 41 as well.

Good luck,
:-) neil

[Dcraig]

Neil-

I went to TireRack's web site and they have my rims, but it doesn't say the offset. They suggested that the tire size be 215/45/17 not the 225/45/17 that I have.

I'm also concerned about rubbing when I install the Sportline suspension. Lowering the car by 1" will make things even more critical.

Craig