Hi, this is my first benz, and I must say "This forum rocks!". Thanks to everyone for making it such a great tool for DIY owners!
Ok, so I purchased my 2001 E320 with some not so great rims, but pretty nice Nitto 555 Extreme tires. I replaced the rims w/ AMG, and the rear tires due to wear. I also noticed that the front left tire had unusual rub marks, but the PO lied and said it was from the time the car was transported from FL to PA.
So, I realized after driving for a few weeks that if I hit a big bump or depression in the road, the tires in the front, especially the left would hit the fenders (note the unusual rub marks on the front left). I purchased new shocks and had them installed Saturday because I had a feeling the front left shock was bad. I wish I would have seen the great DIY shock replacement article I just read on this forum. Would have saved me some money!
Ok, The mechanics who worked on the car said sure enough, the front left shock was bad..front right was fine. I had them both replaced anyway. Now the 'good' part. They said the biggest cause of the tire rubbing was not the shocks, it was the tires sizes. The OEM tires for this car were 215/55 R16 93H. I have 245/40ZR18 93W in the front and 275/35ZR18 95W on the rear. The main problem is the front. What do I do now?? I'm thinking about rolling the fenders, but then I'll still have some rub in the front. The rear tires seem OK, but then they're brand new and I never have anything in the trunk or back seat passengers. Can I get away with just replacing the front tires? If so, what size? Of course I want to keep the AMG rims.
Any help is appreciated. THANKS!
Vehicle: 2001 E320 - Brilliant Silver/Ash: MBCA member
Location: The Mountain State
Posts: 6,363
Try different tires
Quote:
Originally Posted by javelintrower
They said the biggest cause of the tire rubbing was not the shocks, it was the tires sizes. The OEM tires for this car were 215/55 R16 93H. I have 245/40ZR18 93W in the front and 275/35ZR18 95W on the rear. The main problem is the front. What do I do now?? Of course I want to keep the AMG rims. Any help is appreciated. THANKS!
You should probably have gone no larger than 17" wheels, but it's a little late for that. I think with the wheel/tire sizes you have, you'll have to modify the suspension (as in raise it which might not be a big deal for a DIY), or roll the fenders as you already mentioned.
If you're willing to change tire size(s) I'd ask a knowledgeable tire company for some advice. Maybe a slight alteration there would do the trick, and that's probably the least expensive option, if it is one at all. Plus, if they advise a certain tire size and it still rubs, they should replace them with one that won't for no additional labor charge. I would caution you, however, that your lugs should be tightened to the proper torque and some tire places might not be up to speed on Mercedes.
Good luck, and welcome to the forum!
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Last edited by Musikmann : 01-22-2007 at 01:59 PM.
Vehicle: 2001 E320 - Brilliant Silver/Ash: MBCA member
Location: The Mountain State
Posts: 6,363
Another thought
There is a sub-forum on here sponsored by the Tire Rack, under the Technical forums. You'll find a lot of modders like yourself there and they should be able to provide the best solution.
i almost got whiplash as i re-read that rear tire size. da-yum. i have 265 rear on
mine. my fronts are 245 also but 35 profile. so far no rubbing but am about to
lower it an inch so it may. if so, i'll have to get some new tires....235s no doubt.
Yep, I'm running 275's, and they look fantastic!
Thanks for your input, I'm going to try the TireRack forum and see what kind of feedback I get. I was wondering about raising the car an inch, but if I can just replace the tires and keep the same 'look', I may do that instead.
Tire Help!! 
and said it was from the time the car was transported from FL to PA.
Try different tires 
Another thought 
275s/E320 
Linear Mode
