190E Tire and/or wheel size change ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

editedby · #1 07-15-2003, 03:57 PM

Opinions appreciated ... I'll be replacing my tires soon and was wondering if I should go to a 16 inch wheel for improved handling. While scanning some posts I read ppl staying at 15 and going from a stock 185/65 to a 195/60 (or wider) are the changes to the look or handling noticeable? Ideally I would like the comfortable ride to stay.

I'm looking at the Bridgestone Turanza, good choice ???
Thanks, Jorge

brookspw · #2 07-15-2003, 04:05 PM

After considerable thought, I stayed with the stock wheel and went with a 195/60 instead of 205/60. I think it COULD have fit, but I think I like the look I got better.

Mine "squats" a little more than it appeared before -- by that I mean a little more aggressive. I do notice the difference from the OEM size. I did bump my air pressure up by about 2 pounds just for firmness and notice no reduction in ride quality.

I got the Dunlop Sport A2. I am very happy with them although I had to be sent 3 replacements for one of them that wouldn't balance and the replacements were worse until the last one.

I got them from tirerack and they shipped replacements with no problem. I like the looks of the tire, too.

Limited Edition · #3 07-15-2003, 11:02 PM

I have 205/50/16 Zumho Ecsta 712s on my 5-speed 190E and they are sporty but still comfortable.

I have 195/65/15 Nokians on my Wife's Limited Edition 190E and they are comfortable but they just look too skinny for my taste.

I just bought 205/60/15 Dunlop Sport A2s for my Limited Edition 190E and I think they will be the pefect comprimise between comfort and performance. I bought the tires on-line so I have to wait a week to get them installed.

Regards,

Don

editedby · #4 07-31-2003, 05:19 PM

Don, Any comments on the Dunlops ... how do they fit?
Jorge

Limited Edition · #5 07-31-2003, 10:49 PM

They fit good with no rubbing and good traction. They also look alot better from the back of the car. I hate skinny tires on my cars and the 205 was as big as I could go with my factory rims.

Cannoli · #6 07-31-2003, 11:48 PM

I have Signum Intra wheels (from Bekkers.com) that are 17"x7.5 et 35 on my '90 190E.

I'm currently running Bridgestone Potenza RE730s that are 215/45 ... the tires rub occasionally in the front. Currently the suspension is stock; I'm changing out the springs and shocks. I expect to lower the car ~ 1.5". I'm changing the front tires to 205/40 to prevent rubbing.

Wheels are a breeze to clean, inexpensive, and gives the Baby Benz an updated look. The tires, I really like ... great value, handles great, and wears great.

editedby · #7 08-02-2003, 05:32 PM

Norman-17" sounds like it could be uncomfortable (?) I live in NYC where the roads can be in pretty rough shape ... the wheels look great.

Don- Are the wheels on your L.E. wider than those on regular issue 190e?

Jorge

#8 08-03-2003, 02:28 PM

choice of wheel size is limited.
plenty of 15s, very few 16s, tons of 17s and >.

if you are concerned with comfort and want to minimize $,
stick with 15, and buy some good tires.

the turanzas (LS model rated H min) are very good for the $ (about $100 less than MXV4$)

luke at tire rack (this forum sponsor) recommends them.
im very happy with mine in 205/55/16

you could do the turanzas in 15 for approx $500
new wheels and tires will be double that or more.

Limited Edition · #9 08-04-2003, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Don- Are the wheels on your L.E. wider than those on regular issue 190e?

Jorge,

Nope, They're the same size.

You may want to check out 190Rev as they have a thread were every one posts their wheel and tires sizes.