5.5" to 6.5" rims?
 

I drive a 1972 220D with the stock rims which are 5.5"x14."
There is at least one set of 6.5"x14" at the local junkyard.

Is there any handling advantage to getting these rims over my stock ones?

I have a set of 195/70 14 tires on the way so now would be the time to swap wheels if I were to do so.

Thanks all!

Phil Forrest

I switched my '77 240D to some 14x6.5 rims from an SL. I didn't notice a change in handling.

Cool, thanks!
I searched the big yards that carry import cars and none had any alloy wheels which were really what I was looking for.
Looks like I'll be saving my money for something else. Maybe a new alternator.

Phil Forrest

That's what I'm doin tomorrow....yanking the alternator off of one of my saabs and putting it on the 240. Picked up some 8ga wire and crimp on rings.

... the wheels are worth quite a bit of money on ebay...

6.5" steel are worth a lot of money?

Phil Forrest

6.5j will allow you wider tire..only in that case you will have handling improvement (not valid for snow driving)...and some mpg drops :)

if you go with 195 on either one things remain the same...


.

The steel wheels are not valuable, only the uber rare 6.5" or 6" aluminum for hubcap wheels.

the heavier wheels dampen acceleration and hurt ride and handling on bumpy surfaces.

If you want an improvement I'd suggest the 5.5" wide 10# aluminum wheels for hubcaps or some of the ubiquitous 6" bundt wheels which are considerably lighter than the steel wheels. The lighter wheels will give better ride and handling and make the deliberate 220 feel a little quicker.

Yeah, I went on a search yesterday for the alloys that take hubcaps. Those are the ones I want but if they don't appear within a few days, I'm keeping the stock wheels on the 220D. I'm about to head back east and need to time my trip with the good weather but also need to get to Philly by the 10th of December.

There are a couple more places in Albuquerque I'll try but I think I'm going to give up on the alloy wheels.

Phil Forrest

If you can make it up to phoeinex, az....a member said there were three sets at the pick n pull up there....maybe contact him and see if they are still there.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/members/squiggle-dog.html

Tires arrived today and I had them installed on the stock 5.5" wheels.

Thanks all!
Phil Forrest

The Light Alloy wheels will show up when you are not looking for them.

Charlie

A watched pot never boils.

Phil Forrest

Be sure to carry a small magnet when you visit the wrecking yard.