Hello,

I have a 126 300SD and wanted to upgrade the rims. The car has the factory alloy 14' rims (old style). I like the rim style on the 300SDL series, however they are 15' rims. Can these be used on the 300SD? What tire size would one use? The original size is 195/70R14. Can 14' rims be purchased in the new style? Can anyone recommend a good source for new/used mercedes style rims? I live in California.

Also, I also wanted to replace/upgrade the OEM stereo speakers? Is it best just to stick with dealer replacements, or can aftermarket upgrades be installed. The OEM speakers appear to be about 6" x 3"

I have also heard about K&N Filters for mercedes, promising a performance boost. Has anyone had any experience with these filters on a diesel and are they really worth it?

re: K&N

I'm no expert but what I've read about these filters is that they do indeed provide a minor increase in airflow/power but at the cost of having substaintially less protection than a paper filter. Apparently there designed specifically for racing where engine longevity is less of a concern. I guess you can't get something for nothing.

Shawn,
Contact Tirerack for the rim specifics. You can search the Shop Forum records regarding fitting newer OEM rims on older cars. I think the the offset is different. I have not crunched the numbers but I would guesstimate that if your orignal tire size was 195/70/14 you could probably use the 195/65/15 or 205/60/15. Tirerack should be able to tell you for sure on both the wheel and tire issues. http://www.tirerack.com

K&N filters do give you about a 1% gain in power when used in the stock airbox. They actually hurt performance when used in the "underhood cone" configuration. They can have problems with ultra-fine particulate getting through on occasion. This usually happens when the oiled filter dries out. You must keep the filter cleaned and especially oiled every 1000 miles or less. If you don't keep it oiled, then is when the problems seem to occur. To me the effort and risk isn't worth the minimal gains.

Hope this helps...Lee

I have the post-86 style 15" 126 rims on my 83 300SD. They should work fine on yours too. They make the car look a bit more modern.

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Robert W. Roe
1983 300SD 264K mi

Thanks for the advice. I would really like to get those 15'' rims you mentioned?

Did you get them used or did you buy them? If so where is a good source for those original post-86 rims? My dealer doesn't carry them anymore.

Mine came with the car so I'm not sure where the previous owner got them.

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Robert W. Roe
1983 300SD 264K mi