W126 Wheels ... And, Stock Looks or Customize?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NY/NJ
2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by auser
I recently saw a 560SEL with 18" AMG monoblock wheels and some amazingly wide tires. They made the car look really great.
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From: NY/NJ
2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by yakuza560
if you elect to go the "customized" route, check out this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w126/131146-pix-my-ride-finally.html
and scroll down to see the info on what's been done... good luck
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w126/131146-pix-my-ride-finally.html
and scroll down to see the info on what's been done... good luck
Great customization job.
I'm a bit more conservative myself. Still haven't taken a plunge with the wheels yet. From some angles, the '85 stock wheels still look great -- for one thing, they hark back to the heritage of Mercedes Benz, including the W116 S-class and the W123.
Not sure whether to go with stock-looking late-model W126 wheels (15 hole design) or the Type 8 design that evokes the W124 500E...
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Sydney, Australia
1985 380SE with High Compression 560 motor and LPG
If you drive your car hard in the corners, don't get a profile as tall as 55. I'm using 225/55/16 sized tyres which lean over when I've been pushing the car at the limits.
As can be seen by the pic! The red marks highlight the actual sides of the tyre where it has been wearing when under extreme cornering.
And no, I haven't been hitting kerbs and the tyres are always correctly inflated.
A 40 series tyre, as used by ausie560sel would be what I'd be using. If I wanted to spend money on rims. Which I don't.
As can be seen by the pic! The red marks highlight the actual sides of the tyre where it has been wearing when under extreme cornering.
And no, I haven't been hitting kerbs and the tyres are always correctly inflated.
A 40 series tyre, as used by ausie560sel would be what I'd be using. If I wanted to spend money on rims. Which I don't.
Last edited by Flyingphil1st; Jun 13, 2006 at 12:43 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NY/NJ
2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by Flyingphil1st
If you drive your car hard in the corners, don't get a profile as tall as 55. I'm using 225/55/16 sized tyres which lean over when I've been pushing the car at the limits.
As can be seen by the pic! The red marks highlight the actual sides of the tyre where it has been wearing when under extreme cornering.
And no, I haven't been hitting kerbs and the tyres are always correctly inflated.
A 40 series tyre, as used by ausie560sel would be what I'd be using. If I wanted to spend money on rims. Which I don't.
As can be seen by the pic! The red marks highlight the actual sides of the tyre where it has been wearing when under extreme cornering.
And no, I haven't been hitting kerbs and the tyres are always correctly inflated.
A 40 series tyre, as used by ausie560sel would be what I'd be using. If I wanted to spend money on rims. Which I don't.
PS: Which wheels are you using?
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From: Sydney, Australia
1985 380SE with High Compression 560 motor and LPG
This style. I think they came on early 129 SLs?
It only wears like that when screaming around tight corners and doing powersliding etc.
The actual pratical purpose of low profile tyres is to stop the sides from leaning over and better keep the tyre flat on the road. 55 series just isn't low enough to stop the sides from rolling.
I get it from my other set of rims too, which at the moment use 205/60/R15, which when lean over even worse than the others, particarly when on the front. Those rims are the 8 hole design fitted 1991 and later W124s.
It only wears like that when screaming around tight corners and doing powersliding etc.
The actual pratical purpose of low profile tyres is to stop the sides from leaning over and better keep the tyre flat on the road. 55 series just isn't low enough to stop the sides from rolling.
I get it from my other set of rims too, which at the moment use 205/60/R15, which when lean over even worse than the others, particarly when on the front. Those rims are the 8 hole design fitted 1991 and later W124s.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: New Zealand
280SE W116, 500SEL W126
Hi there
I have late model 16x8 R129 SL wheels with 225/55 tyres fitted to my 500SEL, the offset is ET34.4 so I'm using 5mm spacers at the front to clear the steering arms
No other issues even with my car being lowered
I also have those other SL wheels, the early style similar to the more common 15", 15-hole type, they are also 16x8 with an offset of ET34 so also need 5mm spacers at the front
I have late model 16x8 R129 SL wheels with 225/55 tyres fitted to my 500SEL, the offset is ET34.4 so I'm using 5mm spacers at the front to clear the steering arms
No other issues even with my car being lowered
I also have those other SL wheels, the early style similar to the more common 15", 15-hole type, they are also 16x8 with an offset of ET34 so also need 5mm spacers at the front
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From: NY/NJ
2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by nomad
Hi there
I have late model 16x8 R129 SL wheels with 225/55 tyres fitted to my 500SEL, the offset is ET34.4 so I'm using 5mm spacers at the front to clear the steering arms
No other issues even with my car being lowered
I also have those other SL wheels, the early style similar to the more common 15", 15-hole type, they are also 16x8 with an offset of ET34 so also need 5mm spacers at the front
I have late model 16x8 R129 SL wheels with 225/55 tyres fitted to my 500SEL, the offset is ET34.4 so I'm using 5mm spacers at the front to clear the steering arms
No other issues even with my car being lowered
I also have those other SL wheels, the early style similar to the more common 15", 15-hole type, they are also 16x8 with an offset of ET34 so also need 5mm spacers at the front
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 54
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From: TEXAS
94 SL500; 86 560SL; 78 280CE
300sdl
I'm wearing R129 16"SL wheels too with spacers. They look good with this car. But NOMADS wheels seem to do the trick! They look period correct because the original wheels have this multiple mini spokes that replicate the flat face wheels the W126 came with.
NOMAD::: what spring/shock combo are you using?? Car looks sharp!
NOMAD::: what spring/shock combo are you using?? Car looks sharp!
Last edited by a2aa; Feb 9, 2007 at 03:26 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NY/NJ
2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
One can buy those (8-hole design) wheels with low-offset (at Tirerack, for instance) that will fit the W126 without spacers. FYI
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Washington Metropolitian Area
86' 420SEL & 560SEL
Reply
I have a set of ASA Type 8 wheels (Size: 16" x 7.5", et. 21). The tires are Avon Tech 550 A/S (Size: Front: 225/55WR16; Rear: 245/50WR16). I purchased this combo from Tirerack.com. Hence, this is the correct fit without spacers. All I can say is WOW! This combo has made a drastic difference. Thus, the handling is outrageous and the ride comfort has improved as well. Total cost was $1000.00 This was the best investment I have made in relation to my vehicle.
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Youngtimer
i would REALLY like someone with a w126 to put on the carlsson 1/12 wheels...! I think they would match perfectly, they look like an updated version of the original wheels... i really think they would look perfect...
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Joined: Feb 2007
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1985 380SE
I have a 1985 380SE with maximum grip snow tires on original rims. (Just bought car and these were on it) I would like to get a set of rims and tires for summer. Any recommendations? How do you get in touch with Luke at Tirerack? Thanks.
Junior Member
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From: New Zealand
280SE W116, 500SEL W126
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
280SE W116, 500SEL W126
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 4
From: NY/NJ
2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
Luke's info is there, along with a sticky thread re: ordering tires/wheels from the TireRack.
You can start a thread there -- if you put something "Luke, question for you" in the title, chances are he'll respond.
Or you can PM him.
As for specific rim choices, most people will agree that the 15" 15-hole design or the 16" 8-hole design are both great for keeping a relatively stock and classic MB look. You can also look at the choices on Tirerack for your car (Tirerack's upgrade garage lets you find your vehicle/model and then shows wheels/tires that will fit). Of course, they are not the only retailer out there and you can find more designs on the net.
Just remember to keep fitment in mind....some sites will show high-offset (higher than 25) wheels as a good fit, but those high-offset wheels won't fit without spacers ... you probably don't want that extra level of complication, so stay away from spacers and choose low offset wheels (15" through 17" probably best ... 18" max)
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Grand Junction, Colorado
1988 560SEL
Tire SIZE Precautions ...
I Humbly offer a few points to bear in mind re; Changing Tire & Rim SIZES ...
a. Factory Suspension Parameters are engineered for the Overall DIAMETER of the "stock" tire / rim component.
b. When going to a 16, 17 or whatever Rim, a corresponding reduction should be made in the tire aspect ratio to maintain the factory overall diameter ... & Speedometer-Odometer Accuracy.
c. When THAT is done, the tire COMPRESSION values change, & handling/traction over rough surfaces is negatively impacted.
d. I have BBS 16" Rims on my '88 560SEL, with a slightly greater offset & the car handles well past what common sense dictates, even with my Graybeard, Granpa, Leadfoot Lunacy. And I REGULARLY Blaze through & over Colorado Mountain Passes (Loveland & Vail) at speeds upsetting to my kids, Grand Kids & the Constabulary ... with 327,000 miles on the original odometer ...
e. Given all the above, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend anything greater than 16" rims, especially where there are "4 season" weather variables involved.
For Your & Your PASSENGERS Safety, I offer these recommendations for your consideration.
Cheers & Holiday Happies ...
Granpa T
a. Factory Suspension Parameters are engineered for the Overall DIAMETER of the "stock" tire / rim component.
b. When going to a 16, 17 or whatever Rim, a corresponding reduction should be made in the tire aspect ratio to maintain the factory overall diameter ... & Speedometer-Odometer Accuracy.
c. When THAT is done, the tire COMPRESSION values change, & handling/traction over rough surfaces is negatively impacted.
d. I have BBS 16" Rims on my '88 560SEL, with a slightly greater offset & the car handles well past what common sense dictates, even with my Graybeard, Granpa, Leadfoot Lunacy. And I REGULARLY Blaze through & over Colorado Mountain Passes (Loveland & Vail) at speeds upsetting to my kids, Grand Kids & the Constabulary ... with 327,000 miles on the original odometer ...
e. Given all the above, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend anything greater than 16" rims, especially where there are "4 season" weather variables involved.
For Your & Your PASSENGERS Safety, I offer these recommendations for your consideration.
Cheers & Holiday Happies ...
Granpa T
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560 SEC Wannabe Owner
My 90 SEC is running with the next version big body rim I believe, the 16 inch 8 hole.
I believe that the factory rim was the 15 inch bottle cap wheel. To my eye, these updated wheels looks great on the car. The tires are Michelin MXVs if I'm not mistaken.
My point is that the prev owner made sure to size the tire diameter to match the orig equipment diameter. As posted above, the cars suspension geometry is set up for this value.
Initially I thought I'd put some fancier and larger diameter rims on the old gal, but the more I look the less I like! I will however try to put a slightly wider tire on when these dry rot. I don't drive it enough to wear them out. Perhaps that will change.
The homies in my hood are putting insanely huge wheels on their Detroit Hoopties. Yesterday I saw an 80's cutlass supreme with what must have been 26 inch rims. The tires were one inch tall tops. First big pothole and Homie is replacing both the tire and the rim. But, he will be stylin' in the process!
Just my two centavos.
I believe that the factory rim was the 15 inch bottle cap wheel. To my eye, these updated wheels looks great on the car. The tires are Michelin MXVs if I'm not mistaken.
My point is that the prev owner made sure to size the tire diameter to match the orig equipment diameter. As posted above, the cars suspension geometry is set up for this value.
Initially I thought I'd put some fancier and larger diameter rims on the old gal, but the more I look the less I like! I will however try to put a slightly wider tire on when these dry rot. I don't drive it enough to wear them out. Perhaps that will change.
The homies in my hood are putting insanely huge wheels on their Detroit Hoopties. Yesterday I saw an 80's cutlass supreme with what must have been 26 inch rims. The tires were one inch tall tops. First big pothole and Homie is replacing both the tire and the rim. But, he will be stylin' in the process!
Just my two centavos.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4
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ML500 500SL 300SEL
Factory rims w126 300sel.
Hello,
Can you install anything wider that 205 on the 1990 model factory wheels? 215s or 225s?
Thanks
Ed
Can you install anything wider that 205 on the 1990 model factory wheels? 215s or 225s?
Thanks
Ed
Last edited by andreadoria535; Nov 16, 2021 at 08:36 PM. Reason: mistake
