Staggered AMG replicas (W124) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DangerMouse · #1 08-30-2004, 12:00 AM

Greetings,

While researching specifications on the various AMG Hammer models, I came across an article that listed the 16-inch wheel configurations: 7.5 x 16 with 205/55VR16 front and 225/50VR16 rear.

With 7.5 x 16 ET37 AMG Monoblock replicas in the project car queue, this staggered setup certainly looks interesting. I am certain AMG applied some magic to the suspension prior to delivery, so the following question is on my mind:

Is it "safe" to attempt this with a non-lowered non-rolled fender W124 like my 95 E420? Intuition tells me 205/55 will not rub up front, but the 225/50 may be of concern in the rear. Also not comfortable regarding alignment and tracking issues with this setup.

Appreciate any feedback!
-DM

DangerMouse · #2 08-30-2004, 09:22 PM

Over 40 views without comment..... perhaps a little clarification will awaken the keyboards of the silent reader:

Reviewing the AMG Hammer modification breakout, I have yet to read anything that states "special undercarriage widget exclusive to the Hammer". Quite the contrary, I do not see why the staggered tire sizes would not work on any other W124 with proper alignment.

The only comments found thusfar in the search engine are "... AMG staggered wheels are a common modification" and Luke P. referring to horrible understeer on a 500e with 205/50's up front and 225/50's in the rear. I imagine that has something to do with a significant difference in sidewall height (10mm).

Any takers this go around?
-DM

ksing44 · #3 08-31-2004, 04:32 AM

My 1995 E320 is fitted with 205/55/16 tires on 16 x 7.5 ET37 AMG wheels. I would love to be able to fit 225/50/16 tires, but there is a good chance that the 225/50/16 tires would rub behind the front wheels on the lower plastic cladding. I do not want a staggered set-up, because I like to be able to properly rotate the tires. Staggered wheel and tire set-ups are common, however, so I’m sure it would be OK if that is what you want. I don’t think there would be a problem with rubbing in the rear. In addition, based on numbers from the Tirerack website, the 225/50/16 is virtually identical to 205/55/16 in terms of the diameter, so there should not be any problems with the ABS or cruise control.

DangerMouse · #4 08-31-2004, 10:34 PM

Hello ksing44,

Thank you for providing input on the staggered tire setup. I also believe no rubbing issues exist with the OEM rear valence or AMG variation. Regarding tire rotation, it is a difficult consideration (thus my solicitation for comments ;-)

From previous experience with a somewhat more sporty vehicle with staggered tires, one usually ends up paying for tires in pairs if uneven wear occurs.

By the way, I actually have a digital image of your monotone E320 in my archive as a (one of several) possible template for my black E420. Unfortunately, ShopForum member E220T's new 500e and an AMG Hammer conversion have recently captured my imagination =)

-DM

ksing44 · #5 09-01-2004, 05:31 AM

In general, I think replacing tires in pairs has gone by the wayside. Matched tires are at all four wheels seems to be increasingly important for proper functioning of the electronic gadgetry that comes as standard equipment on newer cars. For example, MB recommends 4 snow tires for our rear wheel drive cars. Back in the day, we only used snow tires in the rear. When I first purchased my car, I mounted snows on just the rear wheels. Soon after installing the tires, I realized that my cruise control did not function. My car was still under warranty, so I took it to the shop and they replaced the entire unit. The new cruise control unit did not solve the problem. The mechanics then tried replacing my wheels with matching tires. The problem was solved. My snows had a slightly different diameter and thus confused the cruise control unit. They allowed me to keep my new cruise control unit and I learned a lesson. I decided to always replace my tires in sets of four.

DangerMouse · #6 09-06-2004, 09:24 PM

Many thanks to ksing44 for the feedback on staggered wheels on a late-model W124.

I have decided against the 205/55 + 225/50 combination for a number of reasons, practical considerations (rotation, spares, etc.) at the top of my list. The owner of a brand-new AMG Hammer would likely not give such issues even one fleeting thought..

ksing44 -- I noticed you are considering 225/50 on all four corners next time. Personally, I worry too much about rubbing the front valence under increased directional load with that size tire. An option now on my drawing board is 215/55 (European O.E. size) on all four corners, possibly in combination with the 400E Euro suspension. Not sure whether the Eibach Pro-kit (1.75-inch drop?) will accommodate the taller tires of a 215 profile, but the 1-inch drop of the OEM suspension certainly will.

Thanks again,
-DM

ksing44 · #7 09-07-2004, 06:48 AM

A friend of mine has 215/55/16 tires mounted on 16 x 7.5 ET35 wheels. He drives a CE that is not lowered. The tires rub on the lower plastic panels just behind the front wheels, although says they only rub when driving quite aggressively. I saw the damage and I definitely do not want that to happen to my car. I was hoping that I could avoid rubbing if I used wider 225/50/16, rather than taller 215/55/16. Now I think that either set-up will result in rubbing. It looks like the tires will nick the plastic cladding, if they are wider or taller, as the wheels pivot in the front wheel wells. Even with my slightly stiffer suspension, I think wider or taller tires will rub. I have AMG 16 x 7.5 ET 37 wheels. If I had ET 42, that extra 5mm might have allowed me to fit the wider tires. I am disappointed, because I would love to see my car with big fat 225/50/16s. For now, I am planning to stay with 205/55/16.