EVO II on 400E / E420 - recommended tire size.

[Ian White]

Hi there,

I have a set of poor condition factory chrome wheels and happen to have a set of (diamond finish) EVO II wheels off a E500 Limited in inventory. In searching the forum, I haven't found confirmation of tire size when going with the EVO II on a 034 (earlier thread confirmed will fit) . My goal is to clear the fenders without rubbing issues for normal driving.

I am at the point of sourcing tires and want to confirm tire size if used on a 400E. The factory spec for E500 is 245/45/17 which isn't a super common size locally or I'd find some used ones to mock up. I am accepting recommendations on model / brand as well. Vehicle is 1992 (signal red/black) 400E with ASR.

Any tips appreciated.

 

[gsxr]

Assuming you have 8.25" wide Evos, the "correct" tire size would be 235-45-17 on the 034.

You may need to add the fender spacers up front, plus possibly roll the fender lips slightly, assuming stock ride height (not lowered).

I'd look for a Michelin Pilot of some sort, or a Conti Extremesomethingorother.

 

[Ian White]

Thanks Dave. Confirming they are 8.25" wide Evo IIs. Factory ride height; hopefully no rubbing issues.

If nothing else I may put them on my SL600

 

[jhodg5ck]

that's gonna be Snug. x2 on [fender] spacers and rolling.

 

[Ian White]

Thanks - maybe not worth it!

 

[gsxr]

Thanks - maybe not worth it!

It can be done at stock ride height, especially if you don't dive into corners hard or trail brake. Adding the fender spacers up front is pretty easy.

 

[Ian White]

I'll do a search on those.

 

[gsxr]

I'll do a search on those.

It's just a spacer about 1/2" thick with a couple of longer screws, for the fender attachment points immediately forward/aft of the wheel.

Click the link below for the AMG install document for a similar-size wheel. See section "C".

https://www.w124performance.com/docs/mb/wheels/AMG_124_wheel_installation/wheel_install_17x8.0_ET30.pdf

 

[Ian White]

Thanks Dave, super helpful-as always.

 

[gsxr]

Found the photo. 15mm thick, 30mm OD, any generic plastic material can be used. Some chassis have a machine thread screw instead of sheet metal, find a suitable replacement that is ~15mm longer than the original with the same thread type.

 

[Ian White]

I have a set of 18" monoblocks off an e55 that came on my 500E. They look sharp as hell on the 036... but I know the EVO IIs would as well.

What do you guys think? I have the monoblocks bolted on the 034 but they're too wide and would rub and I'm not about that. I'd have to find a tire size - if they even will squeeze in the 400E wells.

Front tires 245/40/18
Rear 275/35/18

This setup was okay on the 500E - about 500 miles of spirited driving without rubbing.

Crowdsourcing for esthetic help! Choices! I'm inclined to put the Evos on the 034 and the Monoblocks back on the 036.

 

[sheward]

The monoblocs are not going to work on the 034. Just too wide in the rear.

I personally like the monos just a bit more than the Evos, mostly because I like the way the cars look with 18s. If you are critical about the way you want the car to handle bumps, the 17 inch Evos would likely be better. You will have compromises with the Evos on the 034 if they fit at all. They are 8.25 wide so you will likely have to use the fender spacers and run something like a 215 aspect tire up front.
There is plenty of content about this in the 034 section. Likely someone with an 034 will help out.

 

[Ian White]

Even if they did fit on the 034, think the Mono is a better look on the 036? That is how I am leaning purely esthetically.

 

[sheward]

Apologies, I should have looked above to see we were in the 034 section. I believe you just purchased an 036 but you have not added it to your signature? YES! the monoblocks would look great on your SL as well.

 

[Ian White]

Correct, I need to do that. I have an 036 as well.

 

[Ian White]

Reporting back for posterity, the Evos with the 235/45/17s rub very slightly when loading the front suspection, hitting a dip at high speed etc. I'm going to try the fender spacers. The wider tires make this car, the factory pizza cutters look so bad in comparison!!

 

[gsxr]

If you do all the work shown in the AMG document linked back in post #8, that should permanently cure any rubbing.

Can you tell where the rubbing occurs? Is it at the wide plastic fender moulding, or somewhere along the metal fender lip?

 

[TerryA]

On my long gone 86 300E that was lowered I resorted to 215/50/17s on Monoblocks to stop the rubbing. I still had a slight rub going thru Frwy dips at speed. The rub was in the slanted floor by the gas peddle. Not enough to do any damage.

 

[Ian White]

Thanks Dave. It occurs right where the lower cladding wraps around the fender lip. Up above seems to be okay, although haven't taken passengers yet.

 

[gsxr]

Thanks Dave. It occurs right where the lower cladding wraps around the fender lip. Up above seems to be okay, although haven't taken passengers yet.

Got it! The fender spacers should help a LOT with this. Also, you can trim the lower cladding a bit if needed, in the contact area.