Can anyone tell me for sure if the 17" x 8" wheel that comes on the 2000 E430 is made by Brabus? It appears that it is almost identical to their Monoblock IV. Does anyone know who manufactures this wheel?

I believe Ronal is the OEM supplier for the 17" rims. My non-sport E430 had 17x7.5" OEM wheels made by Ronal.

However, Ronal is also the supplier for Brabus as well.

Hey Jeneric,
Thanks for you reply. Sound like you have some interesting rides there. So you have 19" wheels/tires on your lowered E430? Any problems? What offset wheels did you use? I am running into all kinds of problems upgrading to 18"

What tires are you using?

THANKS!

I have had no problems with the setup. The fender lips were rolled.

Fronts: 19x 8.5" (35mm offset) with Pirelli P7000, 235/35/19

Rears: 19x 9.5 (35mm offset) with an extra 5mm spacer, with Pirelli P7000, 265/35/19

This setup was recommended by Brabus according to its catalog. No Speedo errors too.

What problems are you having with the 18" AMGs? Were your fenders rolled?

Eric

I actually really like the look of those 17" Braubus style wheels. I have seen them on several new E class cars, they look very good.

Alon

Jeneric

I have not bought the wheels yet because no dealer can guarantee me that they will fit. Some dealers say yes, some say no, some say maybe. BBS doesn't even know. My factory wheels have 37mm offset, the RCs have 32mm. I am going from an 8" wheel to 8.5" and from a 45 tire to 40 (17" to 18").

Probably will have to roll fender lips. Going to buy one wheel/tire combo and test it before I get all 4. Need more info. on fender rolling. THANKS!

Rolling fenders is a simple task if performed by a reputable shop/skilled person. The recommended way is to have a special machine with rubber rollers crimp the inside lips of the fenders. The alterative, and more risky, is to have the fender lip banged-in by a rubber/plastic mallet. Both processes should have the lips previously heated by a heat gun to avoid paint cracking.

Most reputable shops will include the fender rolling for a nominal or no cost when purchasing the wheels from them.

Also note that the E55 has 18" rims. Its fenders were rolled from the factory.

[Edited by jeneric21 on 01-25-2001 at 03:24 PM]