[ozmbguy]

The risk I'm thinking about is that I noticed when my airmatic dropped on its guts the factory 16x7.5 narrow wheels tucked up into the fender nice & safe (whilst stationary of course).

So I am wondering if using bigger & wider aftermarket wheels could possibly damage my fenders or the wheels should the suspension fail when left parked.

Naturally there'd be damage if the failure occurred when moving

Anyone with experience on this?

 

[ozmbguy]

To be more specific, wheels I'm referring to would still clear the fenders as per normal (I'm not talking about ones that stick out past the fenders)

 

[wallyp]

With stock wheel/tires, you can drive a W220 with a failed rear strut. A failed front strut is a bit more problematic, especially for anything over slight turns.

The bigger the wheels/tires, the bigger the risk. Perhaps someone who has been there, done that, could give you a better answer.

BTW - At one time, Mercedes sold tools so that you could drive the car almost normally with a failed strut or struts. These were blocks of shaped solid rubber that you attached to the suspension after jacking the car. It isn't very difficult to jury-rig such tools on your own, even while you are on the road. A friend did it with rubber Harbor Freight parking chocks, a Walmart hacksaw, and some long wire-ties. Other folks have used pieces of 2X4 or 4X4 lumber and wire ties - the ride was rougher, though.

 

[johnksss]

I had 275/35/R20's in the back when my rear end dropped on the ground basically and my tires fit. I have 235/35/R20's and 245/35/R20's in the front and they fit, but turning is totally out of the question as you will tear up or round out the fenders.

@wallyp suggestion is a 100% valid reason to keep something in the trunk for just such an occasion. 1 would be smart, but 4 would cover a valve block failure.

 

[tusabes]

You can’t turn the front wheels with your suspension dropped and larger wheels and tires.