It's too small she says!

[kbhogalW126]

Well, at least the rear wheel she saw on her W203 is!

I can't believe it.

SHe wanted a w203 and got one.

everythign was fine until she saw the rear drivers side wheel and the gap above it in the arch!

"I want bigger alloys" she said.

"How big do you want them?" I said (they are 16" at the moment)

"18 inches"

Now, I know its not the size that matters but how you use it, but I need to know what size can safely go onto this car without affecting ride, handling etc.

I hope someone can advise the best size to go for.

The plus side is that the 4 alloys we have at present are in brand new condition as are the tires I believe so I should be able to sell them easily.(we only bought the car a week ago)

Any advice would be gratefully received

 

[Ian B Walker]

Try to bluff her by lowering the suspension . It will get rid of the gap at the top of the wheel. Then with what you have saved you can "invest" in other mods.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I think the biggest wheel on the W203 from the factory was 18 inches and fitted to the C55. Not sure of precise offset and width though. AndyCYP has them on his and they do look perfect balance to my eyes.

I have 17 inch wheels and they do look a teensy weensy bit small.

That said the 17 inch fitted to the Sport models (six spoke) look really superb - in fact I wouldn't mind a set myself. The rears are really deeply dished!! Might be worth seeing if you can find some.

Try these guys - they have lots to choose from: http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mercedes_alloy_wheels/c_class_saloon_w203_alloys

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Looks like the following fitments should be OK:

F: 18x7.5" ET37
Part#A2094011602

R: 18x8.5" ET30
Part#A2094011702

 

[Rose Chap]

Of course she realises the rolling radius of the wheel/tyre combination won't change and there will still be a gap between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch?

 

[scotth_uk]

My mum got 18's on her W202 last weekend. Old school chav.

 

[kbhogalW126]

is it better to just lower the car a wee bit then?

whats involved in this and how much are we looking at £££?

I didnt really want to mod at this stage.

I was hoping to do a comand mod in the new year with a bi xenon mod towards the latter part of next summer.

Will the ride be badly affected by dropping the car?

 

[noops]

If i was you I would look at the 17" five spokes that came on the SE's, they are a chunky looking wheel, give the car a more aggressive stance and also is a good compromise if you don't want 18's.

 

[Flash]

You need to change your suspension setup to "Sports" by changing the pads (OEMs are available from MB) and springs in order to reduce the gap between the wheel and the arch. Fitting any bigger alloys i.e. 17/18" will make the gap actually look worse without lowering the suspension first!

 

[kth286]

Exactly - bigger wheels will not reduce the gap, as you have to put thinner walled tyres on the bigger wheels to keep the rolling radius the same to comply with the regs, eg. speedometer reading etc (or she could get more easily fined for breaking speed limits and would not be amused).

And in fact, it always seems that thinner walled tyres draw more attention to the gap.

So, yes - reduce the ride height slightly. It is surprising how little the height needs to be dropped to get the 'look'.

Ask your indie how it can be achieved at least expense.

 

[kbhogalW126]

Will a mod like dropping the car affect my mobilolife cover?

Does anyone know a decent Indie in the South Yorkshire/Sheffield area?

 

[Flash]

Will a mod like dropping the car affect my mobilolife cover?

No it will not affect Mobilo cover - your warranty has probably expired on the car anyway as is a 2002 model unless you have taken out an extended warranty?

If you use OEM MB pads/springs then there is no way that Mobilo cover can be affected.

What are the current alloys on the car because on the 2002 C180K Avantgarde the standard wheels would have been 15" and not 16" unless the alloys were upgraded as part of the factory order option?

 

[kbhogalW126]

I have a 12 month MB Warranty as it was an approved used car.

The tyres are 16" so I would assume the alloys are also the same.

ANy idea on cost to lower the car?

Anyone here who can do it?

Mr Walker?