Need advice on 19" wheels

midget fidger · 04-08-2008

I posted this on MBWorld but the R171 section over there is kinda slow so I'm gonna try here.

My tires are starting to go so I'm thinking about getting new wheels while I'm at it. I looked at some 18" wheels on a C-class and they don't seem a whole lot bigger than the stock 17s I have right now so I want to go to 19".

Has anyone put 19s on their 350 or 280 without lowering the car? How did it look? With the sport bumpers and bad roads around here, I'm skeptical about lowering the car. How much of a drop do lowering springs give? If they exactly counter the raise you get from moving to 19s I'm fine with that...but if they go lower then I might have a problem.

Oh and does anyone happen to be selling lightweight 19" wheels + tires?

**-1-** · 04-08-2008

Can't speak from experience (19"), but you'll have some wheel gap with either 18" or 19" wheels on a 280 or 350 with standard suspension. I agree, if you're thinking of getting new wheels, go ahead and move up to 19" wheels. Here's a link from Nevets showing before and after lowering photos with stock 350 17" wheels. BIG difference. Check post 15 & 16.
http://www.slkworld.com/general-disc...clearance.html
Most here prefer zero wheel gap. I prefer a happy medium, but definitely NO 4x4 look. Get the new wheels (19") and decide if you can live with the stock look or if you need some lowering.

rb136 · 04-08-2008

Go to this thread

http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r171-gen...65-rear-s.html

Lots of info.

My post there has pic of 265's on 19" TSWs.

midget fidger · 04-11-2008

Thanks guys, I also got some advice from Ynot and I think I'm gonna go with 19s and lowering springs!

midget fidger · 05-07-2008

I just saw this thread http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=158989 See the last post...should I really get 225/35 for the front and 255/30 for the back? Someone said that most people get 235/35 and 265/30.

Edit: I'll be putting these on 19x8.5 front wheels and 19x9.5 rear wheels. Thanks!

Baron7700 · 05-07-2008

If u have bad roads, dont do 19's youll just bend them. Ive gone through two sets of 18's already.

I run 235/35 and 265/30's i dont know why you wouldnt want to if u want an aggressive look, sides u get better grip.

rb136 · 05-11-2008

Don't put 235 35 19's on the front if you intend to track the car. To keep 'em inside the fender, you'll rub the bottom of the spring mount under extreme cornering. If you could find 235 30 19's, you probably wouldn't have the problem but I don't know of anyone that makes them. 265 30 19's in the back are fine but did seem to alter the stability over rough surfaces, at least in my car. I've gone back to 225's and 255's.

midget fidger · 05-11-2008

Hmm, doesn't look like there's a general consensus...I'll probably stay on the safe side and go with the smaller tires.

I'm gonna get forged wheels so hopefully they'll withstand the bad Baltimore roads

midget fidger · 06-09-2008

Here we are!! 360 Forged Spec|5ive wheels. 8.5" in the front and 9.5" in the rear. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 225/35/19 in the front and 255/30/19 in the rear.

I ordered some Eibach lowering springs from Tire Rack, but I'm not sure if I'll put em on. I'm pretty happy with how the car looks on the stock suspension.

Ynot · 06-09-2008

It looks nice but not aggressive enough, once it's lower, it should look great.

midget fidger · 06-21-2008

I'm getting a funny squeaking noise that I think started after I put on these wheels. I read a thread about someone having issues with using the wrong size lug bolts, but I can't find the thread. The noise happens when I first start the car in the morning and use the brakes to stop. It starts right about 3mph and keeps squeaking until I stop. After a while of driving and warming up it goes away and I can stop to a halt without hearing the noise. I dunno, maybe I can put up a youtube video or something. Or take it to the dealership, but that's a 30 minute schlep away haha.

Ynot · 06-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by midget fidger

I'm getting a funny squeaking noise that I think started after I put on these wheels. I read a thread about someone having issues with using the wrong size lug bolts, but I can't find the thread. The noise happens when I first start the car in the morning and use the brakes to stop. It starts right about 3mph and keeps squeaking until I stop. After a while of driving and warming up it goes away and I can stop to a halt without hearing the noise. I dunno, maybe I can put up a youtube video or something. Or take it to the dealership, but that's a 30 minute schlep away haha.

That doesn't sound like wrong size lug bolts, squeaking could be your brake pads, post a youtube vid. Wrong lug nuts makes a "clack, clack" sound.

midget fidger · 06-21-2008

Oh ok...the video might take a while. I just put some Leatherique and I gotta let it sit for a while haha.

**-1-** · 06-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by midget fidger

I'm getting a funny squeaking noise that I think started after I put on these wheels. I read a thread about someone having issues with using the wrong size lug bolts, but I can't find the thread. The noise happens when I first start the car in the morning and use the brakes to stop. It starts right about 3mph and keeps squeaking until I stop. After a while of driving and warming up it goes away and I can stop to a halt without hearing the noise. I dunno, maybe I can put up a youtube video or something. Or take it to the dealership, but that's a 30 minute schlep away haha.

Are you using any spacers? I had a set of spacers on another car that caused a "clicking" sound when turning. Had a mechanic who checked it out, put some grease on the contact surfaces and it cured the problem.

midget fidger · 06-21-2008

Nah, no spacers here.

**alroumi** · 06-21-2008

Wow your car looks terrific, knock on wood you've got a lovely setup. I love the colour of you car as well. Good choice by going with 360Forged.

midget fidger · 06-22-2008

Thanks man! I'm still debating if I should put on my lowering springs...they came in on Friday

**alroumi** · 06-22-2008

Go for brabus, lots of good reviews from your fellow SLKworld members.

midget fidger · 06-22-2008

Here's the video with the noise -

YouTube - Funny noise

**-1-** · 06-22-2008

WOW, that video is worth a thousand words. Has to be a brake issue. I would jack each side, spin each wheel and try to isolate the noise. Your car and wheels look terrific. Just curious on the tire size front and rear, the rear appears stretched to fit the width, but it could be the angle.

04-08-2008	#1 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 67 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Need advice on 19" wheels I posted this on MBWorld but the R171 section over there is kinda slow so I'm gonna try here. My tires are starting to go so I'm thinking about getting new wheels while I'm at it. I looked at some 18" wheels on a C-class and they don't seem a whole lot bigger than the stock 17s I have right now so I want to go to 19". Has anyone put 19s on their 350 or 280 without lowering the car? How did it look? With the sport bumpers and bad roads around here, I'm skeptical about lowering the car. How much of a drop do lowering springs give? If they exactly counter the raise you get from moving to 19s I'm fine with that...but if they go lower then I might have a problem. Oh and does anyone happen to be selling lightweight 19" wheels + tires?

04-08-2008	#2 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,231 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	Can't speak from experience (19"), but you'll have some wheel gap with either 18" or 19" wheels on a 280 or 350 with standard suspension. I agree, if you're thinking of getting new wheels, go ahead and move up to 19" wheels. Here's a link from Nevets showing before and after lowering photos with stock 350 17" wheels. BIG difference. Check post 15 & 16. http://www.slkworld.com/general-disc...clearance.html Most here prefer zero wheel gap. I prefer a happy medium, but definitely NO 4x4 look. Get the new wheels (19") and decide if you can live with the stock look or if you need some lowering. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

06-21-2008	#16 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,288 Country: Thanks: 298 Thanked 232 Times in 146 Posts	Wow your car looks terrific, knock on wood you've got a lovely setup. I love the colour of you car as well. Good choice by going with 360Forged. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

06-22-2008	#18 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,288 Country: Thanks: 298 Thanked 232 Times in 146 Posts	Go for brabus, lots of good reviews from your fellow SLKworld members. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

06-22-2008	#20 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,231 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	WOW, that video is worth a thousand words. Has to be a brake issue. I would jack each side, spin each wheel and try to isolate the noise. Your car and wheels look terrific. Just curious on the tire size front and rear, the rear appears stretched to fit the width, but it could be the angle. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

04-08-2008	#3 (permalink)
rb136 SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Baytown, Texas Vehicle: SLK55 Other Toys: 05 G55 AMG Posts: 78 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 30 Times in 6 Posts	Go to this thread http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r171-gen...65-rear-s.html Lots of info. My post there has pic of 265's on 19" TSWs.

04-11-2008	#4 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 67 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks guys, I also got some advice from Ynot and I think I'm gonna go with 19s and lowering springs!

05-07-2008	#5 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 67 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I just saw this thread http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=158989 See the last post...should I really get 225/35 for the front and 255/30 for the back? Someone said that most people get 235/35 and 265/30. Edit: I'll be putting these on 19x8.5 front wheels and 19x9.5 rear wheels. Thanks!

05-07-2008	#6 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,601 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	If u have bad roads, dont do 19's youll just bend them. Ive gone through two sets of 18's already. I run 235/35 and 265/30's i dont know why you wouldnt want to if u want an aggressive look, sides u get better grip.

05-11-2008	#7 (permalink)
rb136 SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Baytown, Texas Vehicle: SLK55 Other Toys: 05 G55 AMG Posts: 78 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 30 Times in 6 Posts	Don't put 235 35 19's on the front if you intend to track the car. To keep 'em inside the fender, you'll rub the bottom of the spring mount under extreme cornering. If you could find 235 30 19's, you probably wouldn't have the problem but I don't know of anyone that makes them. 265 30 19's in the back are fine but did seem to alter the stability over rough surfaces, at least in my car. I've gone back to 225's and 255's.

05-11-2008	#8 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 67 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Hmm, doesn't look like there's a general consensus...I'll probably stay on the safe side and go with the smaller tires. I'm gonna get forged wheels so hopefully they'll withstand the bad Baltimore roads

06-09-2008	#10 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	It looks nice but not aggressive enough, once it's lower, it should look great.

06-21-2008	#11 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 67 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I'm getting a funny squeaking noise that I think started after I put on these wheels. I read a thread about someone having issues with using the wrong size lug bolts, but I can't find the thread. The noise happens when I first start the car in the morning and use the brakes to stop. It starts right about 3mph and keeps squeaking until I stop. After a while of driving and warming up it goes away and I can stop to a halt without hearing the noise. I dunno, maybe I can put up a youtube video or something. Or take it to the dealership, but that's a 30 minute schlep away haha.

06-21-2008	#13 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 67 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Oh ok...the video might take a while. I just put some Leatherique and I gotta let it sit for a while haha.

06-21-2008	#15 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 67 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Nah, no spacers here.

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06-22-2008	#17 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 67 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks man! I'm still debating if I should put on my lowering springs...they came in on Friday

06-22-2008	#19 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 67 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Here's the video with the noise - YouTube - Funny noise