W124 offset
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 826
Likes: 4
From: Southeast PA
2010 VW Golf TDI
forget stock ET for 7.5" wheel
I forget what my stock wheels are, but it doesn’t matter because they aren’t 7.5" wide. The offset is all about the width of the wheel and getting the wheel properly oriented with the suspension and fenders. My new 16 x 7.5 wheels are ET37 just like you say and they fit great. I have AMG wheels made for my W124 1995 E320 and I purchased them from Tirerack. I have read that ET35 is also OK for a 7.5" width on our cars.
Based on Tirerack’s explanation about offset, I think the ET35 would shift the wheel and tire a bit farther out toward the fenders. http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm
Here is my attempt at understanding the offset after looking at the Tirerack website. ET35 is more negative than ET37 so in relative terms the ET35 would be more "deep dish" like than the ET37. The deeper dish means that more wheel and tire would be protruding out from the mounting surface. It follows that if more is sticking out from the mounting surface, then the wheel and tire will be closer to the edges of the fenders.
I have seen many posts with ET35 on 7.5" wheels and they all seem to fit OK. My ET37 is definitely OK. I love my wheels and the car looks great with no rubbing even though my car is dropped about 1" all around.
Based on Tirerack’s explanation about offset, I think the ET35 would shift the wheel and tire a bit farther out toward the fenders. http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm
Here is my attempt at understanding the offset after looking at the Tirerack website. ET35 is more negative than ET37 so in relative terms the ET35 would be more "deep dish" like than the ET37. The deeper dish means that more wheel and tire would be protruding out from the mounting surface. It follows that if more is sticking out from the mounting surface, then the wheel and tire will be closer to the edges of the fenders.
I have seen many posts with ET35 on 7.5" wheels and they all seem to fit OK. My ET37 is definitely OK. I love my wheels and the car looks great with no rubbing even though my car is dropped about 1" all around.
Last edited by ksing44; May 8, 2003 at 02:59 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 33
From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
Stock ET is 49 millimeter (ET49) This is the dimension of the offset between the center of the rim to the area the rim is mounted to the disk. The smaller the ET the more the wheels stick out. However a major change of ET is not only a cosmetic factor, but it also changes the whole geometry of the axle construction, and therefore you should always get advice from the specialists what this specific car is accepting at what compromize in ride control and comfort and SAFETY!!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 11
From: Manchester, CT
These work
One of many but AMG (Monoblock) list these as fitting a regular W124....17x7.5 ET42, 17x8.5 ET30 (rears).
Its a good idea to stick with a MB or MB specific wheel like AMG or Brabus, etc...so you'll know they were made to fit an MB. Tirerack has a decent fitment page with dozens of fits.
Its a good idea to stick with a MB or MB specific wheel like AMG or Brabus, etc...so you'll know they were made to fit an MB. Tirerack has a decent fitment page with dozens of fits.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: NJ
1994 E320
ML wheels?
Thanks for all the info. I just found a set of 17x7.5 offset 35, 5x112 bolt pattern that was originally on a ML430. Can I put this on my 300E without them sticking out of the wheel wells?
Thanks
Alan
Thanks
Alan
