While "surfing" TireRack for my next set of tires, I noticed that the "Measured Rim width" for 245/50R16 and 245/45R17 tires is *ONLY* 7.5-inches.

Is this true ? If so, will they feel right on a stiff-suspensioned W124 ? (My fenders have been bowed out and the lips rolled). Yes, the diameter is off by almost an inch, but that's OK since I would install on all four corners.

I'd like to run 235/45R17 but the "Measured Rim Width" is 8-inches. Is that because it has a lower sidewall height ?

Pro's & con's of running 245 or 235's on a W124, esp. performance wise?

FWIW, on 225/50R16 and 225/45R17 I just don't have enough rubber for shorter stops and the C36 engine just spins the tires.

:-) neil
1988 E36T AMG
1993 500E

the 225 is about as wide as you can go on a W124 since you have rolled the fenders

__________________

Please, call me to place orders or for more info
use my name for on-line orders

Luke: I'm testing my 500E's 245/50R16 BFG KDWS on 16x8 wheels on the W124 wagon.

The ONLY tire that rubs is the left rear. If I can go to a 16x7.5 wheel I don't believe it would rub. Remember, I have widened fenders up front and rolled-lips in the back.

The original question still stands:

can I run a 245/45R17 or 235/45R17 OR 245/50R16 tires on a 7.5-inch wide wheel safely ?

What are the con's of doing so?

:-) neil

235/45-17 = 7.5" minimum
245/45-17 = 7.5" minimum
245/50-16 = 6.5" minimum

__________________

Please, call me to place orders or for more info
use my name for on-line orders

I think its your tire. You might want to go to a tire with same size but a thinner aspect. Tirerack has the figures on their website.