What tyres on 17"x8" rims - "89 190E (W201)

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John Bachmayer - 01 Jun 2005 02:08 GMT

Hope you guys can help. My 18 yo son Adam, bought his first car last week.
He fell in love with these 17"x8" rims that the dealer had put on the 190E
(he also "threw-in" the 6" factory alloys).

Problem: The tyres rub on the guards! (especially the left rear. The
existing tyres are:Fronts: 215x45x17 Faulken; Rears 235x45x17 Yokohama.

I got a feeling the rims are too big at 8" wide (I think the rims are an AMG
style 4 replica). I measured the F & R tracks and they are 20mm under the
legal max limits. Some people say to just roll the lip on the guards but
I've heard that the paint can crack - the car is in mint condition for age.

Any suggestions on tyres / rims? would 17x40x225 series tyres be better or
are the rims just too big (might have to put 'em on my W126).

Thanks for any help.

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CaptainW116 - 01 Jun 2005 04:12 GMT

First thing,mismatched makes of tires is taboo!
I would suggest 215/40/17 all around. Does it rub in the rear due to
squatting?
You can either add spring helpers in the rear (not a fan of this but a
cheap remedy) or
add a fresh pair of springs(recommended).Take note:if your roads in the
area are rough,then 'rubber
bands' can get costly i.e. replace,replace,replace...
Rolling the lip up, NO! This is a prelude for the
birth of rust and enough said!

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Tiger - 01 Jun 2005 14:15 GMT

215-45R17 is the right size for the car. The 235 is definitely not the right
size. 17x8 is acceptable as long as the offset is 35mm or higher.

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John Bachmayer - 02 Jun 2005 00:36 GMT

Thanks guys - actually, the tyres are matched on the same axles, which is
legal here (in South Australia).

Questions: 1. What are spring helpers? - are they a type of block to lift
the car? - 2. I guess by "squatting" you mean the springs are worn out? - 3.
How does one measure the off-set as 35mm or higher?

Has anyone got any good sites/bookmarks for 7" to 7 1/2" new alloy rims for
the 190 (W201)?

Benz regards, John B.

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CaptainW116 - 02 Jun 2005 11:06 GMT

Spring helpers consist of two notched plates and
two bolts which fit in between the gap in spring,
and give you the ability to raise or lower the car in
whatever height suits you!They come in a pair and
require two sets for the rear and the same for front!
They usually run about $10-15 US per pair! If you
'spread' the spring in rear,travel(squatting) due to
torque is reduced and may remedy the rubbing tire
issue!
As far as sites for new alloy rims,do you mean MB
make or aftermarket?I have bought a few sets of
rims from San Fernando Tires and Wheels,inc. and
was an enjoyable experience.
www.sanfernandotires.com and the phone # is
(818)505-0095 1500 San Fernando Road
(800)794-4494 San Fernando,California 91340
Note:this is an aftermarket wheel and tire company

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