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

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.

Reply to
John Bachmayer
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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!

Reply to
CaptainW116
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.
Reply to
Tiger

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.

Reply to
John Bachmayer

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.

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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

Reply to
CaptainW116

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