Hi guys. I have a 230E and I bought new rims for it (W210 Avantgarde 7,5x16). What size on the tires do you recommend and what brand of tires?

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McLaren Mercedes

Well, size wise, the following will work:

215/55/16
225/50/16 (not recommended)
225/55/16
235/50/16 (closest to original diameter)

I would look at the Michelin Pilots. Pilot HX (225/55/16 or 235/50/16) might work nicely in this configuration.

I thought 225/50-16 was the factory recommended upgrade size for a 124 w/ 16" wheels?

I agree, for the w124, the 225/50/16 are your best pick, anythig wider and rubbing problems can easily arise.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells )

Sorry about that guys, I forgot this is a W124. I am a W210 owner ('97 E420). Sorry about that. The 225/50/16 combo does not work well on the W210.

For a W124 go with 225/50/16

For a W210 go with 235/45/17 but if you have to use 16" rims the stock size is 215/55/16 on the non-sport 430 and all 320's. You can run 235/50/16 as a near perfect fit for OEM rolling radius, but it is sort of a rare size. By the math, you can run 245/50/16 which would be 1.3% taller (really not recommended) or 225/50/16 which would be 1.8% shorter RR (also not recommended) The math and tire sizing works better for you in 17" sizes. The E430 OEM size is 235/45/17. If you are going to keep the 16's you should run 235/50/16. In that size there are very few tires available. I would heavily recommend you go with the Michelin Pilot HX MXM. Had a set of those on my 500E and they did great. Closest thing I've seen to touring noise/ride with sportscar handling. They do cost and wear like sportscar tires though but still it is more than worth the price of admission in my (occasinally rabid) opinion.

Hope this helps...Lee

The tire rack says that the +1 would need a 205/55/16 tire... that is what I have on my 16s

I just replaced 205/55-16s with 225/50-16s. They fit just fine, and IMHO look better; little bit beefier-looking

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

the 205/55/16 and 225/50/16 have the same rolling size to them, so that there is no difference in speedo. Switching from 205/55/16 to 225/50/16 will give you a wider tire with a shorter ration side wall. This is the same procedure you follow when upgrading wheel sizes. for the w124, I recommend the 225/50/16 also.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

I can't understand why I can't use 215 55 16....it has almost the same diameter as the 195 65 15....calc. for yourselves and you'll see...

there is a .3" greater rollind diameter. You could get away with an error that much, but the problem with the w124 and w201 is that a slightly taller tire is almost guaranteed to rub the inside of your fender well. I know someone who had an 88 300E and bought the 16x7.5" off a 97 E320 that had the stock 215/55/16 and had problems with them rubbing with the slightest bit of weight in the rear, and on hard turns in the front.

That is why we all suggest sticking with the perfect match tires which are all 25":
195/65/15 (stock)
215/60/15 (25.2)
205/55/16 (25.1)
225/50/16 (24.9)
225/45/17 (25.0)


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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

Also, the recommended sizes for the W210 in 16" are:

1) 215/55/16 (stock)
2) 235/50/16 (closest to stock)
3) 225/55/16 (also works well)

I have the 3rd option with Michelin Pilot XGT Z4's and it works perfectly.

Well, I would give Luke a call, and ask him about the two sizes. I do not see why TireRack would not recommend the 225/50/16 unless of rubbing reasons.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

Well I have 205, 65, 16 on my benz, and like it. As for brand, go with quality.

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300E
Soon To be E55
27 foot Grady White Offshore Sportfish.

I think thats another typo. I don't know of any tire manufactuers that produce 205/65/16s. I am hoping you mean 205/55/16.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)