Tread width vs. TRACK width? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chuni959 · #1 09-26-2006, 11:29 AM

What would give you better handling? a 225 width tire mounted on a wheel with a lower ET (31) so that its pushed out to the edge of the fender wells, or a 265 tire mounted on a higher ET Wheel (51) so that the actual wheel is sucked in more so the tire fits in the wheel well without rubbing. Here is the specific scenario i am working with on my 190e:

225 40 18 on an 18x9 ET 31 AMG Aero II monoblock
OR
a 265 35 18 on a 18x9 ET 51 Mercedes 7-spoke EVO style wheel

Luke@tirerack · #2 09-27-2006, 01:06 PM

the wider tire would offer better handling because fo the additional grip ...

chuni959 · #3 09-27-2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke@tirerack

the wider tire would offer better handling because fo the additional grip ...

well obviously thats a given, but dont i loose some cornering abilty by decreasing my Track width?

Luke@tirerack · #4 09-27-2006, 01:48 PM

theoretically speaking ...

you do not get more cornering grip with a wider track... a wider track gives you more cornering stability ... but, all the stability in the world means nothing without the grip to require that additional stability ...

chuni959 · #5 09-27-2006, 04:21 PM

oh ok, so your saying go for the wider tires? 265s are going to be nasssty on a 190

t walgamuth · #6 09-27-2006, 11:19 PM

that sounds very wide.

i would be cautious about fender clearance before spending the dough for new tires.

tom w

chuni959 · #7 09-27-2006, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

that sounds very wide.

i would be cautious about fender clearance before spending the dough for new tires.

tom w

Good advice tom. Fortunately i am a bit of a wheel whore and have messed around with several sets of tires on these ML wheels. The offset of 51 really, REALLY sucks that wheel in far. I think the main issue here will be negative camber depending on how low i go

rudolfgreen · #8 09-28-2006, 10:53 AM

not sure if either of those sets of wheels will fit (would definitely like to hear your results).
my bro's 190D is running AMG 17x7.5et35 and they rub the fender lip occasionally when carrying load.
the 16x7.5et51 rubbed the inside of the wheel well altogether.

luke,
have noticed an increase in outer tire wear going to 17x7.5et37 on the 123 (stock et28).
as the wheel gets wider 8.0et37, 8.5et37.. will this become less of an issue as the rim increases in width? (=as does its footprint)
hope this is clear enough, thanks.

chuni959 · #9 09-28-2006, 12:55 PM

well i have rolled the lips of my fenders, so the 225 40 18s fit fine on my 18x9 ET35 monoblocks, and 245 35 18s fit easy with plenty of fender room to spare on my 18x9 ET51 ML EVO Wheels

chuni959 · #10 09-28-2006, 04:05 PM

pics of the 245s

my 265s just got here and they are HUUUUUGE!! ahahah ill have to post a picture here in a sec. Its going to be a VERY tight fit

chuni959 · #11 09-28-2006, 04:32 PM

225 vs 265:

BIG

PS: dont worry, im not german or anything, i just threw my sandals ONTOP OF MY SOCKS (ooooh) to go out and get the tires quick. Hopefully no one here is a fashion major