W203 C240 - AMG rims / tyre widths

[jimmy456]

I have acquired a nice low mileage 02 C240, and also separately a set of AMG rims from a C32, and I am wondering if it's ok for use and for MOT to put 225 on both the 7.5 inch front and 8.5 rear rims? They're intended for wider tyres in the rear obviously to ensure grip with the higher power output of the car that they came on, and mine isn't as strong.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

If I remember right the C 32 used 225/45 17 on the front axle and 245/40 17 on the rear axle. For winter Mercedes recommended using wheels and tyres in the same fitment as the front axle all round.

The first winter I fitted 225/45 tyres to the 8.5j rear wheels. They fit but they looked stretched (which is now fashionable). I didn’t have any problems but it did expose the rim to damage.

As soon as I found a full set of four new wheels in the right 7.5j fitment, I switched the winter tyres across and put the right size summer tyres back on the original wheels.

Unless something has changed in recent years, then 245/40 17 is a popular size for summer tyres (but not winter), so I would personally fit 245/40 17 to make sure that it’s the right size for the wheel.

You would need to check whether the the C 32 wheels and tyres are a valid combination for the W202. From memory it is but requires spats on the rear bumper, but please check first.

 

[jimmy456]

Thanks for the reply!

It's w203, not w202.

According to the national registry on my vin, originally the car should have:

Either:
F/R 205/55R16,

Alternatively
Front 225/50R16, 225/45R17
Rear 225/50R16, 225/45R17

I have a second identical C32 rimset which came with 235 winter tyres F&R, and they fit and work fine, but I would prefer to be within the rules.

 

[Petrol Pete]

225 on the 8.5 is not a good look . Not this extreme , obviously , but I know someone with a W203 C class wit 225's all round , to me the rears on the 8.5's just look wrong.

 

[Chrishazle]

I have staggered 17" rims on both my cars, 225/45 on the fronts of both (currently Michelin XClimates), 245/40 rear on the SLK, sumnmer tyres, originally had 245/40 summers for the S204 but could not find all seasons in that size at last change, ended up fitting 235/45 all season tyres which are fine.

 

[jimmy456]

Here are the 235s on the 8.5" rims.
They're scratched, but were cheap and it's the rim model I like.
The second set without tyres is perfect though, just need to decide on tyres.
Will 1cm less really look that much worse?
Assume from comments here that functionally there wont be any issues, just visually?

 

[jimmy456]

If I remember right the C 32 used 225/45 17 on the front axle and 245/40 17 on the rear axle. For winter Mercedes recommended using wheels and tyres in the same fitment as the front axle all round.

The first winter I fitted 225/45 tyres to the 8.5j rear wheels. They fit but they looked stretched (which is now fashionable). I didn’t have any problems but it did expose the rim to damage.

As soon as I found a full set of four new wheels in the right 7.5j fitment, I switched the winter tyres across and put the right size summer tyres back on the original wheels.

Unless something has changed in recent years, then 245/40 17 is a popular size for summer tyres (but not winter), so I would personally fit 245/40 17 to make sure that it’s the right size for the wheel.

You would need to check whether the the C 32 wheels and tyres are a valid combination for the W202. From memory it is but requires spats on the rear bumper, but please check first.

Do you have any pics with the 225s on the 8.5s?

 

[ALFAitalia]

225 is usually the minimum recommended width for use on 8.5 inch rims....but 235 or 245 are the ideal. 255 being the maximum..

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Do you have any pics with the 225s on the 8.5s?

I don’t unfortunately.

 

[Petrol Pete]

As said 255 is the max an on 8.5 and I suppose we should mention the potential insurance implications for having the 'wrong sized' tyres on the car.....

 

[jimmy456]

As said 255 is the max an on 8.5 and I suppose we should mention the potential insurance implications for having the 'wrong sized' tyres on the car.....

Yes.

I'm considering 225 tyres on the rear 8.5 rims instead of 245, because:

- the official specs for my car seem to say that 225 is ok, while 245 is not mentioned.
- the car is underpowered compared to the car that the wheels originally came on and it does not need the extra grip (and I dont drive fast anyway).

What is your assessment?

 

[Petrol Pete]

What is your assessment?

Using same width tyres all round certainly has an advantage if needing to carry a spare wheel. The person I know (mentioned in my post #4) does not live in the UK and has 225's all around for that very reason, it is a c class 180K and also does not need really wide rubber on the rears.

As long as it safe to do so it is the owners choice . I mention insurance companies perhaps not liking the 'wrong' tyre on the car but I do not know if that is an issue where you live , it possibly is when winter arrives in Sweden !!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Yes.

I'm considering 225 tyres on the rear 8.5 rims instead of 245, because:

- the official specs for my car seem to say that 225 is ok, while 245 is not mentioned.
- the car is underpowered compared to the car that the wheels originally came on and it does not need the extra grip (and I dont drive fast anyway).

What is your assessment?

If you’re going to fit C 32 wheels then fit the right size tyres, ie 245/40 17. If you don't think you need 245/40 17 tyres then sell the wheels and buy some 7.5j wheels.

Whilst a 225 will fit on a 8.5j wheel it’s too much of compromise, and an unnecessary compromise at that because the right size tyres are readily available.

 

[jimmy456]

Thank you. All valid points!

I just really like the look of these original AMG rims, but my car doesn't have the right engine for them.

Perhaps the solution is obvious - do as planned, use this first MB of mine primarily as a stepping stone to learn about the brand, and when opportunities allow, upgrade to the more ideal model, a wagon with a stronger engine.

Other projects:
- Have bought leather interior (except doorcards, I want the version with the insert which seems not easy to come by cheaply / free). Got all bolts and small parts needed from two other cars over the winter, even the needed hoses for pneumatic headrests as my rear seat is fixed and the leather is folding.
- Got a cheap wet/dry vacuum to clean all carpets when the seats are out, just waiting for the weather to be better so it'll dry fast.
- All major surface rust stabilized, will add correct color and clearcoat this year. A few small surface spots remaining: grind, rust eater, primer, color, clearcoat.

Another pic for inspiration, there's quite a difference, 7.5/8.5.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I just really like the look of these original AMG rims, but my car doesn't have the right engine for them.

Don’t over think it, those wheels are perfectly fine for your engine, just fit 245/40 17 tyres

 

[Petrol Pete]

Another pic for inspiration, there's quite a difference, 7.5/8.5.....

Yup , looks like about an inch from here, or 25.4 MM

 

[jimmy456]

Thanks guys.
Appreciate the chance to conversate a bit!
I agree that staying to the original tyre width on those rims seems to be the better solution.