Tyre sizes for w211 e55

[simon1966]

Hi,

I went to see a car today which had non standard AMG alloys fitted. It had good tyres on it, but I do not think the sizes were correct.

The wheels were still 18 inch and like I said they were AMG but the rears were fitted with 285/35 18s and the fronts were 255/40 18s. I thought that they should be 265/35 18 and 245/40 18 respectively.

By my reckoning that obviously makes the tyre / wheel combination have a larger than standard rolling circumferance. I'm no maths genius but by my calculation as standard with 265/35 18 rears the diameter would be 642.7mm (457.2mm wheel plus 2 x 92.75mm tyre side wall) this gives a circumferance of 2019mm, wheras with 285/35 18 fitted the diameter would be 656.7mm (457.2mm wheel plus 2 x 99.75mm tyre side wall) this gives a circumferance of 2063mm! Obviously the fronts would be similarly oversized but I guess not such an issue as rear wheel drive.

Does anyone know what sizes are considered to be acceptable / recommended alternatives to standard? The dealer said they were a merc AMG dealer upgrade but I think they are just wrong?!

 

[jeremytaylor]

You're right:

Front 245/40/18
Rear 265/35 18

according to my 2004 brochure.

 

[Satch]

The difference on the figures given is only about 2%.

If the tyres do not rub or catch then I would not be worried about it: you will have slightly higher gearing, better fuel economy (well a bit!) and your speedo may be more accurate as they all under read slightly.

 

[simon1966]

The difference on the figures given is only about 2%.

If the tyres do not rub or catch then I would not be worried about it: you will have slightly higher gearing, better fuel economy (well a bit!) and your speedo may be more accurate as they all under read slightly.

Your right, I have been thinking about it since, it is onlly about 2%.

No problems with rubbing etc, mind you I only drove on nice flat roads (if there is such a thing in this country now!)

 

[Gareth]

Front 245/40/18
Rear 265/35 18

Is correct, they run the same size tyres as the Sport Models (my car)

 

[C240Sport97]

The wheels were still 18 inch and like I said they were AMG but the rears were fitted with 285/35 18s and the fronts were 255/40 18s.

these are the tyre sizes for my CLS55

 

[Alps]

as above 245\40\18 front
265\35\18 rear

 

[simon1966]

So do you all reckon that the 285/35 18s and 255/40 18s are ok then? I guess so just ratio slightly out.

 

[BenzedUP]

I got 275-35ZR18 and 245 on the front on my w211 seems ok.

The wider the better I think!

 

[st4]

The wider the better I think!

For grip in the dry but wider wheels knock the MPG, steering feel, wet weather grip and make more road noise, but they do look so good.

 

[Mactech]

For grip in the dry but wider wheels knock the MPG, steering feel, wet weather grip and make more road noise, but they do look so good.

Well said! Got it in one!
The sizes you have seen on the car are not standard, but will be fine. I have had all sorts of different tyres on 211's

 

[st4]

Well said! Got it in one!
The sizes you have seen on the car are not standard, but will be fine. I have had all sorts of different tyres on 211's

And you are back in a 211 based car now

 

[BenzedUP]

For grip in the dry but wider wheels knock the MPG, steering feel, wet weather grip and make more road noise, but they do look so good.

Yeah steve true, my w211 still spins with 275 at the back because of the crazy torque I get a little spin with brand new tyres off the lights when I try and go for it!

Just spend allot of money on the w211 new tyres all round, M.O.T tax new wheels etc

I bought some lowering springs for the w211 H&R's, will fit them soon should improve the steering feel, i'm enjoying the slk as the weather is really nice but the slk is at mercedes this weekend because i'm having problems with the roof motor, needs replacing, all under warranty!

 

[st4]

I bought some lowering springs for the w211 H&R's, will fit them soon should improve the steering feel, i'm enjoying the slk as the weather is really nice but the slk is at mercedes this weekend because i'm having problems with the roof motor, needs replacing, all under warranty!

The springs will be really good, shall hopefully tighen the feel of the car. Shame your roof is kaput on the SLK, IIRC you have a pan roof on the 211 so some consolation.

 

[N4D5]

Front 245/40/18
Rear 265/35 18

Is correct, they run the same size tyres as the Sport Models (my car)

Hi mate, these are the same on the 320 sport right, aint checked mine, was wondering what tyre pressue you fill yours up too.