Hi,

I'm moving to Baja California for the next year for work, and was told that I should think about getting thicker tires to help with the rough roads / car swallowing potholes ;-)

On the stock rims, what is the largest tires I can do front and back?

Currently running the standard sizes:

F: 225/40R18
R: 255/35R19

I can't afford tires and new rims, so need to stick with the existing stock rims and do the best I can.

Thanks!

 

Widest I have gone at the rear is 275/35/19

 

285's I believe are 100% safe and I think some have gone up to 295's without issue but i'm sure anyone in the know will tell you here ;-)

 

your tires will be fine. The sizes mentioned won't do anything for your ride. The low profile sidewalls can be a problem on rough roads for sure...but 275/285 doesn't change a thing. It is the 30/35 number that would have to be changed. going to a 40 or 45 side wall would help but now you risk rubbing. I would make the move, and see how it goes before worrying about the tires.

 

285/30zr19 is a great fit. I will likely go with 295/30zr19 the next time my rears need replacing

 

Little out of the box but for a beater have heard (anyone know ?) that a set of 16" Merc wheels will fit and are pretty cheap on CL. Then a 205x55R16 is under a Benjamin, 25" diameter (same as stock front), V rated, and has the kind of sidewall your are asking for.

 

For the roads that you are more than likely to encounter, I'd suggest going to a local salvage yard and pick up some 17" wheels off any Mercedes. (But if they have an SLK, that would be ideal). Then buy a 50 series tire to get more sidewall thickness and that will give you a little more ground clearance. 17" tires usually cost less than the size that came on the XF, so it might be enough to counter the price of picking up some used wheels. Your car is going to look a little funny, but since you're going to be using it more like an SUV, utility out weighs style. I think forum member "FP" used this set up for winter driving, you could get in touch with him and ask what size tires and wheels he used. Good luck.