Anyone running 18" wheels on a W126 Sedan?
12-28-2006, 02:19 PM
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2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
Anyone running 18" wheels on a W126 Sedan?
Anyone running 18" wheels on a W126 Sedan?
Has ride/comfort/noise/etc. changed since moving from stock?
Any problems running with 40 profile tyres? Damage from potholes, blowouts, bent rims, etc.?
Anything else you would like to tell/warn a fellow W126 enthusiast re: 18" wheels on the sedans?
Planning to get something in the spring (unless there's a major sale before then) as my W126 won't be driven much this winter.
I think many people would say 15, 16, or 17 inch wheels would be best for W126 sedans, but if one looks at places like tirerack and discountiredirect, you can't find too many designs on those sizes (I don't like the basic 5-spokers). A lot of the nicer wheel designs are only available as 18" for W126. For example:
PS: If I were to get anything among those available between 15" and 17", I would probably go for the 16" Type 8 design reminiscent of the W124 500E. But it would be nice to go at least 17" and I don't find any designs I like in 17", hence the 18" question.
PS 2: Happy New Year to all W126 owners and enthusiasts!
Has ride/comfort/noise/etc. changed since moving from stock?
Any problems running with 40 profile tyres? Damage from potholes, blowouts, bent rims, etc.?
Anything else you would like to tell/warn a fellow W126 enthusiast re: 18" wheels on the sedans?
Planning to get something in the spring (unless there's a major sale before then) as my W126 won't be driven much this winter.
I think many people would say 15, 16, or 17 inch wheels would be best for W126 sedans, but if one looks at places like tirerack and discountiredirect, you can't find too many designs on those sizes (I don't like the basic 5-spokers). A lot of the nicer wheel designs are only available as 18" for W126. For example:
PS: If I were to get anything among those available between 15" and 17", I would probably go for the 16" Type 8 design reminiscent of the W124 500E. But it would be nice to go at least 17" and I don't find any designs I like in 17", hence the 18" question.
PS 2: Happy New Year to all W126 owners and enthusiasts!
12-28-2006, 02:42 PM
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CLK 430 Coupe
Anyone running 18" wheels on a W126 Sedan?
Has ride/comfort/noise/etc. changed since moving from stock?
Any problems running with 40 profile tyres? Damage from potholes, blowouts, bent rims, etc.?
Anything else you would like to tell/warn a fellow W126 enthusiast re: 18" wheels on the sedans?
Planning to get something in the spring (unless there's a major sale before then) as my W126 won't be driven much this winter.
I think many people would say 15, 16, or 17 inch wheels would be best for W126 sedans, but if one looks at places like tirerack and discountiredirect, you can't find too many designs on those sizes (I don't like the basic 5-spokers). A lot of the nicer wheel designs are only available as 18" for W126. For example:
PS: If I were to get anything among those available between 15" and 17", I would probably go for the 16" Type 8 design reminiscent of the W124 500E. But it would be nice to go at least 17" and I don't find any designs I like in 17", hence the 18" question.
PS 2: Happy New Year to all W126 owners and enthusiasts!
Has ride/comfort/noise/etc. changed since moving from stock?
Any problems running with 40 profile tyres? Damage from potholes, blowouts, bent rims, etc.?
Anything else you would like to tell/warn a fellow W126 enthusiast re: 18" wheels on the sedans?
Planning to get something in the spring (unless there's a major sale before then) as my W126 won't be driven much this winter.
I think many people would say 15, 16, or 17 inch wheels would be best for W126 sedans, but if one looks at places like tirerack and discountiredirect, you can't find too many designs on those sizes (I don't like the basic 5-spokers). A lot of the nicer wheel designs are only available as 18" for W126. For example:
PS: If I were to get anything among those available between 15" and 17", I would probably go for the 16" Type 8 design reminiscent of the W124 500E. But it would be nice to go at least 17" and I don't find any designs I like in 17", hence the 18" question.
PS 2: Happy New Year to all W126 owners and enthusiasts!
i went from factory 17' AMG to my 19' Davins and had to go with a 35 series tire. the ride has definately gotten rougher, but there seems to be less sidewall flex and improved tire stability. i guess you have to choose which is more important.
hope that helps
12-28-2006, 02:52 PM
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Quite a few:)
I ran 18's on one of my SEC's... Ditched them in favour of a 17's. Th 18's were staggered, 8 in front 9 in the rear. Ride quality was severly compromised and the car wanted to tramline quite badly..which is especially frustrating when trying to go through a corner quickly. Aim for one spot and have the road drag you a foot or so over from where you want to be.
18's are also a lot heavier then their 17' counterpart. The 126 suspension was never designed to have that much weight hanging on it..it can not respond properly as such.
AMG only went as big as 17's and I believe that was for a reason.
Also, if your roads are anything but perfect expect to have bent rims quite regularly.
Jonathan
18's are also a lot heavier then their 17' counterpart. The 126 suspension was never designed to have that much weight hanging on it..it can not respond properly as such.
AMG only went as big as 17's and I believe that was for a reason.
Also, if your roads are anything but perfect expect to have bent rims quite regularly.
Jonathan
12-29-2006, 10:15 PM
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1987 560SEL, 1987 570SEC
I've driven SECs with 14", 15", 16", 17", 18", and 19" rims. I also thought that 17" rims were as large as possible to put on there without the ride being compromised too much.
I have a set of 18" rims on my SEL that were on the SEC (long story for another time). I agree with Jonathan that 18" rims make for a rougher ride, but.... On the SEC and now on the SEL, these seem to be quite fine and I can only offer the tires as the reason. The '87 560SEC has H&R lowering springs on it, which makes it stiffer. I put on the 18" rims but used Hankook Ventus 245/40/R18 H-rated tires. Those same rims and tires, on the '87 560SEL, feel the same. The SEL has stock springs (I cut a coil off the front springs). These tires/rims are a little stiff, but not bad at all. I have a good ride both in town and on the highway.
That said, I'm expecting it will all change when I buy the new 18" rims for the SEC and install Z (or higher) rated tires on there. THEN it will likely be a harsh, stiff ride. YMMV
I have a set of 18" rims on my SEL that were on the SEC (long story for another time). I agree with Jonathan that 18" rims make for a rougher ride, but.... On the SEC and now on the SEL, these seem to be quite fine and I can only offer the tires as the reason. The '87 560SEC has H&R lowering springs on it, which makes it stiffer. I put on the 18" rims but used Hankook Ventus 245/40/R18 H-rated tires. Those same rims and tires, on the '87 560SEL, feel the same. The SEL has stock springs (I cut a coil off the front springs). These tires/rims are a little stiff, but not bad at all. I have a good ride both in town and on the highway.
That said, I'm expecting it will all change when I buy the new 18" rims for the SEC and install Z (or higher) rated tires on there. THEN it will likely be a harsh, stiff ride. YMMV
Last edited by mramay; 12-29-2006 at 10:18 PM.
01-02-2007, 10:09 AM
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87 560SEL, 95 600SL, 95/98 CL600
5 spoke 18's are great, and trying out AUDI rims today
I love the 18" rims I have on my 87 560SEL.
It completely solved the wallowing effect going around a corner and am very pleased. No curb rash and just a slightly harsh feel, but the OEM suspension is so soft anyway it does not bother me. Feel much safer.
I will check on tire spec today.
I have the car in to try AUDI 19" rims!
I really thought that the original rim design for our cars was the best: solid plate center.
But had to get wider tires to help with the handling.
So the AUDI rims might work. Will report back. The new rims are off a 2001 A8L which is the closest style rim to the early Benz OEMs.
Anyone else try this?
It completely solved the wallowing effect going around a corner and am very pleased. No curb rash and just a slightly harsh feel, but the OEM suspension is so soft anyway it does not bother me. Feel much safer.
I will check on tire spec today.
I have the car in to try AUDI 19" rims!
I really thought that the original rim design for our cars was the best: solid plate center.
But had to get wider tires to help with the handling.
So the AUDI rims might work. Will report back. The new rims are off a 2001 A8L which is the closest style rim to the early Benz OEMs.
Anyone else try this?
01-02-2007, 10:23 AM
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is a German Tank
I love the 18" rims I have on my 87 560SEL.
It completely solved the wallowing effect going around a corner and am very pleased. No curb rash and just a slightly harsh feel, but the OEM suspension is so soft anyway it does not bother me. Feel much safer.
I will check on tire spec today.
I have the car in to try AUDI 19" rims!
I really thought that the original rim design for our cars was the best: solid plate center.
But had to get wider tires to help with the handling.
So the AUDI rims might work. Will report back. The new rims are off a 2001 A8L which is the closest style rim to the early Benz OEMs.
Anyone else try this?
It completely solved the wallowing effect going around a corner and am very pleased. No curb rash and just a slightly harsh feel, but the OEM suspension is so soft anyway it does not bother me. Feel much safer.
I will check on tire spec today.
I have the car in to try AUDI 19" rims!
I really thought that the original rim design for our cars was the best: solid plate center.
But had to get wider tires to help with the handling.
So the AUDI rims might work. Will report back. The new rims are off a 2001 A8L which is the closest style rim to the early Benz OEMs.
Anyone else try this?
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01-02-2007, 01:21 PM
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2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
I've driven SECs with 14", 15", 16", 17", 18", and 19" rims. I also thought that 17" rims were as large as possible to put on there without the ride being compromised too much.
I have a set of 18" rims on my SEL that were on the SEC (long story for another time). I agree with Jonathan that 18" rims make for a rougher ride, but.... On the SEC and now on the SEL, these seem to be quite fine and I can only offer the tires as the reason. The '87 560SEC has H&R lowering springs on it, which makes it stiffer. I put on the 18" rims but used Hankook Ventus 245/40/R18 H-rated tires. Those same rims and tires, on the '87 560SEL, feel the same. The SEL has stock springs (I cut a coil off the front springs). These tires/rims are a little stiff, but not bad at all. I have a good ride both in town and on the highway.
That said, I'm expecting it will all change when I buy the new 18" rims for the SEC and install Z (or higher) rated tires on there. THEN it will likely be a harsh, stiff ride. YMMV
I have a set of 18" rims on my SEL that were on the SEC (long story for another time). I agree with Jonathan that 18" rims make for a rougher ride, but.... On the SEC and now on the SEL, these seem to be quite fine and I can only offer the tires as the reason. The '87 560SEC has H&R lowering springs on it, which makes it stiffer. I put on the 18" rims but used Hankook Ventus 245/40/R18 H-rated tires. Those same rims and tires, on the '87 560SEL, feel the same. The SEL has stock springs (I cut a coil off the front springs). These tires/rims are a little stiff, but not bad at all. I have a good ride both in town and on the highway.
That said, I'm expecting it will all change when I buy the new 18" rims for the SEC and install Z (or higher) rated tires on there. THEN it will likely be a harsh, stiff ride. YMMV
01-03-2007, 12:00 AM
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1987 560SEL, 1987 570SEC
Guess I've been up to about 115 mph with them and they were great. I have lots of time in the 70 - 90 mph range and no complaints at all. I do like to slide the SEL occasionally as well and it is a progressive breakaway, no sudden lurch into a slide.
01-08-2007, 07:38 PM
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'89 Mercedes 560 SEC RUF EURO Engine, '94 BMW 850 CSi #60 of 225
18" AMG's On My SEC
Love the ride. I did not like the wallowing of the stock set up. Opted for H & R progressive springs and 18" wheels. Car rides like it is one rails into turns. I would never go back.
03-08-2007, 11:59 PM
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'85 500 SEC (euro)
18's on a Sedan
A buddy of mine is runing 18's on his '85 500 SE, it looks good, but the ride is not comfortable. He has 225-45 18. I have the same size on my SEC also a hard ride.
03-09-2007, 07:10 PM
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86' 420SEL & 560SEL
Try this combo
Anyone running 18" wheels on a W126 Sedan?
Has ride/comfort/noise/etc. changed since moving from stock?
Any problems running with 40 profile tyres? Damage from potholes, blowouts, bent rims, etc.?
Anything else you would like to tell/warn a fellow W126 enthusiast re: 18" wheels on the sedans?
Planning to get something in the spring (unless there's a major sale before then) as my W126 won't be driven much this winter.
I think many people would say 15, 16, or 17 inch wheels would be best for W126 sedans, but if one looks at places like tirerack and discountiredirect, you can't find too many designs on those sizes (I don't like the basic 5-spokers). A lot of the nicer wheel designs are only available as 18" for W126. For example:
PS: If I were to get anything among those available between 15" and 17", I would probably go for the 16" Type 8 design reminiscent of the W124 500E. But it would be nice to go at least 17" and I don't find any designs I like in 17", hence the 18" question.
PS 2: Happy New Year to all W126 owners and enthusiasts!
Has ride/comfort/noise/etc. changed since moving from stock?
Any problems running with 40 profile tyres? Damage from potholes, blowouts, bent rims, etc.?
Anything else you would like to tell/warn a fellow W126 enthusiast re: 18" wheels on the sedans?
Planning to get something in the spring (unless there's a major sale before then) as my W126 won't be driven much this winter.
I think many people would say 15, 16, or 17 inch wheels would be best for W126 sedans, but if one looks at places like tirerack and discountiredirect, you can't find too many designs on those sizes (I don't like the basic 5-spokers). A lot of the nicer wheel designs are only available as 18" for W126. For example:
PS: If I were to get anything among those available between 15" and 17", I would probably go for the 16" Type 8 design reminiscent of the W124 500E. But it would be nice to go at least 17" and I don't find any designs I like in 17", hence the 18" question.
PS 2: Happy New Year to all W126 owners and enthusiasts!
Currently I have a 16" setup (Tires: Front: 225/55/WR16; Rear: 245/50WR16 Avon 550 Tech A/S; Wheels: ASA Type 8) Hence, this tire combo looks very nice, very clean looking on the W(126). Also, the handling and ride comfort is outraegous! The Avon's will take any thing that you dish out to them in dry/wet conditions. Hopefully this helps!
