Choosing new alloy wheels - et number

[t15dja]

Please excuse the lack of technical knowledge of this forum newbie, but I'm looking to upgrade the standard alloys on my 1998 E280 and I like the look of the 18inch AMG "style 2" (I think) design as fitted to the E55.
I've seen several genuine AMG alloys of this design on the market but could someone advise me about the mysterious "offset" (et number) please? What is the offset "allowed" for my car - is it an exact number or is there a range of values that will fit? Also does it differ from front to rear? Any other advise about wheel / tyre sizes would be most useful.
Many thanks

 

[nicky]

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The offset of a wheel is what locates the tire and wheel assembly in relation to the suspension. More specifically, it is the measured distance between the hub mounting surface and the center line of the wheel.
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ZERO OFFSET
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The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.

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NEGATIVE OFFSET
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If the hub mounting surface is on the brake side of the center line of the wheel, it is considered a negative offset or "deep dish".
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POSITIVE OFFSET
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The hub mounting surface is on the street side (the side you see) of the center line of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.
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[/font][font=Arial, Arial, Helvetica]NOTE: If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the car, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes. [/font]Dont know if this will help.....

 

[t15dja]

OK thanks - I now know a lot more about the et than I ever did (which was nothing!) but is there a range of et values that are suitable for my car or is it more complicated than that!

 

[classicsl]

as nicky said one of the most important things to consider is the relationship between width of wheel and offset, a 35ET on a 7 inch wheel wont fit like a 35ET on an 8 inch wheel, i would recommend if possible sticking to the OEM wheel fitment as changing this will not only effect handling but also wear on suspension parts