The wheels are Carlsson's and they were my Christmas present this year. My son inherited my 190E 2.3-16 and spent his summer job savings on EvoII's for that car, then convinced my wife to get me the Carlsson's.

I like them and the tires (Michelin Pilot Sport AS) quite a bit - really made the steering precise and increased the car's agility/handling capacity. However, I hit a huge hole going back to Connecticut from NJ on New Year's day, just east of the GW bridge, in the left lane. I would not be mentioning this if there wasn't a little drama and you can guess the wheel and tire in the front left position were damaged. The tire went flat in about a mile or so, so, in the rain I had to pull over and change it. Well, the job would not have been nearly so frightening if there was a little extra room, but I think I had about two inches to spare. And there were trucks flying by coveting my two inches of spare room. A NYC cop pulled in behind us and made the odds quite a bit better that I would survive.

Anyway, after realizing the spare was one of the original wheels, and they have some odd extension on the bolts and I did not have any original lug bolts, I got worried I was going to have to get a tow. I did some checking and found as long as I could keep the lug wrench on as the lug bolt went into the hole in the wheel and engaged the threads in the hub, I would be ok (the threaded lengths were the same). That worked and in under 15 minutes I was back in the car ready to drive the rest of the way home. Once home I put the old wheels and pretty worn Conti's back on.

A day or so later my son called Tire Rack to tell them what happened and, this is the real reason I am telling this tale, Tire Rack agreed to replace the wheel and tire at half price since they were less than a month old. The bent wheel is repairable, and it is possible the tire is also repairable as a spare - which will alleviate the lug bolt compatibility issue. Tire Rack sure came through though. The new tire and wheel came a few days before the photo was taken, and I got back from a business trip late Friday before the meet. So, I got up early that Saturday, took the car to a car wash to get the junk from driving to and from the airport off, changed the tires/wheels for the meet, did some other Dad stuff and then took off with Peter and his 190E 2.3-16 to the get together. Got there a little late, but, Thanks for the photo Holson!

So, if you are looking for new, 18" or so wheels and low profile tires, be aware they are susceptible to road hazzards. My wife was following in her 1988 300E, hit the same hole and just passed through or over it without damage. She has stock wheels and Michelins of the stock size. But, if you want the handling and the look, definitely give the people at Tire Rack the opportunity to earn your business. They have earned mine, and probably my sons' for quite some time.

Once again, thanks for the photo Holson! Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

I heard the prices of 99 E300TDs being mentioned... A top-range E300 with all the options cost as much as $54,000.00. I believe that was reaching E430 territory. I'll try and post pics of my Dad's, it was ordered in April of 99; its build sheet specs that it was destined to be an E320, but this was changed when my dad ordered it....