190e 2.3-16 wheel/offset/tyre combination

Anybody out there able to help with some good advice/practical experience?

I've got a rhd (I'm based in the UK) 1987 2.3-16 (185bhp) which is absolutely stock and used as my everyday car.

I'd like to increase the wheel/tyre size to make the car a bit more aggressive - but keep the stock look.

Someone has offered me a set of r129 (aka SL) 8jx16 (34mm offset) 15 holes vs the 7jx15 (44 mm Offset) the car currently runs.

The centre-bore and nut type, etc., are the same and looking at some of the calculators pointed to in the other posts a 225/45x16 would give me pretty much the same rolling diameter as the stock combo.

The changes in clearance look like plus 23mm on the outside and less 3mm to the strut. Presumably the track (centre to centre) will be 20mm narrower?

My question is, do as anyone run these width tyres on a 2.3-16 - if so any problems/comments?

Also, does anyone have a view of the track change?

Thanks

[Chiragp]

Most w201 190Es can't handle more then 8" wide wheels. I have a set of 16x7.5 ET 40mm 8-hole replica wheels with 215/50/16s because my car is lowered more then most 190Es. I am planning to switch out to 225/45/16s, but can't find a good substitute for an all-season tire.

I know if you want an MB original wheel, they also make one 8hole in 16x7.5 ET 41 in the MB wheel catalog.

chiragp - thanks for the comments.

Having had a look at both the clearances on the car and the cost of tyres, I've decided that the 8x16s are probably not a good idea!

Here in the UK I can get all-season ZZ1s, P7000s, PZeros, SP9000s, Michelin Pilots and a few others in the size I want - but the cost is upto $270 per tyre.

Given the car doesn't have either a major balance or grip problem or lots of power - this seems a bit extreme.

I think I'll try to find an aftermarket 7.5 x 16 or x17 wheel which looks like the wheel fitted to the Evo 2 and go for a 215 tyre. At least that will be in keeping with the Cosworth series (the 8 holes, etc, where never fitted to the 16v as far as I know). Anyone know of a wheel that fits the bill?

Alternatively, does anyone knows if MB (or someone else) did a 7.5 x 16 15 hole with an appropriate offset? You mentioned an MB wheel catalogue - is the sort of thing my local dealer should have - or can anyone check out their copy for me?

[Chiragp]

Well almost any wheel meant for the 190E should fit you 2.3-16. I went with the 8-holes cause my 93 2.6 has 400E brakes up front, and now SL600 brakes in the rear.

The 8-holes where made for the Sportline Modles in my year as well as the limited edition 2.6. They look superb, and have always liked the 8hole look.

However, in 17s you have many choices. They are expensive though, and with some city driving, and a hard stiff suspension like mine, you tend to bend 17s quickly. Depending on where you drive I would cosider that.

Other then that, I think you can get a set of AMG Monoblock replicas for like $650 here. Good Luck, Tires are expensive, so I usually see how much they cost.

A good size for 17s are 215/40/17. Nitto also makes a 225/40/17. I have had these fitted on another 190E and worked very nice, but its a rare size.

18"s, well if you are all highway, they I would consider it, otherwise stay away. I have seen 225/35/18s work, though they look like rubber bands.