W203 Winter Tyres

[Kirbie]

Hi, I realise there are plenty of posts asking for advice on this, but I'm looking for some specific advice.

I've just bought a 2006 C180k sport and after being stuck with rear wheel drive in the past definitely want winter tyres this time around!

When I bought the car it came with Continental Winter Contact Tyres on the rear (245/45/R/17) and Michelin Primacy Summer Tyres on the front (225/45/R/17). I understand that this is not ideal and there should be winters or summers all round. Although I haven't noticed any handling problems so far.

There's about 4mm of tread left on the Conti's so I'd like to keep them for the front for this winter and buy new winter tyres for the rear. However I'd like to get 16inch steel rims for the new tyres and then get these for the front next year. Is this a stupid plan? I'm a bit confused by the current 2 different sizes and not sure whether it's wise to mix 16 and 17 inch steel and alloy wheels.

Any help greatly appreciated!

 

[Anders]

You have a staggered setup (wider rears) so you can't (shouldn't) put the wider rears up front.

I would buy a pair of 225 Continental winter tyres for the front, if I were you and then decide on a summer setup (extra wheels, or just swapping the tyres) next year

 

[Kirbie]

Thanks, as the tyres are worn anyway I think I'll go for a full set of 16 inch wheels and tyres - pricey, but worth it if I don't hit anything!

 

[Rory]

When I bought the car it came with Continental Winter Contact Tyres on the rear (245/45/R/17) and Michelin Primacy Summer Tyres on the front (225/45/R/17). I understand that this is not ideal and there should be winters or summers all round.

You might have just typo'd it, but the car shouldn't have the same aspect ratio tyres front and rear if they're not the same width.

I think your rear tyres should be 40 profile.

 

[Kirbie]

Hi Rory, that's what I thought, but I've double checked and the numbers are correct and don't match the mercedes recommendation!
Looks like I'll be scrapping the current rear tyres anyway, the previous owner fitted them and obviously had less of a clue than I do. Should've got some more money off to pay for tyres but nevermind.

I've found a set on mytyres for £530 for 16inch steel wheels and continental winter contact 850s. I'm waiting to see if Mercedes can beat it, but doubt it.