1998 E430 - should I upgrade to 17" rims? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Zeus · #1 03-15-2007, 10:30 AM

My stock 1998 E430 came with 16" rims. I plan to keep these for winter, and they currently have winter tires on them.

For the summer, I want to buy another set of rims and tires - the question is, do I stay stock (16") or should I go for 17" rims?

Any requirements for doing so, or any modifications to suspension, etc. required when going from 16 to 17"?

I know that in 1999 I think, the E430 came standard with 17" rims and the Sport kit for the 1998 included 17" rims, so I am guessing the car is probably better off with this size anyway.

Just wanted to confirm before I shell out extra cash for the 17s...TIA!

C.

Pete Geither · #2 03-15-2007, 11:06 AM

I have put 17's on the SL and the TE with no problems. Luke at Tire Rack is the absolute master of what will work and keep your speedo accurate.

michakaveli · #3 03-16-2007, 10:17 AM

Get a nice set of 18's. You can find a size that will still match the OE 16" rolling diameter.

suginami · #4 03-16-2007, 12:31 PM

2000-2002 E class cars came standard with 17" wheels, so it's an easy upgrade.

If you look closely, you can even see the difference in the 8 whole wheels. The scallop portion of the whole is shaped differently.

You might look at some of the cars on ebay and compare 98-99 E430 wheels with 2000-2002 8 whole wheels.

waybomb · #5 03-16-2007, 09:20 PM

Here's what stock 17" sport wheels look like on my newly acquired 2001 E430.

Hatterasguy · #6 03-18-2007, 05:27 PM

Chris throw a set of 18in AMG's on that car, it will look sick.

waybomb · #7 03-18-2007, 10:48 PM

Here - my kid photoshopped mine. It should like like this in less than a month, plus I already bought the trunk lip, the rear window lip, and CF door pillars.

The Bomb

Hatterasguy · #8 03-19-2007, 06:36 PM

You need some projector headlights, and smoked rear lights. Thats about what my friend is going for with his E300D. Except with different wheels.

Fireice · #9 04-12-2007, 01:09 PM

PM me for details and pics.

raymond~ · #10 04-13-2007, 01:40 PM

i really wanted to stick with a more conservative 17" rim size when i upgraded
my 99 E320 from 16". but after months and months of shopping, i did not find
any that i liked in 17"....and couldn't afford custom forged wheels. so i ended
up with E55 AMG 18" though it required that i purchased hybrid lug bolts to mate
the W211 rims to my W210

but i liked the results MUCH better than the OE 10 hole wheels. the ride is
a tad more sensitive to road irregularities (feeling in my butt) but is far exceeded
because of the improved control. I've since upgraded to new shocks and springs and
lowered 1". it's just right for me now

have done: E55 tail lights, E55 bixenon projectors, E55 seats being shipped,
signal mirror covers, Bilstein shocks, Vogtland springs and 35% tint ....that
about covers it. (tnx, M. had posted these before, i thought. here's another.
oh...looks like i forgot to mention clear fogs-still halogen. some day, i'll take
photos and draft a DIY for Depo E55s. quite easy, actually)

michakaveli · #11 04-13-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymond~

i really wanted to stick with a more conservative 17" rim size when i upgraded
my 99 E320 from 16". but after months and months of shopping, i did not find
any that i liked in 17"....and couldn't afford custom forged wheels. so i ended
up with E55 AMG 18" though it required that i purchased hybrid lug bolts to mate
the W211 rims to my W210

but i liked the results MUCH better than the OE 10 hole wheels. the ride is
a tad more sensitive to road irregularities (feeling in my butt) but is far exceeded
because of the improved control. I've since upgraded to new shocks and springs and
lowered 1". it's just right for me now

have done: E55 tail lights, E55 bixenon projectors, E55 seats being shipped,
signal mirror covers, Bilstein shocks, Vogtland springs and 35% tint ....that
about covers it.

Looks good.. More pix!

BENZ-LGB · #12 04-13-2007, 05:05 PM

Raymond is the absolute Master of All things W210....

raymond~ · #13 04-14-2007, 03:29 AM

LOL nahhh, just that I'm single and dont have to pay alimony so have some
spare change to spend on car mods.

dukegrad98 · #14 04-30-2007, 09:46 PM

Here are 18" CLS wheels on my W210. I'm probably going the opposite direction as you -- I'd rather have the 16" or 17" wheels on it. These just came with the car when I bought it; the wheels are basically brand new.

Cheers, John

Hatterasguy · #15 04-30-2007, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukegrad98

Here are 18" CLS wheels on my W210. I'm probably going the opposite direction as you -- I'd rather have the 16" or 17" wheels on it. These just came with the car when I bought it; the wheels are basically brand new.

Cheers, John

Those look nice! How do they fit?