38mm offset to big?

[MAC10]

will rims with a 38mm offset fit on a 94' C280?

[J62105]

What is the rim 'J' size? it all depends on this factor.
On the front you could use a 38 offset comfortably with a 7.5J rim, 8J at a squeeze. I have run with a 40 offset with 7.5, but the steering geometry is messed up.
Rear is not as critical for the geometry, certainly an offset of 38 is ok with an 8.5 rim, maybe 9 at a squeeze.
Beyond these widths, I'd say you are then into wheel arch rolling.

[MAC10]

Thanks for the reply, I really like the new 17" e-class wheels and have a set linned up for purchase, any way to find out the 'J' before I make a big mistake?

[dwang]

What is the rim 'J' size? it all depends on this factor.
On the front you could use a 38 offset comfortably with a 7.5J rim, 8J at a squeeze. I have run with a 40 offset with 7.5, but the steering geometry is messed up.
Rear is not as critical for the geometry, certainly an offset of 38 is ok with an 8.5 rim, maybe 9 at a squeeze.
Beyond these widths, I'd say you are then into wheel arch rolling.

This is absolutely not the case. I run 18 x 8.5 with 35mm offset all around with unrolled fenders and I have no problems with rubbing. As long as you stick to 225 widths in the front and 255 widths in the rear with 35-38mm offset, you will be fine.


Dave

[scorchie]

This is absolutely not the case. I run 18 x 8.5 with 35mm offset all around with unrolled fenders and I have no problems with rubbing. As long as you stick to 225 widths in the front and 255 widths in the rear with 35-38mm offset, you will be fine.

Dave

Actually, what he wrote is nearly spot on. 38mm offset with an 8.5J wide wheel is not a good idea. The problem is contact with the steering knuckle ball joint bolt, or the steering knuckly itself. If you look on the inside of the wheel with a 35mm offset 8.5J wide wheel, with 225 tires (depending on manufacturer), you can see just how close it is. 3mm actually makes a difference in this case.

Also, offsets in excess of 35mm create excessive negative scrub radius (i.e. the steering geometry is messed up). It becomes more noticeable as the offset exceeds 40mm.

On the rear, up to 44mm should be OK with a 9J wide wheel. Removal of the wheel well lining and replacement of the hard shock cover with a smaller flexible booth may be required.

Using too high an offset will not contribute to the need of fender rolling though.

-s-