Skinnier tires rather than wider on W124 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Amge55 · #1 12-05-2003, 08:27 PM

I just got some year 2000 16 X 7.5 ET 41 Umbrella style wheels for my wife's 91 TE. I've read most people are putting on 225's on these wheels. But when I bolted just the wheel, it looks like it only has milimeters of clearance from the strut tower. So I was thinking about going with 205/55/16 tires. This should fit and clear all the mechanicals, right? Has anyone had this experience? I should mention this is a 4Matic wagon, I think the front struts are different from a regular W124. Thanks.

I photoshopped the picture to get a feel of the look.....

ksing44 · #2 12-06-2003, 07:36 AM

I have 205/55/16 on my 16" x 7.5" ET37 AMG Monoblocks and they fit fine on My 1995 E320 Sedan. Mine are quite close to the outside edge of the wheel wells, but I am planning to try 215/55/16 next time.

From reading previous posts I was convinced that your higher offset was the "perfect" fit for our cars and that you would have maximum clearance on both sides of the tire. I really think you can go with 215s or even the 225s and I am absolutely sure you can use the 205/55/16s. I don’t know much about the wagons, but it seems that most guys with the wagons do the same thing as all of us with sedans or coups, except for modifications to the adjustable rear suspension. I really think you will be OK.

manny · #3 12-06-2003, 03:57 PM

Just a small foot note to add to this.
Be sure you pay attention to the load rating of whatever tires you choose.

Ashman · #4 12-10-2003, 02:15 AM

205/55/16 is the right size for a w124 on 16's. 225/45/17 is for 17" wheels.

Regards,

Alon

Q-Ball · #5 12-10-2003, 01:24 PM

I have ran 205/55-16's, 215/55-16's, and now 225/50-16's. They all have worked on my W124, and no rubbing. 205//55-16's are probably best for your wife, and there are more tire options in this size. I love the 225/50-16's, a bit more aggressive, plus I have done a few suspension goodies, and springs are next. I have a concern of rubbing once springs are installed. But as far as rubbing on struts, none thus far. But all cars are not the same.

You

ksing44 · #6 12-10-2003, 01:41 PM

Hello Q-Ball,

Do you know the offset and width for your 16" wheels?

My wheels are 16" x 7.5" ET37 and I wondered if yours were the same, because I am planning to try the 215/55/16 tires on my wheels. My 205/55/16 tires are already a little close to outside lip of the fender, so it would be nice to hear that someone else has already tried it with a similar set-up.

Q-Ball · #7 12-10-2003, 01:59 PM

Same as yours.

Mine are from an E420.

Q

Amge55 · #8 12-13-2003, 06:17 AM

My concern is that you guys running ET37 probably have a bit more clearance on the inside than I do. My ET41 wheels may not accommodate anything more than 205 - and even the 205 could be questionable. Luke, if you are reading this...what do you think?

E 220T · #9 03-07-2004, 08:40 AM

I am running 215/55/16's on my E420 '95. ET 46. No rubbing!

eandytemp · #10 03-09-2004, 11:24 AM

I have a 1994 E420 that has been lowered and has 225/55/16 on 16" AMG Monoblocks and they do rub very little.

Andy

yal · #11 03-09-2004, 01:48 PM

I have e430 sport replicas ET41 on my W124 with 205/55/16 tires. And the 205 is right on the fender. I have the car dropped with about a 3/4 inch gap.

Again it depends on the tire. When I had the dunlop sp5000's the tire was slightly outside the fender, it didn't rub but it was close. With the Continental extremes I have now, the tire is flush in the fender.
I could go with 215 on the contis but would not do it on the sp5Ks. Thats why the statistic page on the tirerack site for each tire is really useful because you can go with 215 but with a thinner thread width.