Answers from the experts (please read)
 

I shared this with a friend today regarding the fitment of wheels on his car. I thought that it appropriate to others who may be seeking advice/info regarding other issues that they might be facing regarding their cars.

"So what ever you decide, do it based on the tried and true knowledge of other afficianados of the mark. Some one who has been there and done that. Some one with a car just like yours, who can share his knowledge with you so that you avoid the learning curve. Ask someone who's done it.....NOT the so called experts. If you learn nothing else about mercedeshop , learn that we ARE the experts collectively, no single one person knows it all but together as a group I'd venture to say that no one person (expert) knows more than we do.....That is all"

Gotta agree with that!

I attended the Dallas GTG last week and commented to those attending about some 18" AMG monoblocks/tires I planned to purchase from e-bay within a month.

The crew politely informed me about the dreaded doom that would befall my W124 if I were to go that route. Despite the correct offset and bolt pattern, the ride and clearance issues would be monumental (the 500E is immune to this btw).

I confirmed what they had told me after surfing the Wheel & Tire forum a bit, and decided on selecting a set of 17x7.5 wheels with 215/45/17 tires to be on the safe side.