17' or 18' rims on my w202

[dannykazzy]

i want to put new rims on my c280. i have 15 in rims on it right now and i want to put low profiles on and need some advice

[nelius]

i prefer 17s since i can afford to lower it more than i would be able to with 18s and still have a good ride quality

[Sulaco]

I drove a C280 with stock 15"s for 13 years and it rode like a dream. Handling was ok. I now have a 99 C43 with the best 18" AMG rims money can buy (2 piece, staggered, 8.5" wide in front, 10" wide in rear). The damn thing is autocross ready, but the ride is just unbearable. I can't stand it.

But the biggest let-down is something most people don't consider: weight/size. These rims are heavy and the tires they require are even heavier. Couple that with the fact that the overall circumference of wheel+tire has also been increased, then you're dealing with a detectable drop in horsepower reaching the ground. Engine is still putting out the same, obviously. But the wheels are causing a drop in how much of it actually makes it to the road. At cruising speeds, you see a slight increase in mpg, but during acceleration you're sucking more gas and losing some performance: a lose/lose situation. Did I mention the ride is just awful? In case I didn't mention the ride quality, it's awful. The ride quality is embarrasingly awful. I have to warn people who ride in my car now: "Sorry about the bumpy ride, it's this stiff suspension and oversized rims."

[W202FTW]

I'd go with 17's with a non-staggered set up. Aside from everything that Sulaco pointed out, tires for 18" wheels are typically expensive and not worth the dollar.

[hvmercy]

Unless of course you don't drive the car. I only drive the car as a school bus now. 2 miles round trip.

I'd go with 17's with a non-staggered set up. Aside from everything that Sulaco pointed out, tires for 18" wheels are typically expensive and not worth the dollar.

[dannykazzy]

so im better of getting 17 thanks guys any ideas on what kind whats a better deal since i dont really feel like dropping 2000 grand for wheels/tires

[wichipong]

i had both 17s and 18s... its up to you... currently running 18s on an almost daily driven w202... i have a third set im refinishing right now in 18s...

[W202FTW]

so im better of getting 17 thanks guys any ideas on what kind whats a better deal since i dont really feel like dropping 2000 grand for wheels/tires

There are plenty of choices out there. If you're going for the AMG style rims, you can always find monoblocks on craigslist ( and knock-offs ). If you like the aftermarket stuff, try tirerack.com - you can always order tires and get them mounted and balanced for free.

[dannykazzy]

i guess il just get the real stuff if im putting money in to rims and wheels

[zmatt]

AMG Monos aren't what I would call light wheels. If you worried about performance I would get 17s. If looks are more important then 18s. You can get the perfect look of a filled wheel arch without that silly tuck with 18s and a mild drop. Very classy looking IMO. If performance is the primary concern go with lighter aftermarket 17s like Enkei RFP01s, they are the go to track wheel.

[Yujin]

I had monsterblocks on my C230K. Big + for style, and mileage, but yes, the rims are heavier and cuase the engine to work harder. Lighter rims is the way to go for performance, but, I am too much in love with AMG monoblocks to not get them.

[zmatt]

They do look great. I wish someone made a nice aftermarket copy that was lightweight.

[chimchongdlight]

i run 18s...18x8.5 and 18x10s...17s look ok on some cars and some wheels...all depends on what your going for. If i had 17s my front reiger would scrap so bad once i lower my car

[Christopher]

well i want to see pictures of all this