Swapping wide tyres for narrower

GTE

Hi all,

I've recently picked up a Mercedes C350e and so far I'm impressed; however, whether it's because it is a Sport model or because its a high powered car, the rear tyres are wider than the front.

Is there any issue replacing the rims so the rears are the same as the fronts?

Thanks!

Seth Brundle

Why?
This is usually intended by the manufacturer and whilst there shouldn't be a problem, why would you want to do it?

mickdw

Why would you even think of changing the rears?
It's a reasonably powerful rear drive car with extra battery weight around the rear.
I'd imagine it needs every bit of the tyre on there.

punisher5112

It's rear wheel Drive.... As above manufacturers have it as is for a reason....


Don't change.

DuckSlice

Possible the reason they probably have it in is that's the spec is was bought in?

I have a 325D Msport, which has the wider tyres at the back, however the non Msport model does not have the wider tyres at the back. Both cars are the same weight and power so in my case the wider tyres aren't really needed. Just part of an optional package. (well in my head they aren't needed)

Whocare

I say it because price of tyre like my back tyre are 255/35/18 and front tyre are 225/40/18 back tyre are like €60 euro dearer

voluntary

Get a cheaper car if you can't afford the tyres

Andrewf20

I don't see any major issues other than grip being a little lower on the back. A lighter wheel is cheaper on tyres usually and the car may feel marginally nippier.

I downsized from 225/r16s to 205/r15s on my e36 and there's a noticeable difference in how quick the car feels. I'd say it's 0.5 seconds quicker to 60mph. Grip levels feel fairly similar also. There Is roughly a 5% difference in grip levels with the same tyre model on each size.

galwaytt

As long as the size you're changing to is a size that was originally offered for the car, there should be now issue.

But aren't you going to have to change the wheels as well................. ??

While we're on the subject though, I do think most modern cars are 'over-tyred'. When I see my current Mégane 1.5dCi wears tyres that are bigger than that on my bog-standard TT with 225bhp you just know it's a fashion thing.................I previously changed my Saab from 17's to 16's too: car was much nicer and more comfortable to boot.

GTE

Andrewf20 wrote: »

I don't see any major issues other than grip being a little lower on the back. A lighter wheel is cheaper on tyres usually and the car may feel marginally nippier.

I downsized from 225/r16s to 205/r15s on my e36 and there's a noticeable difference in how quick the car feels. I'd say it's 0.5 seconds quicker to 60mph. Grip levels feel fairly similar also. There Is roughly a 5% difference in grip levels with the same tyre model on each size.

Thanks for that

I'm fortunate to have 4 refurbed wheels that came with the car so I'd be confident that Id be able to make a few bob if I switched.

I'm not bothered with the look of wider rears and the car will be switched to different tyres soon anyway.

I'll look into the cost differences for my desired tyres too and see what is what and see what other trim levels do tyre size wise; that's really the key finding I need as was pointed out in a BMW example.

Thanks again