What rubber should i purchase?to get my car up higher

[John D]

Hello all, I have a little problem regarding replacement tires and would appreciate any feedback. I have a facelift AvantGarde E270CDi-T , 215/55/16...Need to put some winter rubber on as I am in Eastern Europe (Romania) and it's snowing more than in Greece where i was with the car before i moved up here.
Now, I have 2 problems the car is too low (yes, it's true) for the roads here that are pathetic and full of pot holes...already replaced the front shocks and need to get the car up 2 inches at least...so, someone suggested to me that I just switch up rubber to 225/65/16 and I will get 2 inches.This suggestion is the most sound one I have heard as opposed to playing with the suspension which I will not do...SO, what do you all think?225/65/16? is 215/65/16 better? or 205/60/16? I have no idea what to do, thinner is supposed to be better for winter but the vehicle spec is the same as the original size 215/55/16 for snow tires...HELP! PS: any suggestions on appropriate rubber for my wagon would also be appreciated:razz:

 

[star]

Fit classic or elegance springs which should raise it about 1.5 inches.

 

[Rory]

Changing the tyre profile from 55 to 65 (on 215 tyres) will only make about 20mm difference to the height in theory, and I'm not sure if all that would be available in practice.
Of course it will also cause the speedo to under-read (by 6.7%).

 

[A210AMG]

Would insurance implications also apply?

As the car Should not have them tyres fitted?

 

[John D]

Rising Rubber

Thanks everybody!
Star: your observations make a lot of sense...and wont muck up suspension geometry as the they are are COTS solution from MB...sound advice.
Rory: You are right about the theoretical implications...and all that fuss for 20mm...what i am curious to know is how this type of a change would affect the driving characteristics...and in the end will it really have any benefit...right?
A210amg: You scare me because your observation...is very accurate, i never thought of that aspect.As the documentation of the vehicle clearly states that the only tires that are recommended for both summer and winter are 215/55/16...the voice of truth! thanks for the reality check...helps put things into perspective...

The more input the better!!!

 

[brandwooddixon]

Also if going down the replacement spring route, don't forget the rubber, spring cup inserts.

 

[John D]

Well I think I figured it out (kind of)

I have managed to take the conservative approach and settled on a set of four Goodyear Ultra grip Performance Tires...on the specified size of 215/55/16... As far as the height issue is concerned, I am looking at replacing the Spring Pads and putting in 17mm all around, hopefully this might give me a little bit of height...I will see how it goes, If I still have problems, I will end up swapping out my springs for Elegance to get a little more height...

Any comments? anyone disagree? I would really like get some opinions...and I will post my experience with the rubber I have slected to tell you of how they preform in our winter wonderland over here!

John D