My 1999 C43 has a staggered wheel layout. I am thinking of getting a set of wheels and tires that are the same, front and rear. This would allow for rotation front to rear, as well as side to side.
I would like to stay with 17" wheels. Can the 8.5" fit in the front without rubbing, or should I look into a 8.0" rim?

I was told by the tirerack sales rep that BBS RC 17x8 will fit. They also suggested OZ Racing 17x8.5 rims. Both with 35mm offset. The only caveat is the tire size - they said that while 235/40 may work, they have only tested 225/45... And I'd rather not go from a 245/40 to 225/45 in the rear....

Does anyone know of a proper tire size and wheel offset for this application? Anyone know of a max tire size that can fit OE suspension w/o rubbing? My car is stock, but sooner or later I'd like to either lower it 1-1.5" and/or replace the springs/shocks.

Thank you
George

'99 C43
ex: 97 ///M3

George,
I can sympathize with you on your dilemma and choices of wheel size. What I'd do is determine what tire sizes are available in the brand you would like to use. If running DOT tires, there are only a few left to choose from.These could be Kumhos, Hoosiers, Yokohamas or some other. If you're running track events and not just autocrosses you probably would go with the DOT track tires.
There is a limited selection of sizes and suggested rim width for each. Do a cross examination to find what would work best for your scenario. By the way, have you tried to put one of your rear wheels on the front for a drive around the block to check clearances?

Good Luck,
Tobias MB
190/5.6

Tobias MB;

>What I'd do is determine what tire sizes are available in the
>brand you would like to use.

17x7.5, 17x8, and 17x8.5 are more or less "standard" sizes that fit lots of 3-series BMWs (including the E36M3), Audis, etc. 225/45, 35/40 and 245/40 x17 are plentiful and realatively inexpensive as compared to most 18" rubber.

>By the way, have you tried to put one of your rear wheels on
>the front for a drive around the block to check clearances?

Tirerack flat out informed me that the offset of the 17x8.5 AMG wheels will not work in the front.... back to square one...

I was hoping that someone who SCCA'd a W202 C* could provide a data point or two..... Gawd, how I miss my E36 M3 just about now. Everybody has data on those cars....

Best regards,
George

'99 C43
ex: 97 ///M3 sedan

George,
What I did with my 190 for the largest footprint was to get a set of 8 X 15", 15s to use the lowest profile tire I could for a small OD.
No one makes them but I found a company that casts their own centers and can weld on an aluminum outer band in any width made to my offset specs. And yes, four piston calipers off a 400E fit on the front!

In your case it may be advantageous to contact a company like Fiske or Forgeline that makes three piece wheels to order in 1/2"
increments, I believe. Find an issue of Grassroots Motorsports in your magazine stand and there are many custom wheel mfgs. in the classified section.

Good luck,
Tobias MB
4 MBs

Here is the cure to the uncommon tire problem... Tire rack and Discount Tire both sell replica MB wheels and they really are inexpensive - get two sets, mount Hoosiers or Kumhos and go racing. What you want to do is heat cycle one set, remove them, heat cycle the second then reinstall the first and run them till they are shot - then you have a perfect track ready second set as well as mounted, balanced and heat cycled spares if you need. If you are going racing, stock up on Tire Dollars - its a big chunk of your budget, and there really is no cheap alternative. The two-set method stretches your $$$ the furthest.

RacerX;

This still doesn't answer my question as to the tire and wheel SIZE. do 17x8.5 work on the '99 C43 in the FRONT w/o fender rolling or spacers? What is the largest tire size that can be mounted in the FRONT w/o rubbing on the *inside* at full lock or the fender lip on full suspension compression under load?

BTW - tire rack heat cycles tires for you for $10.

Best regards,
George

'99 C43
ex: '97 ///M3 sedan with lotsa track miles