A-class w168 tyres options

[dtr]

I am sorry if this looks very basic; I am really confused about the wheels.
My A-class currently has massive 17" AMG alloys (fairly good condition, some small kerbing marks, etc but no major damage) and ageing 205/40Z/R17 84W budget tyres. All must legal since they passed MOT not long ago. The ride and handling quality so far didn't impress me, and I believe these wheels could be somewhat blamed for this.
So far I am happy on motorways, have mixed feelings about driving on bumpy Bristol city roads, but when it comes to some B roads that thing is extremely uncomfortable and probably dangerous.

Swapping wheels - probably for used 15" or 16" alloys with new-ish tyres - could be an option if I would gain anything from it.

What would I gain by getting quality 195/50R15 tyres on 15" wheels? What about similar budget tyres? How would going down from 205 to 195mm width affect the overall performance?

Can I look for wheels from C-class, or even different makes/brands? Or is it best to stick to the bits taken of another A?

I would particularly like to hear from those who had upgraded or downgraded A-class or similar wheels.

 

[Howard]

A class wheels have a very specific offset , don't think you can use wheels from other models.

I have a set of 16 inch Avantgarde wheels on our A class , i might be up for a swap. They come standard on the A190 , all other models ( other than the A210 ) come with 15's.

Pictures in the gallery. Look for 'The Purple A Class'

 

[dtr]

Mine is also purple . Back to the topic - can I expect noticeable ride quality improvement by changing down to smaller and lighter alloys?

 

[rhud]

Mine is also purple . Back to the topic - can I expect noticeable ride quality improvement by changing down to smaller and lighter alloys?

I think so,yes. Ride was a shortcoming on the W168 (a legacy of the 'elk test' etc) and 17" wheels would make it significantly worse. IMO 15" wheels would improve it noticeably.

 

[Howard]

It wasn't always so ...

Apparently the pre elk-test A's were very nice , but after the journo stuffed one , they had to beef up the suspension , ARB's etc . They also fitted all the electronic gizmos ( ESP , BAS ) that it was never going to have originally in an effort to sort it. That is what pushed the price up , originally the A class was going to be a much more 'affordable' MB ...

 

[dtr]

OK so the plan is to get 15" wheels when 'the time comes'. I'll keep an eye on the usual places, etc for genuine AMG / Merc ones.

What would you think about something like this MERCEDES A CLASS ALLOY WHEELS on eBay (end time 08-Apr-11 18:41:59 BST) ? they have newish Admiral tires on. I probably would want to better brand, is Michelin an overkill? Toyo, Bridgestone, Uniroyall - what would make sense for good handling, stability, decent wear and MPG (overall just a good combination)?

 

[rhud]

Continental I would suggest.