Crossfire is a great vehicle. I talked my moms boyfriend into buying his first 2 seater in 50 years of driving and he's loving it.

I have a Corvette Z06 and thought the Crossfire was a perfect sports luxury coupe...

What a fun car to drive. Really very special...

Now for the question...

Last winter was tough for him and today at breakfast my mom (in her seventies) and this gentlemen were asking me about snow tires...

I would like to get two rims and mount snow tires on them.

I thinking? 2 front 18 inch rims and a non run flat snow tire that is the same diameter as the 255/35/18 setup.

Any suggestions on what inexpensive rims to purchase? Where to purchase? New or used? What brand? And then what snow tire size to go with?

Thanks? I thought it would be better to buy rims and tires rather then peal off the snow tires every April.

What do you guys suggest?

Thanks in advance.

 

I would take a look at tirerack.com for a new set and eBay or our classifieds section for a cheap used set of rims.

As for tires I would suggest Blizzak's as a snow-only tire. Worked wonders on my MB. (Tire Rack also has a section you can look up the reviews and options on this tire and others they sell)

 

What I'm thinking is a set of snow tires on an aftermarket rim out back...

The cars great and he bought the car on my recommendation, yet at breakfast this morning he said he can't live without snow tires this winter...

How about a set of 17 inch rims and 17 inch snow tires?

Anybody know the outside diameter of the 18 inch front tires and 19 inch rear tires...?

I thought I could match the rear outer diameter with a higher profile narrower snow tire for a less costly alternative?

Is there any brake or rotor interference that might be a problem going to 17 inch rim/tire package?

If I remember correctly the chassis is the MB SLK, so wouldn't an early 16 or 17 inch rim fit out back for the 3 months needed this coming winter?

What are your thoughts guys?

 

Here's an ad I was thinking about? Would or wouldn't it work ok for the winter months?

Snow tires should be more available in this size and less expensive to boot?

 

new 98 SLK wheels
I have a set of 4 original factory 1998 SLK 230 wheels for sale. I only put 500 miles on them before my 3-spoke accessory wheels came in. They are in perfect new condition. I kept them thinking I would put snow tires etc... on them but have now traded-in the car and need to make some room. You would need the plastic center inserts though. $250 obo for the set. I will ship from Tumwater WA. See attached picture.

 

Per TireRack 17's seem to work for snow tires..

http://www.tirerack.com/snow/WinterP...lar=Base+Model


I would also call or email luke@tirerack.com for any tech questions when it comes to tires... He knows his stuff.

 

Thanks! I didn't see it the first time...

So it sounds like 17" Recommended Front:

17" Recommended Rear:225/45-17
255/45-17

Would work!

Would Mercedes SLK wheels fit the bolt pattern? Or are these questions no body ever consider?

I would imagine older SLK rims are readily available if in fact they fit the crossfire bolt pattern?

Sorry for so many questions...but I have to say I drove that crossfire a while back and really one of the nicest cars...

I really enjoy the view out the side windows... A very unique driving experience in so many ways.

Thanks again for any assistance. I'm just shooting the breeze and if any one knows. That would be cool.

And I will take your advice and call Tire Rack in the coming week.

 

Size
Service Description
Load RatingUTQGMax
LoadMax.
Inflation
Press.Tread
DepthTire
WeightRim
Width
RangeMeas.
Rim
WidthSect.
WidthTread
WidthOverall
Diam.Revs
Per
Mile255/45 HR17
98V SL
1653 lbs.
51 psi
11/32"
27 lbs.8-9.5"
8.5"
10"
8.6"
26.1" so its a 26.1 outside diameter that will work and it needs an 8 to 9.5 inch wide rim Cool
797

 

If the mercedes benz bolt pattern fits...then this tire size would be the correct outside diameter?

205/60 QR16
92Q SL
1389 lbs.
35 psi
13/32"
23 lbs.5.5-7.5"
6"
8.1"
6.1"
26.1"
798

-----------------

88 dollars a tire for blizzaks and quite frankly narrow snow tires are better in inclement weather...cheaper too. Especially if they can work on MB SLK 16 inch rims on the crossfire.

Revs
Per
Mile205/60 QR16
92Q SL
1389 lbs.
35 psi
13/32"
23 lbs.5.5-7.5"
6"
8.1"
6.1"
26.1"
798

 

stock size diameter to keep ABS and traction control from going bonkers.


Size
Service Description
Load RatingUTQGMax
LoadMax.
Inflation
Press.Tread
DepthTire
WeightRim
Width
RangeMeas.
Rim
WidthSect.
WidthTread
WidthOverall
Diam.Revs
Per
Mile225/40 WR18
88W SL 360 A A
1235 lbs.
51 psi
10/32"
22 lbs.7.5-9"
8"
9.3"
NA
25.1"
827
255/35 WR19
92W SL 360 A A
1389 lbs.
51 psi
10/32"
26 lbs.8.5-10"
9"
10.4"
NA
25.9"
801

 

This is a great site! Thank you for the lead to tirerack...and the information.

25.1 for the front diameter and 25.9 for the rears...

Now the hunt begins...

 

These 15 inch tires look like they would work too?


225/60 QR15
96Q SL
1565 lbs.
35 psi
13/32"
23 lbs.6-8"
6.5"
8.8"
6.7"
25.9"
804

 

The big question is would the mercedes slk 15 or 16 or 17 inch rims would fit the bolt pattern...on the crossfire.

I know it may not look the greatest with higher profile tires for the three months in the winter...but he's loving the crossfire and I'm just trying to find value priced alternatives for his continued satisfaction on his crossfire which I suggested he purchase.

I have to say...even as a Corvette Z06 owner...I love the crossfire.

Wonderful driving experience.

You guys are quite lucky...

Its such an amazing car especially at the pricing that was available last year.

Just can't be beat as far as I'm concerned...

Did you guys experience people in 100 thousand dollar mercedes S class sedans getting out of their car at lights in NYC just to ask what kind of car it was?

My moms boyfriend has and he is loving the attention ...its his first two seater as well.

He's just loving this car!

 

I don't know how about US law. But here we have to use wheel dimensions recommended by manufacturer. That's 255/40-18 front and rear, 255/35-19 rear only. Everything else must be approved by technical inspection agency. If there's an accident and the insurance finds out you used not recommended wheels/tires - they may refuse whole coverage/benefits.

Something else is, the size of the brake disks. 18" is right enough. Well, I saw one XF with 17", but I don't think you can go much lower.