Advice on 19 RIMS (Is 18" Better)

[ashutt]

I have a 2001 CLK55 AMG lowered with H&R springs and #2 pads in the front and #1 pads in the rear. With my 17" rims there is about a 1 finger gap from the tire to the fender. I am looking at purchasing some RIMS that are 19x8.5 ET32 Front & 19x9.5 ET35 Rear. I would like some feedback on those who have similar size rims on how easy these bend? I saw a post of someone who had a couple people in the car and one of the tires shredded since it was a thin profile. Anyone with similar experience? That really worries me. With 19" will the 1 inch gap most likely disappear and the car looked slammed? Also, I will be taking the car to the race track about 4 times a year. Since the tire size will be 235/35/19 and 265/30/19 (probably the Eagle F1 DS-D3) I can get more rubber on the road. But, should I could go with an 18" rim and 275 on the rear. I understand that 275's on 19" will probably rub. Is that true? Anyone have the Eagle F1 DS-D3 tires on 19" rims? How do you like them? Thanks in advance for the advice. Allan

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[clkal]

I have the same exact setup as you do as far as suspension goes, except dot 1 pads all the way around. When I was riding around on the stock 17" AMG's, the car just felt like it was driving a bit "lower" compared to after I installed my 19" rims/tires. I noticed that didn't have to use such a dramatic diagonal turn , exiting driveways with the 19" rims than i did when I was rolling on the stock 17's.

My car has absolutely NO rubbing issues at all.

[ashutt]

Thanks clkal.

Can you tell me what tires and size you are running now? How much of a gap between the tire and the fender do you have now?

I am happy to hear the car will be alittle higher so as to save my front bumper. I also have to go on extreme diagals on some entry ways.

Do you worry about bending the rims on small pot holes or rail-road tracks?

Allan

[clkal]

Originally Posted by ashutt

Thanks clkal.

Can you tell me what tires and size you are running now? How much of a gap between the tire and the fender do you have now?

I am happy to hear the car will be alittle higher so as to save my front bumper. I also have to go on extreme diagals on some entry ways.

Do you worry about bending the rims on small pot holes or rail-road tracks?

Allan

i'm using 235/35/19 front and 265/30/19 rear. I'd say I still have about a 1 finger gap in the rear, and about a 1/2 finger gap in the front.

you can take a look at some new pics of my car i posted in the W208 forums.

[AMG_55]

go w/ 19s, there is no point going 1in up

and you can sell them easier later

[StealthAuto]

Allan,

If you're worried about bending the rims you may want to look at a 3-piece rim in which a portion of the rim can simply be replaced - if bent - instead of purchasing an all new rim. I'm not sure what rims you're looking at but I will be more than happy to give you 15% off DPE's.

Here are some pix...

[MadHorseDisease]

StealthAuto is right about the three piece. They do make for quick (less expensive) repairs. I have a small investment in wheels / tires on my mustang and my experience has been be careful where you drive. Wheels will bend regardless of size if thrown into deep pot holes or curb checked just right so don't let size be an issue.

Go with a design / size you like and just try to protect your investment as best you can. As the saying goes...S*** happens but at least a rim can be replaced.