Tires/Wheels for 500E

[hillk1868]

Hi,

I have two questions: I have a 1992 500E with 225/55/16 tires which have an offset of 34. What is the downside if I change to AMG Aero II Monoblocks that are 225/45/17 with an offset of 35? Or is it even possible to do this? I know that the speedometer will be off by about 3%, but that's not a problem for me.

My second question is about the speedometer/odometer. My car is Canadian and the speedometer/odometer was recalibrated before I bought it. The speedometer is 100% correct, but the odometer is off by 10%---it reads more than it should. Anyone have an idea why?

Thanks,
Ken

[Ferdman]

Ken, the speedometer discrepancy will be closer to 4% off due to the difference in RPM (revolutions per mile) of 837 for the 17" tires and 806 for the 16" tires. Expect to get a stiffer ride with the 17" wheels/tires, but the cornering ability should improve. You might want to contact Tire Rack and talk to one of their techs.

[yvrbenz]

proper sizing on a 500E with 17" rims would be 245/45-17

[GDTm©]

225/45-17 Very small for 124/500

[Jimbo]

yvrbenz is correct...you'll want the 245/45s to be close as possible to stock diameter...you can put a 255/40 on too.

Downside to the AMGs are their weight, which might be good since they will soak up bumps better than the liter, forged OE rim. But that's also a positive because they are pretty strong rims and well made by either BBS or Speedline.

I'd recommend you look at the 8.25x17" EvoII rims from MB for your 500E; they were original equipment rims for the E500 Limiteds and some SLs. I love mine....so much I bought another set.