I kick them loose with my heel...

Stand by the wheel with it directly behind you lift a leg and kick back with the heel onto the rubber part of the tire. Alternate front edge and then rear edge. It should start rocking and you can then rock it on off by hand. True, that may be hard on the tie rods. Top and bottom would be better, but the heel doesn't really reach there...

I will say you MAY have distorted wheels. My '74 240D wheels were over tightened BY THE DEALER who was doing an alignment when the car was virtually new. Over tightening distorts the center hub of the wheel. They were a PITA to remove ever since that happened.

They were so tight the metal around the lug bolts was sunken in and at each lug bolt. The metal at the hub by each lug bolt was bent inward closing up the opening where the hub fits. If yours are distorted you might grind/file them back smooth so they will come off easier...

Of course sanding/cleaning the hubs to remove rust is improtant as well.

Good luck!

__________________
02 S500
92 500SL
92 400E (Sold)
87 300E (Sold)
83 300D Turbo (Sold)
75 300D (Sold)
74 240D (Sold after 20 years)