I am replacing the stock 16" wheels on my W140 S500 and I would like views on replica AMG wheels. The W140 seems very sensitive to balance and I wondered if replica wheels are built to a satisfactory degree of accuracy and balance. I'm thinking of going for 18" but what are the widest which will fit with no body mods?

Finally, does anyone have a view on the best tyres - ideally the roundest {!} and the best balanced out of the box.

TIA Andy

Here is one option you have.
You could purchase the rims, with an agrrement that you will have the balance and run-out of them checked, before mounting the tires.
Any unacceptable goods will be returned for replacement.

As for tires, I have been told by people who know, that Bridgestones are pretty much the cream of the crop, as far as roundness, etc. goes.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

If you go to 18's you car will ride real hard 17's with a 225 55 17 tire will give you the same type of ride you have now only with improved handling.
Been there done that.

Michelin typically build the roundest and best balance tires of all. Bridgestone is a couple steps behind. I just replaced my 16" S-03 with 18" Pilot Sport Rib on my Porsche and the Pilot is smoother, quieter, much rounder, and only needed 0.25oz to balance even on my 285/30-18. They also do not get flat spotted from parking as the S-03 or AVS Sports do.

I have ES100 on my Mercedes and they are a perfect match for me.

I replaced the wore out Uniroyale Rain tyres (only sold in europe) on my recently imported euro model 600 W140, with these Kumho Tires KH11 ECSTA , 235/70/16.
They handle great, corner/break great, look good, and were well under $300 installed for these big tires. Love'm

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Bill & Monika Mercer