Looking for new tires on the 300e - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

conversekidz · #16 09-09-2002, 04:24 PM

I just wanted to know if a 195/50/15 would work on the car.
I don't care if the the ride is harder.
I know with lower sidewalls the tire will have less flex, that is what i was looking for in the first place.
I don't want to spend the money on a new set of rims for the car, the 15's are fine.
Other than being 10% off in the speedo (can't I correct that anyways?)

I happy that everyone keeps suggesting to me that I get a 16" rim, but unless you have a set of them lying around with tires on them, that you are willing to sell to me for the same price I can get new 15" tires for, I would kindly ask people to stop suggesting me buy them.

All I am looking for is to make the car handle better with little to no money into it. I am getting the springs for free, the only outlay I will have is cost of new tires. I am a college student on a fixed budget.

pmizell · #17 09-09-2002, 05:50 PM

Quote:

the only outlay I will have is cost of new tires

I would also figure in a 4 wheel alignment, after said modifications are made. ~$80

BlueBabyBenz · #18 09-09-2002, 06:48 PM

From your first post;

Quote:

if not that (195/50/15) , what would be a a good tire to place on the car?

LarryBible and Lee Scheeler recommended a 205/60/15 as a better choice. These guys know.

From your most recent post;

Quote:

I just wanted to know if a 195/50/15 would work on the car.

Of course it works, if by that you mean "Will the car be functional?" I assumed your question had more depth to it.

Quote:

I happy that everyone keeps suggesting to me that I get a 16" rim,

Everybody? I think I was the only one who suggested it. I'm glad you're happy, by the way, although it sure doesn't sound like it. Perhaps you were being sarcastic.

Quote:

Other than being 10% off in the speedo (can't I correct that anyways?)

Let us know how you make out on that one.

royaiii · #19 09-09-2002, 07:29 PM

Best stock same size sport Brigestone RE930i
Best stock same size all rounder Michelin MXV4 Plus

Bridgestones on the rear axle are the best because they are great handlers as well as accelerators. Plus tends to squeel when accelerating and during severe turns. But plus is quieter and better during rain.

#20 09-09-2002, 08:05 PM

Try this:

http://www.paspeedo.com/calculator.htm

conversekidz · #21 09-09-2002, 09:13 PM

That is a good tool, thank you lucky. *and no, that wasn't sarcastic*

Is there a way to correct the speedo? I know when i had my camaro it was as simple as swaping out a new speedo gear in the transmission. Similar to the mercedes? or is it all electronic.

dakota · #22 09-09-2002, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueBabyBenz

I'm certainly prepared to defer to those with more experience, but by my calculations, the orginal equipment (195/65/15) has an overall diameter of 24.98"

225/50/16 has an overall diameter of 24.86", a less than .5% difference. (And to the small side, at that) Perhaps you are referring to width when you say it is stuffing the fenders?

Are there any 124er's out there that have 225/50/16's and can comment?

BBB, yes I have 225/50/16s on my 300CE Sportline and they fit very well and look very good, IMO (Sophie ). They don't rub at all (even on the lowered Sportline suspension) and their diameter is nearly identical to my 205/60x15s.

#23 09-10-2002, 06:44 AM

I offer my apologies to BlueBabyBenz. I was calculating both size tires as 15". I did not notice that you were comparing 16". I had it in my head that we were talking about not changing wheels.

In the Army we had a saying about reading test questions. It was "RTFQ." I'll let everyone figure out what it stands for. I should have RTFQ.

My apologies,

BlueBabyBenz · #24 09-10-2002, 09:43 AM

LOL

Its not hard to figure out what that means!

No apology necessary. I can and do make mistakes, so it gave me an opportunity to recheck my own math.

Lee Scheeler · #25 09-10-2002, 04:42 PM

Stay away from the 195/50/15's....the shorter sidewill will buy you nothing, you'll have the same tread/contact patch on the road, you'll alter the suspension geometry in less than favorable ways, and it will straight up look "wrong". The 205/60/15 is an excellent way to go if you are looking for big handling gains for not much cash. Also, be sure to put the one dot (search past posts for more info on this topic) spring pads when putting new springs on. Have the tech align it to sportline (vs normal) specs as well. Given sticky tires those steps will make a "night n day" cumulative handling difference in the vehicle. As for inexpensive tires in that size why not try the new Yoko AVS ES100? 280 AA/A UTQG on the latest technology from Yoko. They seem to be something of a clone of Bridgestone's S-03 which I can personally testify is an outstanding performance tire. The venerable "Rack" has the ES100's for $73 a tire in stock.

Hope this helps,
Lee

PS changing the speedo is a hassle that isn't worth getting into with these cars unless you are doing major mods and don't mind the expense.