Winter Tyres And Wheel Size Questions!

[as400]

Currently have 17" Ankka alloys.

As we still have Jan and Feb to get through and my brand new Kumhos don't like snow and ice am going to take the plunge and buy a set of winter wheels.

Questions: any benefit downsizing to 16"? What offset alloys do I need(will scour Ebay for some cheap and reasonably aesthetic ones), recommend a winter tyre worth buying!

 

[dieselman]

Questions: any benefit downsizing to 16"? What offset alloys do I need(will scour Ebay for some cheap and reasonably aesthetic ones), recommend a winter tyre worth buying!

There is a benefit to smaller wheels, they tyres will be more cushioned and flexible, so grip better in snow.

You want ET42 if possible.

 

[whitenemesis]

Just double check the 16" wheels will clear the brake calipers ..

 

[as400]

Ahhh am currently on 245x45x17

So if Im going down to 16's is there a definite configuration for the other two figures?...never played this game before.

I just know there is a clever tyre/wheel calculator somewhere that will do this for you!

 

[dieselman]

225/55-16.

 

[Silver_Star]

Do you mean this?

My 203 runs 195/65/15 rubber from the factory. Provided you don't have the 'sports' brakes up front (330mm IIRC) then you should be fine.

 

[as400]

Cheers Silver Star, Dieselman hit the nail on the head with his info....am Googling away to find the best tyres and Michelin Alpin get rave reviews, will continue with my research!

 

[syncropaddy]

225/55-16.

Too wide for that weight of car I reckon. Id go down to 205 if possible like 205/60/16. You should look at Nokian WR G2 205/60 R16 92H

 

[dieselman]

The standard size is 225/55-16. I would stick to the standard size for handling and insurance purposes.

I think AS400 wants to drive on roads in the UK, not go Ice racing.

 

[as400]

Saw THESE on Ebay, they aren't quite right, but are they too wrong? (if that makes sense!)

 

[dieselman]

Be aware, as well as the bolt shank being larger on the W211 bolts, the seat radius is R14 instead of R12, so the bolt MAY not lock up as well.

 

[television]

Be aware, as well as the bolt shank being larger on the W211 bolts, the seat radius is R14 instead of R12, so the bolt MAY not lock up as well.

It is debatable if a 12mm bolt will lock a wheel very well in a 14mm hole, you have virtually no metal at all that the bolt can tighten to,, One hard kerbing and the wheel could break away, you can get the correct adapted bolt from
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/information/fitting_chart/mercedes-benz

 

[dieselman]

It is debatable if a 12mm bolt will lock a wheel very well in a 14mm hole,

These need to be the other way round, fitting a wheel with 12mm hole using 14mm bolts.
Even though the bolt physically fits, the seat radius is incorrect.

 

[television]

These need to be the other way round, fitting a wheel with 12mm hole using 14mm bolts.
Even though the bolt physically fits, the seat radius is incorrect.

OK I thought is was the other way, this way you would not be able to get a socket on the bolt in the wheel holes

 

[as400]

What would the recommended alloy rim width be for a tyre of the size 225/55/16

I have found some on Ebay with an offset of ET42 and 5 bolt holes but the rim width is 7.5J

 

[dieselman]

7.5 inches is spot on.

Just check the PCD of the bolt holes is correct also.

 

[as400]

Thanks Dieselman, its not mentioned in the Ebay ADVERT

Is the PCD the same thing as stud diameter?

 

[dieselman]

It's a Mercedes wheel so will be the correct PCD and centre hole size.

 

[as400]

It's a Mercedes wheel so will be the correct PCD and centre hole size.

Thanks very much Dieselman for all your contributions on this thread, I think I have found what I am looking for now.