81 W126/123 lug bolt question
 

I am switching rims soon, from steel to alloy.
Will the lug bolts used on the steel rims fit the conical part of the alloy rims?
Or do I have to get the ones with the other head?

OEM MB wheel bolts:
1) have a spherical (rather than conical) collar that mates with a spherical seat in the wheel.
2) have a specific thread length for each style of wheel.

The bolts for the steel wheels are too short for cast or forged aluminum alloy wheels, though they may be correct for use
with the pressed aluminum "steelie" wheels.

Using the longer Wheel Bolts that are for the alloy Wheels results in them hitting parts behind the Wheel. Pelican Parts should have some good views of the 2 different bolts.

Thanks guys.
I suppose, the easiest thing to do is to check/measure the length of each type of bolt.
I have both, alloy on 1 car, steel on the other. But I will replace the steel rims soon.

My primary concern was about the so called "spherical" section that mates with the seat for the bolt in the rim. But that doesn't seem to be a problem.
It's the length that matters. I got it, so I will measure them.

The only thing to keep in mind is that at some point, Mercedes-Benz went to a 14mm bolt diameter from the historic 12mm diameter - on the E-Klasse it was the W211, so wheels from an earlier model (W210 and earlier) won't work on the later cars, and vice-versa. I can't speak for the other model lines, as I never tried.

This won't be a problem for you if you're staying with rims from the same era and simply going from steel to alloy. Best of luck with the swap and maybe post some photos after you're done!

Best Regards,
Rob

The main two things are, getting enough length of threads to get at last the same number of threads as the diameter of the threaded part...also getting the conical or sperical part of the bolt to be the correct shape in the wheel. Check at least twice then check again.

Are you switching to alloy wheels with hub caps or bundt’s?

14" Light Alloy Hubcap wheels
 

You're going to love these.....

The unsprung weight reduction is noticeable even on a 240D putt-putter .

Indeed they are sweet!

Thanks guys!
I am switching to bundt wheels. I have a set of new lug bolts on the way.

As soon as I have those, I will post a picture of steel bolts and the new alloy wheel bolts for comparison
New bolts are manufactured by Febi-Bilstein in Germany. They should be reliable.
Compatibility chart checks out ok.

https://i.imgur.com/KrTpFZ7.png

https://i.imgur.com/mBEC9Iq.png

Developments are/were quite compelling.
I'd say, once a car guy, always a car guy.

This is what the car looks like at the moment. Actually kinda neat, since the color of the hubcaps matches. It's not period correct of course, never seen one like this.
Tires are 205/70/14

https://i.imgur.com/UxKf9sA.jpg

This set of steelies came off my 240D, which now wears the original 14x6 bundts w/ 195/70/14

https://i.imgur.com/p9T7D2s.jpg

The 300SD was swiped while parked, bumper ripped off, on 4.26.20
Less than 48 hours before I had the car picked up from my mechanic, who had done a tune-up job under hood ($1100).
Since I anticipated a wait, I put the SD on the steel wheels.
AAA insurance took 2 1/2 months and lots of blablabla before they settled.

https://i.imgur.com/nYFxJwx.jpg

My mechanic did a real nice job putting it back together. The paint job is awesome!
I'll take some close up pictures.

Now I am definitely over the hill with this car, meaning I'll have to hang on.
It runs like there's no tomorrow. Turbo charger has been rebuilt about 1 1/2 years ago.
Once it takes off, it's scary fast!

I thought I could take a shortcut when getting bundt wheels. Little did I know!
To make the long story short, I ended up with rims from 3 different sources, luckily it came out like this.
I have now:
1 set of 14x6"
1 set of 14x6.5"
1 piece of oddball/after market chrome bundt w/ a 40mm offset.

I am preparing the 14x6.5 to go on the SD with 205/70/14 tires.
I think the bigger size tires suit the bigger car better.

Body Repair & 240D Wheels
 

Ted ;

You're in my area code and I need some body & paint works done, nothing as dramatic as your poor W126 but I want good works .

Also, the wheels off your 240D, if original, are not steel, they're light alloy and are really the shiznit of you like hubcaps and spirited driving as I do :D .

I have a spare set of them should anyone need them .

I'll sell or swap for four stainless steel (non magnetic) hub caps .

PLEASE share with me off list your paint & dolly man .

TIA,

Those are not steel wheels? The hubcap wheels?
That's amazing! I could have sworn those are steel.
But well, never stop to learn new stuff.

Always ask for Kash. Like Cash w/ a K.
He is the man.
He used to drive me nuts, because he is such a perfectionist.
He takes care of my cars since nearly 3 years now, he definitely knows what he is doing. Many bring their Vintage Garage Queens, SLs or V12s
He does body restorations and sure knows how to do a flawless paint job.

They have 2 locations.
The gas station where he does mechanical work. Best shot to get a hold of him is here.
Body work in Newbury Park.

Conejo Valley 76 Union
420 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805 496 2333

Wendy Auto Center
833 Mitchell Rd Unit 304
Newbury Park, CA 91320
805 498 1353
805 498 2289

wendyautocenter.com

14" Disc Typ Wheels
 

There are light alloy and steel types, the light alloy ones have white stripes painted plus, they're non ferrous .

The hub caps are not the same for both wheels although they look the same and you can force the steel wheel hub caps onto the light alloy wheels .