timskemp

Heh - I've been looking at the options for a while but now the OE alloys (apart from one which I replaced a couple of years ago) just look ugly - they're a nice design, polished and lacquered but the lacquer peeling and corrosion just makes me want to get rid! When I see other E class cars at my dealers the ones on 17 and 18 inch just look better, and I've driven them on 17s and the ride is not noticeably compromised, but I like the look of 18s. All the 18" factory setups are staggered - am I wrong in the assumption that the factory tyre sizes are chosen for the best combination of ride / feel / handling, and therefore it's a good idea to keep to them? Plus there's more choice in 18 than 17. I've even looked at "replica" wheels, but I just find it hard to reconcile myself to those who "know" knowing I cheapskated out and didn't splash thousands on genuine AMG wheels. I think I've made my mind up though having seen some pics, it's going to be the Equinox 18s, 8" and 9" - so the main question now is will it need a realignment afterwards?

245 is the OE size for 17" all round, 245 front 265 rear for 18" all round. Factory wheels seem to be 17x8 all round, 18x8 18x9 mercedes or 18x8.5 18x9.5 brabus / amg. Offsets for the stagger I'm told are 32 front 35 rear for 8.5/9.5.

Well, I'm considering an upgrade, currently got the standard 16" Ankaa wheels on my silver E class but 125k miles has seen the lacquer peel almost completely and I'm close to needing more tyres anyhow. Current tyre size is 225/55/16, factory sizes for 17s would be 245/45/17 and for 18s would be a stagger fit - 245/40/18 front, 265/35/18 rear. So... would Team Dynamics Equinox (18x8 / 18x9) be ok with those sized tyres, or would they be too big for the rim (many sites recomment 18x8.5 / 18x9.5). Am I being a bit unhinged by going from 16 to 18 on a car that is a high miler (125k down, 30-40k per annum, another 2 yrs to go for me at least!) or should I go for a 17"? Something I've noticed is there's not much choice in 17x8 wheels (momo corse is 17x7.5, borbet CB 17x8, plenty of Ronal wheels) - any recommendations from anyone? Finally is doing the above going to affect the geometry or should I plan a trip to WIM at the time of upgrade!