Can get pretty complex. (archive)

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That's the great thing about this board...the feeling of gratitude and the willingness to help others who appreciate this great car!

Search "offsets" on the MB and you'll see many references. It's 41 or 42 mm. I don't know where the actual spec is published but I measured it at 41 give or take 1mm. "Spacers" will likewise provide a wealth of info. Spacers are used simply to move the wheel out...usually to "fill-out" the look of the wheel well. In fact that's what I intended with the 10" rims I got. Personnally I'd stay away from spacers since they require longer bolts and IMHO may compromise the wheel's strength...but ask around. They're cheap!

The effects of changing to larger rims and tires and different offsets is real controversial. Theories are cheap. I'm very happy with my choice except for one mistake. The rear combination is fine. 265/40's on the 10" rims. I stuck with 225/45's on the front though. Handling is fine, except the 265's are too much larger diameter than the 225's and this diminishes the response of the ASC+T, causing the rear end to let go in wet conditions. I'll be replacing with 235/45's this spring to resolve this. The MB's consensis is these will leave just enough clearance inside the wheelwell. Hopefully the tread will not stick out further than the edge of the fender. To find out whether everything will fit you need to check clearances under the car as best you can on your present fitment and extrapolate how much more space the desired sizes will take up. Or just ask what others are happy with. If your in CT you can check mine out. And hope to see you at the Homecoming!

: First,I want to thank you.I now understand the concept of wheel offset.But, how do you know when too much negative offset is too much for the car?Was your handling affected in anyway due to the deviation from the norm?I can see how the small difference in front would be negligible,but what about the much wider rear wheels.Did you have to use spacers(whatever they're used for)or did they just fit on?Also one more question(i promise),how did you find out what the standard offset is,and is it 40 or 41 mm?Thanks again Dave P. Maybe I'll be able to return the favor someday.Btw my initials are Dave S.

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