Wheels, tyres

[RicardoR]

Well, just before people think I'm a noob for asking this, I'll just tell you that I'm 16 and am still learning about cars. I own a C180 Mercedes (pictures in attachment).

I have the standard wheels and tyres on it (65/195 15" (I think)), but I would like to have lower profile tyres and 5 spoke wheels. I would appreciate it if someone could advice me in the right direction (what size to get, what not to get etc). I know there are books and tutorials about this, but I thought I would also post it here just in case someone could pass on some experience they have .

Thanks

 

[jberks]

16 years old and own a C180 - alright for some, I started with a Lada! Whats the insurance for a 17 year old male learner? A friend only just managed to cover a 3cyl corsa!

Also on the subject of insurance, new wheels are classed as an modification and you're going to have enough trouble getting cover without the added complication of covering a modified car.
Wheels and tyres wise, there are 2 basic rules.
Firstly the offset or ET number - this basically governs how much of the wheel is inside and how much outside the hub. Clearly the more inside the hub, the more chance it could foul the suspension. The more outside, the greater the chance it will exceed the wheelarch (which is illegal). There will be a chart somewhere on the net detailing what ET range your car can handle.

The second rule is that the overall rolling diameter shouldn't change. So, the taller the wheel, the narrower the tyre sidewall needs to be to accomodate it. Side by side, the new and old tyres should stand to the same height. This looks better but a lot of bumps are soaked up by the sidewall so the less sidewall, the harsher the ride.

 

[RicardoR]

Thanks for your reply.

Hmm.. I used Liverpool Victoria insurance company and it costs around 400 pounds (with my dad as main driver) with no modifications. I have just found out I cannot get insured on the Merc (not modified) at 17 which doesn't really make sense to me as a C180 Merc (I read) is one of the safest cars there is and its not really a boy racer type car.

Looks like I'll just have to wait till I'm 18 .

 

[RicardoR]

Actually an edit. I have just tried another insurance company and they will insure me as second driver for 330 pounds a year with no mods when I'm 17. Swinton is the insurance company

 

[jberks]

Ahaa - just be careful. Lots of people use parents names to get the premiums down. Ins cos are wise to this and can refuse to pay out if they suspect that you were actually the main driver (e.g. your dad has another car).
I'm suprised they'll even consider you as a named driver so you're doing well. Things have changed though. I used to drive my dads gleaming 380SE back in the 80s. I'd never get cover for a new 400SE at 17 today, though given what I did with it, I wouldn't blame them!.

 

[SteveyT]

You may have to wait longer than 18 to be insured as the main driver, I was 19 and i paid nearly £2000 for an E280. However, being a C180 you may get lucky.

Insurance companies will also not account as for whether you are a boy racer or not, it will be your age, NCB and also where the car is kept. I found that moving the car from the drive to the road on the insurance policy gave it a massive jump in price (damn my Dad and his Lotus...)

For reference, my 1ltr Fiesta, worth £300, cost £1100 to insure 3Party F&F as a new driver at 18.

 

[RicardoR]

Well we live in Wick so it's a pretty safe place. The Merc isnt exactly anything to go racing in, its a safe car, my dad has no previous accidents so whatever happens happens . I just hope I can get insured when I'm 17.

 

[brandwooddixon]

In order to keep your insurance down I would stick to wheels and rims as specified in the owners manual (if you have one that is).

 

[RicardoR]

Yes I will, thinking about it by the time I can afford to buy some wheels and tyres I will be 18 or 19 anyway. It's just handy to ask about these things now rather than just before I want to get them changed.

 

[FIBAMAN]

Ricardo, I think you made a good choice for your first car, solid build, reliable (if maintained correctly) relatively easy to carry out maintenance, and parts not too bad price wise for routine bits. Hope yours is as good as my first C180 (p reg 210,000miles, still going on original clutch).
good luck