Going down to 16's from 17's?

[Quickbrit]

I'm looking for a little more ride comfort from my 280 and am contemplating a downsize in rim size to put a little more rubber between my wheels and the road.

I spotted a 280 today with 16's and 205/55-16's and it looked OK asthetically...

Any downside?

MikeE

 

[keith100]

Don't know which 280 you have, but I've driven a C with both tyre sizes and there's a noticeable difference. Probably no real loss in dry handling either - and maybe better in wet conditions. The down side would be that 16" wheels usually only come on - Ahem - the strippers. (Talking cars here still, not the more exotic kind, that seem to favour stretch limos!!) So there could be a perceived loss of status, if that bothers you.

HTH

 

[doversole]

................Any downside?

MikeE

I can't think of one, Mike

As keith100 rightly says regarding status, however if ride comfort is important, one could argue it seems a logical 'upgrade'.
A careful match up with the rolling diameters and you are sorted.

This will help: http://www.tyresave.co.uk/tyresize.html

DoverSole

 

[whitenemesis]

I note in your sig your car is a Sport model?

Did it come from the factory on 17" wheels. Could it be 16" wheels will not clear the brake (sport) calipers?

That's the reason my car has 17" because it has the larger discs and calipers to accomodate.

 

[High-Lo]

I'm pretty sure the '96 W202 Sport would have came with 16" rims as standard from the factory unless the 17" AMG's were fitted as an option.

 

[Quickbrit]

I certainly don't want to lose my status - LOL

These rims are AMG 17's and I have 2 different sets of tyres on them at the mo - I think I best assess the ride quality with four matched tyres and go from there.

I'm assuming these are the stock (optioned) wheels.

Thanks again,

MikeE

 

[doversole]

I certainly don't want to lose my status - LOL

These rims are AMG 17's and I have 2 different sets of tyres on them at the mo - I think I best assess the ride quality with four matched tyres and go from there.

I'm assuming these are the stock (optioned) wheels.

Thanks again,

MikeE

Have a browse here Mike.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/equipment/Detail.aspx?deriv=17292

DoverSole

 

[television]

Put your full VIN number in here and see what comes out
http://old.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng