Luke,
I'd like your opinion this idea.

It's time to take my pilot alpins off my 99 c230k-sport. I'm thinking about going with a new wider wheel in the back, the same 6 spoke alloy that came w/the sport package but in the 16x8 instead if 16x7.

I'd probably go with a 245-45-16 on the back and 225-50-16 up front, maybe Dunlop SP 9000's or Pilot Sports. Smooth ride quality and quietness are the most important qualities to me.

What do you think? Thanks.

I do know that wheels are available in 16x8. However, If it is, you might have a clearance issue with using anything wider then 225/50/16. Also, the cost of getting them through the dealer would be high, and I am guessing about $350 a wheel. As far as Tire Options for 245/45/16, I love my Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Asymmetricals. They are great in the wet and dry, and also cheap compared to the other tires in this size.

For a better performing tire, the Michelin Pilot Sports are an incredible tire, but expensive, almost 2 and 1/2 time more then the Dunlops.

I would advise going with a 17" setup instead.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6 w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
2001 C-Class - Maybe

[This message has been edited by Chiragp (edited 04-04-2000).]

The dealer actually sells the 16x8 for $268, and you can do better through mail order (unfortunately Tire Rack doesn't carry them).

The reason I'm considering the 16 instead of the 17 is that I drive 50% of the time in downtown Boston, were the potholes are treacherous. I'm worried about a rough ride and wheel damage w/the 17's. The other 50% is high speed highway.

As far as clearance a 17x8 w/245-40-17 fits on the rear so I hoped a 16x8 w/245-45-16 would too.

Thanks for your comments.

I think you might be able to get away with it. You won't recieve as good wear as you would with other tires would. However, I don't think there should be an issue, especially since the Mercedes wheels factor that in. The price is quite reasonable, considering its an MB wheel. So I would go with the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Asymmetircal in the rear 245/45/16 and try to keep the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 in 225/50/16 up front as well to be safe. Besides, there really isn't a better tire in the 225/50/16 for the money. Good Luck.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6 w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
2001 C-Class - Maybe

So your saying SP 5000 over the SP 9000? (I just want to make sure it wasn't a typo!)

Do you think that my concerns about potholes and rough ride are valid reasons for sticking with a 16" wheel?