I own a 1999 E4309 and noticed that the sport package was basically flairs and 17 inch wheels.What is the advantage of these wheels over the 16 inch wheels in terms of performance and ride?

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Jerry DC
99 E430 "Stock"

The 17 inch will have a smaller stiffer sidewall, wider tire, sportier look, better handling in turns, slightly harsher ride, more tire noise.

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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1998 MERCEDES-BENZ E430
<LI>OBSIDIAN BLACK METALLIC/BLACK LEATHER
<LI>XENON H.I.D. HEADLIGHTS
<LI>DEBADGED REAR
<LI>AMG CHROME TIP DUAL EXHAUST
<LI>CARLSSON 1/6 Wheels/DUNLOP SP SPORT 5000 from TireRack
<LI>SLK BLUE "WREATH" CENTER CAPS
<LI>ATP FLASH Wheels/YOKOHAMA AVS dB from TireRack
<LI>ALPINE CHM-S611 CD CHANGER
<LI>FORMULA ONE TINT

</UL>

Do you have 17 inch wheels on yours?
Are they worth it?
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kevin:
The 17 inch will have a smaller stiffer sidewall, wider tire, sportier look, better handling in turns, slightly harsher ride, more tire noise.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



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Jerry DC
99 E430 "Stock"

I upgraded my 98 E430 from 16 to 17 wheels the day I drove it home. A plus one is always my recommendation. I never drove on the 16's. The E-Class Sport package (1997-2001) and the 2000/2001 E430 and now 2001 E320 Sport all have 17 inch wheels and the suspension is the same spec as the 16 inch wheels. You will notice crisper handling, better looks with drawbacks being a little more noise, some ride smoothness and more suspectible to pothole damage.

Kevin:What do you mean by A plus one?Is it stock wheel size plus one inch?

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Jerry DC
99 E430 "Stock"

Plus sizing is explained here: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/plusone.htm

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC
MB Autowerks Inc

I upgraded my stock 99 E430 to the same wheel and tire size used on the Sport.
Michelin XGT-Z4's (not the most agressive tire you can buy) made a wonderful difference in handling without significant difference in noise or harshness.

Do it!

BTW -- I'm constantly complimented on the OZ Opera 1 piece wheels with MB center caps...

BTW2 -- tried Pirelli's first, they were HORRIBLE

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GParker
'99 E430