190E 16V with 16 inch rims need tire advise. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tinker · #1 10-30-2003, 05:23 PM

Hello,

I need to purchase tires tomorrow for my wife's car. Currently it has a set of ugly 16 inch three spoke Prime wheels which are coming off. I have a set of Benz factory 16 inch 15 holes off a 1990's SL. After eading several posts, I believe a 225/45/16 should just fit? Will a 225/50/16 fill the fender openings better? I don't want it to look totally silly and I'd rather have a nicer ride than all out performance.

Anyone have photos or can post a link to some photos of a 190e with those size tires???

Please....Thank you!

Tinker

Limited Edition · #2 10-30-2003, 09:21 PM

Those are 16x8 wheels also used on the EVOI 190E. They are too wide for a normal 190E but just right for a 16 Valve. Are you stock? Lowered? I ran 205/50/16's on my regular 190E but when I tried to run 205/55/16's, they rubbed.

I'm sure some 16Valve owners will tell you more or you could go to www.190revolution.net and look at the wheel/tire section.

Tinker · #3 11-01-2003, 10:07 AM

I couldn't get a definitive answer, so I went ahead with the 225/45/16. I think it looks ok, and the overall diameter is the same, but...........I bet the 225/50's might fill out the wheel wells better. The suspension is stock.

Tinker

yhliem · #4 11-03-2003, 01:18 AM

225/50-16s on the EvoI rims would rub like crazy. you're looking at around 1" increase in overall diameter from stock. as it is you will get a little bit of rubbing at the front of the front fender wheel opening. about where the flare meets the bumper.

225/45-16 is the optimum size for the rims you are using. I ought to know, they're the same rims i have on my 2.3-16

Tinker · #5 11-03-2003, 08:50 PM

Yhliem,

No rubbing to speak of yet, even with a few good dips. It had 205/55/16's on seven inch rims. Those would only rub on good size dips at speeds of 40 mph+.

Tinker

yhliem · #6 11-03-2003, 10:40 PM

Tinker,

The rubbing won't occur while the car is travelling straight. It's when you're cornering hard that the rubbing will occur. however it's very minor, so you won't even notice the rubbing. I only found out because the inside edge of the urethane fender flare was rubbed down a little.

I considered getting 225/50-16s too, but if you look at your car, you'll see that there isn't enough room at the front edge of the front wheel arch to accomodate that size.