Hello everyone,
Got a good issue to hear some opinions on... the tire size that should be used on the stock 15x6.5 stock wheels of almost all W124 chassis cars (whether 14 hole 80's charm, or the 8-hole beaut of the later models) (and W202 C-Class). From the factory, everything but the 500E/E500 and Sportline/Sport equipped models came with 195/65/15's. Obviously the only two things that CAN be changed (while retaining the same wheel) are the width and aspect ratio. The most popular change I've noticed is to go with
205/55/15's... but I've heard many different opinions...Some say the lower aspect ratio increases the steering response (which it does), while others note this also causes the speedometer to be off a bit, and changes the RPM-to-MPH ratio (which ultimately limits your top speed, and decreases efficiency).
Some say the wider tread will increase traction (which is does) but others say the tire will "swim" on the wheel because it's too wide for the given rim size.
And the biggest thing I've heard against both the above changes is -- Mercedes didn't do it that way, would they really fudge up that bad? After all, the Sportline package of the early 90's did include 15x7 wheels to accompany the 205mm wide tires... and Merc never had another tire but the
195/65 as OE.Who has anything to add? The next time I go to the tire shop, I don't want to think twice before telling the owner what I'm interested in today... plus, I think there's a load of tire knowledge in general to be had on this subject.
Thanks in advance,
-Mike