i recently picked up an s500. i want to get some 18 x 8.5's or 18 x 9's on there and i don't want to stick out past the fender. ideally i would want them to be flush witht he side of the car. what would be the correct wheel offset/backspacing to achieve this. i don't want that ghetto look you see on hondas and other rice rockets at your local high school.

TIA

lotus

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93 ZJ
5.2 V8
3.5" RE Super Flex Kit
31" BFG AT KO
IPF Super Rallye 960's
AIWA, SONY, ALPINE Stereo
Other Toys

W140 takes wheels and tyres in these sizes (MB recommendations):

7.5J x 16 ET 51 with 235/60 R16 rubber (stock)

8.5J x 18 ET 47 with 255/45 R18 rubber (eg 5-hole wheel style B or AMG Disc wheel style II)

8.5J x 19 ET 46 in front with 255/40 R19 rubber, 9.5J x 19 ET 46 in back with 285/35 R19 rubber (eg AMG Disc wheel style II) (modification of bodywork necessary with the 9.5J x 19 wheel to avoid rubbing).

Seems to me that the best way to go would be 8.5J x 18 ET 47 all round. That way there is no need to modify the bodywork (fender rolling), and the wheels don't look ridiculously large (merely sporty)--you did say you want to avoid the rice rocket look. Also, 18" tyres are only very expensive as opposed to ridiculously expensive at 19".

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JJ Rodger
2013 G350 Bluetec
1999 SL 500
1993 E300 diesel T
1990 190

If you have model 140.07 you do need to roll the fenders, see PDF-files at:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/1039/mercedes/

Read both: mbna040_025a.pdf & wi335_model_140.pdf

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Patrik Sjoblom....1993 MB 320 CE......Bought Jan 2001. Only 16.8 mpg
Stockholm.........Silvermetallic....DEFA immobilizer/alarm + Original larm
SWEDEN............17x7.5 ET35 wheels with 215/45-17 Kumho 712 ECSTA .