SL/R107: Opinions: Color matched wheel covers
11-23-2011, 10:45 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Opinions: Color matched wheel covers
Hello
This is my first post to this forum. I recently purchased my first Mercedes, a 1985 SL500- the Euro grey market version. It has the American headlights (anyone who has the Euro lights for R107 let me know) but the smaller bumper, the 5 liter engine. this model also came with the Bundt cake wheels. 14 inch
Mine are in only average shape and to be honest, I don't care for the style that much. Car is black on black. We like the older style, with the wheel cover (hub cap) that matches the body paint color which in my case is that very rich black.
We are debating whether to go that route. The downside, as I see it, we would be downgrading to steel rims instead from what I assume is a better alloy rim. Plan would be to store the original wheels by the way.
Otherwise, I am considering this same wheel style in a polished chrome. My tires have plenty of meat on them.
Or should I go with a larger wheel size, I don't want to get much bigger than 15 or 16 inch. Car was after all built in 1985. I am told that 15 or 16 inch tires of good quality would run about $600. Sticking with 14 inch has a money advantage.
I would appreciate your input to help me decide.
This is my first post to this forum. I recently purchased my first Mercedes, a 1985 SL500- the Euro grey market version. It has the American headlights (anyone who has the Euro lights for R107 let me know) but the smaller bumper, the 5 liter engine. this model also came with the Bundt cake wheels. 14 inch
Mine are in only average shape and to be honest, I don't care for the style that much. Car is black on black. We like the older style, with the wheel cover (hub cap) that matches the body paint color which in my case is that very rich black.
We are debating whether to go that route. The downside, as I see it, we would be downgrading to steel rims instead from what I assume is a better alloy rim. Plan would be to store the original wheels by the way.
Otherwise, I am considering this same wheel style in a polished chrome. My tires have plenty of meat on them.
Or should I go with a larger wheel size, I don't want to get much bigger than 15 or 16 inch. Car was after all built in 1985. I am told that 15 or 16 inch tires of good quality would run about $600. Sticking with 14 inch has a money advantage.
I would appreciate your input to help me decide.
11-29-2011, 11:30 PM
#2
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Southern Illinois
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
82 380SL 96 SL500
Go with a rim treatment you like. No question.
There are numerous long threads on the different forums concerning which wheels will fit your car. I recommend searching for and reading them thoroughly.
You might be surprised to find 15" tires can be cheaper than 14s simply because there are few 14s available in the correct size and speed rating. I will agree that IMO anything over 16" doesn't look right on a 107.
Finally, I recommend you look closely at the condition of your tires and check the date code on them. When I bought my SL the tires had excellent tread. However, on closer examination, they were exhibiting cracking and were 9 years old.
There are numerous long threads on the different forums concerning which wheels will fit your car. I recommend searching for and reading them thoroughly.
You might be surprised to find 15" tires can be cheaper than 14s simply because there are few 14s available in the correct size and speed rating. I will agree that IMO anything over 16" doesn't look right on a 107.
Finally, I recommend you look closely at the condition of your tires and check the date code on them. When I bought my SL the tires had excellent tread. However, on closer examination, they were exhibiting cracking and were 9 years old.
