Cost of stock 500E 16" rims?

[tom woolner]

I'm thinking of going to stock 16" rims. I am not a terribly aggresssive driver, and I think I would appreciate the ride. Also, I think oversize rims tend to magnify any less than perfect elements of the suspension.
What is the cost new? I may at some point let go of my 17" AMGs, but not right now.

Tom

[Michael]

New nearly $400 each as I recall. I found a used set at Potomac that I bought for $150 ea., but when they arrived their finish was ruined! However, Potomac ate the refinishing bill (nearly $400) and I've got 4 new-looking rims I use for snow tires.

Thought my little story'd give you an idea of what you're looking at. BTW, what tires are you running? I really didn't consider my car to be THAT much stiffer on 17s when I was running Michelin XGT-Z4s; however, the same cannot be said about my MXX3s (much sharper-reacting tire-suit me well)

[thaas]

I presently have stock wheels on my 500E but would like to upgrade to AMG style wheels. There are a lot good deals on e-bay, but I'm concerned with the proper fit. Is it true that wheels from an '91up SL will fit the 500E...? My suspension is stock set-up. How large can I go...?
Thanks for any input.

[gsxr]

If you're looking for a softer ride, I found almost no difference between stock 15-inch (non 500E) wheels with 65 series tires, and 17's with 45's. The main difference in ride harshness is from the springs, or possibly tire pressure if you have it jacked up very high.

An alternative would be to get W202/203/208/210 wheels, these should bolt on to your 500E and will be easier to locate, and probably cheaper too. I think all the 16's are 7.0 or 7.5 wide though...


Regards,

[Cannoli]

Tom:

I know you are looking to replace your 17"s but, my MBZ dealership quoted me $325.00 per wheel ...B66 47 00 84.

This is the Evo II in 17 x 8.25 ... OE made by Speedline.

I'm strongly considering this wheel ... I better decide quickly because my right rear tire is becoming a slick

You know what they say, "... it never rains in Southern California"

PM me if you want the dealership / contact name.

[jfiero]

Tom, my 89k mile 500E with stock wheels and S-03's (225 55 16's) is in downtown SF everyday. You are welcome to come by and give it a ride and see if it offers the improvement you are looking for.

-- John

[tom woolner]

John,

I appreciate your kind offer. I would like to have a sense of the difference before spending $$$ or trading. You are welcome to try mine, with 17" AMG, S03's, 17x45x245. I will e-mail you soon, so that we could set up a time to meet. I'm usually in SF on Fridays. Very busy for next few weeks.
Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

Tom

[ke6dcj]

Tom the 500E stock wheels are FORGED, hence the high cost new.

The 1992-1995 500SL also used 16x8 ET 34 8-hole wheels, however, I don't if they are forged.

I'd look for the 500SL wheels on ebay or a Mercedes dismantler like SilverStar Recycling (Sacramento area, ask for Ryan), SunValley Dismantlers (Los Angeles area), or Potomac German Auto (ask for Gary in the Maryland office).

Good luck,
:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

BTW: not all 17-inch tires are super stiff. I have 17-inch Kumho ECSTA (SO-3 knock-offs), and my wife doesn't complain since I switched her from the 16-inch BFG KDWS (very stiff sidewall).

[rjfjr1]

Tom,

I pm'd you. I just upgraded and will gladly hand over my 4 (chrome) wheels for $50 per. 2 tires are ok, 2 are not. Rims are in ok shape for 100k miles. I'll personally drive them over to you!