The 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, particularly the C200 model, represents a blend of luxury and performance that continues to appeal to car enthusiasts today. Ensuring your ’97 C200 performs at its best and maintains its sophisticated appearance means paying attention to crucial details like wheel and tire fitment. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the wheel and tire specifications for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz C200, ensuring you make informed decisions for maintenance, upgrades, or replacements.
Understanding the correct wheel and tire fitment is not just about aesthetics; it’s vital for safety, handling, and the overall performance of your vehicle. Incorrect sizes can lead to a host of problems, from compromised ride quality and inaccurate speedometer readings to potential damage to suspension components and reduced braking efficiency. Whether you are replacing worn tires, upgrading your wheels for a new look, or ensuring your classic Mercedes-Benz C200 stays true to its original engineering, this guide is your essential resource.
Decoding the 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Br202) Wheel Fitment
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class falls under the Br202 generation, produced from 1993 to 2000. This generation offered a range of engine options, each with specific wheel and tire requirements to optimize performance and safety. For the 1997 model year, the C200 was a popular choice, known for its balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for daily driving.
To find the precise wheel and tire information for your 1997 Mercedes-Benz C200, it’s important to consider the specific engine variant. Below, we detail the fitment data for the C200 alongside other engine options available in the 1997 C-Class range. This information is crucial for anyone looking to replace or upgrade the wheels and tires on their vehicle.
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br202 – Engine Specific Wheel and Tire Specs
The following sections break down the recommended wheel and tire sizes, along with other critical parameters, for various 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. While we focus on the C200, understanding the specifications for other models within the Br202 range provides a broader context and helps ensure you have the correct information regardless of your specific 1997 C-Class variant.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br202 C 180 (121 hp)
- Generation: Br202 [1993 .. 2000]
- Production Years: 1997 – 2000
- Sales Regions: Europe, Russia+
- Power: 121 hp (90 kW)
- Engine: 1.8L Petrol
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 195/65R15 88T | 6.5Jx15 ET37 | 35 – 39 | 132 / 5.20 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 2.0 / 29 | OE |
| OE 205/60R15 88H | 7Jx15 ET37 | 35 – 39 | 139 / 5.47 | 9.1 / 20.1 | 2.0 / 29 | OE |
| OE 205/55R16 88H | 7Jx16 ET37 | 35 – 39 | 139 / 5.47 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 2.1 / 30 | OE |
| 205/55R16 88H / 225/50R16 91H | 7Jx16 ET37 / 8Jx16 ET36 | – | 139/150 / 5.47/5.91 | 9.1/9.8 / 20.0/21.6 | 2.1/2.3 / 30/33 | |
| 225/45R17 88V | 7.5Jx17 ET35 | – | 143 / 5.63 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 2.3 / 33 | |
| 225/45R17 88V / 245/40R17 91V | 7.5Jx17 ET37 / 8.5Jx17 ET30 | – | 145/151 / 5.71/5.94 | 9.7/10.3 / 21.5/22.8 | 2.3/2.5 / 33/36 |
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br202 C 200 (134 hp)
- Generation: Br202 [1993 .. 2000]
- Production Years: 1993 – 2000
- Sales Regions: Europe, Russia+
- Power: 134 hp (100 kW)
- Engine: 2.0L Petrol
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 185/65R15 88H | 6Jx15 ET31 | 29 – 33 | 120 / 4.72 | 8.3 / 18.3 | 2.0 / 29 | OE |
| OE 195/65R15 88H | 6.5Jx15 ET37 | 35 – 39 | 132 / 5.20 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 2.0 / 29 | OE |
| OE 205/60R15 88H | 7Jx15 ET37 | 35 – 39 | 139 / 5.47 | 9.1 / 20.1 | 2.0 / 29 | OE |
| 205/55R16 88H | 7Jx16 ET37 | – | 139 / 5.47 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 2.1 / 30 | |
| 205/50R17 88H | 7Jx17 ET37 | – | 139 / 5.47 | 9.0 / 19.9 | 2.3 / 33 | |
| 225/45R17 88V | 7.5Jx17 ET35 | – | 143 / 5.63 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 2.3 / 33 |
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br202 C 200 CDI (101 hp)
- Generation: Br202 [1993 .. 2000]
- Production Years: 1997 – 2000
- Sales Regions: Europe, Russia+
- Power: 101 hp (75 kW)
- Engine: 2.1L Diesel
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 195/65R15 88T | – | 35 – 39 | 132 / 5.20 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 2.0 / 29 | OE |
| OE 205/55R16 88H | – | 35 – 39 | 139 / 5.47 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 2.1 / 30 | OE |
| OE 195/65R15 88T | – | 36 – 40 | 140 / 5.51 | 9.8 / 21.6 | 2.0 / 29 | OE |
| 205/55R16 88H / 225/50R16 91H | – | – | 139/150 / 5.47/5.91 | 9.1/9.8 / 20.0/21.6 | 2.1/2.3 / 30/33 | |
| 225/45R17 88V | – | – | 143 / 5.63 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 2.3 / 33 | |
| 225/45R17 88V / 245/40R17 91V | – | – | 145/151 / 5.71/5.94 | 9.7/10.3 / 21.5/22.8 | 2.3/2.5 / 33/36 |
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br202 C 200 Kompressor (177 hp)
- Generation: Br202 [1993 .. 2000]
- Production Years: 1995 – 2000
- Sales Regions: Europe
- Power: 177 hp (132 kW)
- Engine: Petrol
| Tire Size | Rim Size | Offset Range (mm) | Backspacing (mm/inches) | Tire Weight (kg/lb) | Tire Pressure (bar/psi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE 195/65R15 88H | – | 35 – 39 | 132 / 5.20 | 8.9 / 19.6 | 2.0 / 29 | OE |
| OE 205/60R15 88V | – | 35 – 39 | 139 / 5.47 | 9.1 / 20.1 | 2.0 / 29 | OE |
| OE 205/55R16 88V | – | 35 – 39 | 139 / 5.47 | 9.1 / 20.0 | 2.1 / 30 | OE |
| 205/55R16 88V / 225/50R16 91V | – | – | 139/150 / 5.47/5.91 | 9.1/9.8 / 20.0/21.6 | 2.1/2.3 / 30/33 | |
| 225/45R17 88W | – | – | 145/151 / 5.71/5.94 | 9.7 / 21.5 | 2.3 / 33 | |
| 225/45R17 88W / 245/40R17 91W | – | – | 145/151 / 5.71/5.94 | 9.7/10.3 / 21.5/22.8 | 2.3 / 33 |
(Note: The tables above show a selection of the available models for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. For complete information, refer to the original source.)
Understanding Wheel Fitment Terminology
Navigating wheel fitment data requires understanding key terms. Here’s a brief glossary to help you interpret the specifications provided:
- OE (Original Equipment): These are the wheel and tire sizes that Mercedes-Benz originally equipped the C200 with at the factory. Sticking to OE specifications ensures optimal performance and compatibility.
- Tire Size: Expressed as a combination of numbers and letters (e.g., 205/55R16), indicating the tire width, aspect ratio, construction type (R for radial), and rim diameter.
- Rim Size: Specifies the diameter and width of the wheel, typically in inches (e.g., 7Jx16). The “J” indicates the flange type.
- Offset (ET): The distance in millimeters between the wheel’s mounting surface and its centerline. Positive offset (ET37, for example) means the mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel.
- Bolt Pattern (PCD): Although not explicitly listed in the tables, the bolt pattern for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br202 is generally 5×112. This indicates 5 bolt holes on a 112mm diameter circle.
- Center Bore/Hub Bore: The diameter of the center hole in the wheel that centers it on the vehicle’s hub.
- Backspacing: The distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to its inner edge.
Why Correct Wheel Fitment Matters for Your 1997 C200
Choosing the right wheels and tires for your 1997 Mercedes-Benz C200 is crucial for several reasons:
- Safety: Correctly sized and fitted wheels and tires ensure proper handling, braking, and stability, contributing to safer driving conditions.
- Performance: Optimal fitment maintains the intended driving dynamics of your C200, preserving ride comfort and handling responsiveness.
- Vehicle Integrity: Using recommended specifications prevents undue stress on suspension components, wheel bearings, and other parts, prolonging their lifespan and preventing costly repairs.
- Aesthetics: While functionality is paramount, proper wheel fitment also ensures that the wheels sit correctly within the wheel arches, enhancing the vehicle’s appearance without compromising performance.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Incorrect tire sizes can lead to inaccurate speedometer and odometer readings, which can have implications for fuel efficiency tracking and legal compliance.
Upgrading or Replacing Wheels on Your 1997 Mercedes-Benz C200
When considering upgrading or replacing the wheels on your 1997 Mercedes-Benz C200, always prioritize fitment specifications. While aftermarket wheels can offer a wider range of styles and designs, it’s essential to ensure they meet the required dimensions, including diameter, width, offset, bolt pattern, and center bore.
Consulting with a tire and wheel specialist is highly recommended. Professionals at benzxentry.store can provide expert advice, helping you select wheels and tires that not only enhance the look of your ’97 C200 but also maintain its performance and safety characteristics. They can guide you through the options, ensuring compatibility and optimal fitment for your specific vehicle.
Conclusion
Maintaining the integrity and performance of your 1997 Mercedes-Benz C200 hinges on paying attention to details like wheel and tire fitment. By using this guide, you are better equipped to understand the specifications and make informed decisions when it comes to replacing or upgrading your wheels and tires. Always prioritize safety and performance, and when in doubt, seek professional guidance to ensure your classic Mercedes-Benz continues to provide a smooth, safe, and stylish driving experience. Remember to check benzxentry.store for all your Mercedes-Benz parts and accessory needs.
