Optimal Winter Tyres and wheels

[exsaabpilot]

My w203 220CDI sports coupe has the summer setup of front 225/45R17 & 245/40R17 for the rear, which ive heard can be a bit of a pig in sleet and snow.
As i intend to shoe her with suitable winter rubber (poss Conti Winter Contracts, as they are rather good) for the season what is the optimal wheel and tyre size? as im looking at getting some steel rims for the season so i do have some flexability.

 

[whitenemesis]

It will list the recommended wheel/tyre combo in your handbook.

 

[exsaabpilot]

The handbook gives either 205/55R16 or 225/45R17, both are close to the recommended circumerance.
But which is better ?
views opions experiance etc.

 

[rf065]

The handbook gives either 205/55R16 or 225/45R17, both are close to the recommended circumerance.
But which is better ?
views opions experiance etc.

Everyone will tell you smaller is better etc, but I've ran winter 225's for the last 6 years and had no problems in snow at all.

Russ

 

[whitenemesis]

Do you have the Sports Pack brakes? Drilled discs and calipers with the Mercedes Benz decals? If so the 16" wheels won't fit.

 

[Silver_Star]

I run 195/50/15's on mine.

But as above, you won't get small wheels on if you have the sports pack brakes.

 

[exsaabpilot]

I run 195/50/15's on mine.

But as above, you won't get small wheels on if you have the sports pack brakes.

Good point Dan ! How do i tell ?

 

[toby1]

Do you have the Sports Pack brakes? Drilled discs and calipers with the Mercedes Benz decals? If so the 16" wheels won't fit.

...

 

[mersum1es]

Narrow = better

WRC example:

Winter

Summer

Of course limitations like insurance politics, legalization of wheel size modifications, wheel load class etc. etc.

 

[exsaabpilot]

Nope no drilled Discs
:lol:

 

[Ricardo_e220]

205/55/16 will also be alot cheaper....wish I could have put them on my s211 as I had some instead f going for the 225/55/16

 

[exsaabpilot]

Thanks to everyone for the great advice.

Double checked with insurance and they are fine with the wheel change so ive ordered Continental Winter Contracts TS850 205/55R16 on steel rims from tyremen.co.uk expect delivery in a few days, in time for the onset of the winter chill.

 

[exsaabpilot]

Thanks to everyone for the advice.

One last question the steel rims dont fit with the existing wheel bolts.
What is the thread length of the bolts i need ? ie what depth is the thread in the hubs ?

 

[rf065]

If you have a spacesaver spare wheel, there should be steel bolts taped to the back of it?

Russ