16" wheels tames harsh C36 ride! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BongC36 · #1 12-04-2002, 11:12 AM

Hooray! I finally found a suitable 16" wheel to replace the stock 17" AMGs on my C36. These 16" OEM came off a 2002 MB C200K and are of the modern 6-spoke design. The offset is slightly differenrt so they barely clear the caliper. Now the ride is so much smoother!

The fronts are 7.5 J ET 37 while the rears are 8.0 J ET 37. The original AMG monoblocks are 7.5 J ET 35 at the front and 8.0 J ET 30 at the rear. Will the 7mm difference in offset at the rears greatly affect the geometry?

I believe that although I have sacrificed some steering sharpness (and looks!) with my minus 1 setup, I have gained a lot because now I can zoom over minor road irregularities plus I don't jar my car's precious suspension too much.

I will post some before and after pics tommorow.

BongC36 · #2 12-06-2002, 12:49 AM

Here are some pics of the car before and after the wheel change. The tires are 225/50 R16 92V vice 225/45 ZR17.

The ride is much smoother now not only because there is more rubber sidewall now ( 112.5 mm for the 16" vs 101.25mm for the 17") but also because Z-rated tires have much stiffer sidewalls. V-rated tires have more pliant sidewalls, allowing them to absorb shocks better.

Those guys with C36's or C43 might want to try this for their daily driving. The change in steering response is minute while the improvement is ride smoothness is really amazing.

I purchased the W203 wheels and tires from some kid who swapped them for 19's

Regards

BongC36 · #3 12-06-2002, 12:53 AM

here is how the car looked like with the original 17" AMG monoblocks. Much better looking I agree!

BongC36 · #4 12-06-2002, 01:02 AM

And here are the retired AMG monoblocks. There is even more rubber on the rears now because the original rear wheels are 245/40 ZR17 which meant that there was only around 98mm of rubber sidewall between the road and the wheel!

BongC36 · #5 12-06-2002, 01:07 AM

I hope I haven't made it too ugly

jsmith · #6 12-06-2002, 11:00 AM

of course, it doesn't scream AMG anymore

but i like those spokes. less brake dust too...

Holson Adi · #7 12-06-2002, 01:29 PM

I like them!
Maybe you can surprise people who think that you just slapped on the C36 badge on a C180

BongC36 · #8 12-07-2002, 02:49 AM

Indeed the AMG's are much more attractive! However, the roads here are pounding the car's suspension at speed and I fear for their longevity. I actually go faster now, since I don't have to slow down so much when encountering patches of bad surface. I don't drive 10/10ths everyday and anyway my driving skills are not good enough to be hampered by the slight loss in steering sharpness.

Also, I seem to feel slightly quicker acceleration. I weighted the wheels and the AMG's were 48 lbs (21.8 kgs) each whereas the 16's were 40 lbs (18.2 kgs). Perhaps they account for the improvement?

Does anyone know where 5mm longer wheel lugs can be purchased?

samsly29 · #9 12-09-2002, 10:59 AM

Let me know if you are.. please! and how much you would want for the rims and the tires.. ?? Do you know if it would fit on a 300E ..1991 ??

BongC36 · #10 12-10-2002, 04:49 AM

Sorry friend, I want to hang on to them for now. Dont know if similar wheels will fit your 124. On my C36 the fenders are rolled at the factory to prevent rubbing.