Some good wheels for a early 80s 300D W123?

[Uriah]

I never did like the factory alloys of that era, always thought the painted hubcaps looked more upscale.

Anyway, what later model Mercedes or aftermarket rims look good on these? I figure a 16 would look decent without being retarded looking like the old 280SE I seen with 20s on it.

I can get a later style (15x6) from a 190E that at least looks better then the factory early 80s alloys, to me.

Not sure what fits, but if it's Ford I could tell you in my sleep, lol.

BTW, I once had a SL with Cragar S/Ss that looked better then it sounds. Very period, they came with the car and had some funky adapters I'm sure they havn't made since 1977 or something.

[Mister Byrnzoil]

does not mean ExtraTerrestial, those 190 wheels will never fit (at least on the front)

Very few will, check my sig. You need a low ET... <30 to be a comfortable distance from your tie rods... unless you want to run spacers IMHO a VERY bad idea.

I agree that the 14" stockers are quite lame (whether steel or alloy)

Oh and don't forget the 'lug bolts versus parking brake' thang on the rears.

[phidauex]

I think a great wheel for the 123 body (particularly w/ silver or black paint) is the stock wheels from a 99ish CLK, which are 16x7 ET37.

Linked below is a picture of them on my wagon (sorry, its not a great picture, they look even better when they are clean!). They are 16" rims, and take a 205/55/16 tire, which has the same outer diameter as the original tires, so the speedo doesn't change. They are a little wider, but clear without trouble. They do come incredibly close to the tie rods on the front, so close that you have to use glue-on balancing weights on the inside, instead of clamp on, but it DOES fit! No spacers necessary.

I like the 7 spoke look, and many people comment that the wheels look really sharp. The paint matches Astral Silver almost exactly. They are low profile enough to make the tires not look like balloons, but not approaching 'ricer thin'. They are simple, classy wheels, have a very mercedes look, and are pretty cheap (because people sell them when they upgrade their new car).

Feel free to disagree, but I get a lot of comments on these wheels, so at least a good portion of the populace likes them.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/diesel-discussion/23945d1108256484-got-sd-tinted-cimg0112-4.jpg

EDIT: Here is an example on ebay: 300$ BIY including tires. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8015380299

Edit again: Yes, they need new lug bolts. I don't know the exact length off-hand, but I could measure them if someone needs me to. The parking brake works fine.

peace,
sam

Originally Posted by phidauex

I think a great wheel for the 123 body (particularly w/ silver or black paint) is the stock wheels from a 99ish CLK, which are 16x7 ET37.

As I recall, the correct ET for a W123 is about 20 or 21. You must not have much clearance on the inside with ET37 wheels and no spacers. Also, I don't know if running the incorrect offset is harder on the wheel bearings. On the other hand, I don't like spacers.

Personally, I like the look of the stock alloys better, but it's hard to find decent tires in 14-inch sizes these days.

[t walgamuth]

that the 190 wheels would bolt up.

tom w

[phidauex]

Originally Posted by Craig

As I recall, the correct ET for a W123 is about 20 or 21. You must not have much clearance on the inside with ET37 wheels and no spacers. Also, I don't know if running the incorrect offset is harder on the wheel bearings. On the other hand, I don't like spacers.

Personally, I like the look of the stock alloys better, but it's hard to find decent tires in 14-inch sizes these days.

You are correct, with an ET of 37, there isn't much clearance, but it fits without spacers or modifications. There is no rub at any steering position, and the handling is great. I don't think the extra width will harm the wheel bearings, though it may make it more sensitive to camber alignment. These wheels have been on the car for 25,000 miles, and the bearings are silky smooth.

I don't think the wheels could be any closer to the tie rods, and still work. They are seriously close, like 3mm. Like I said, its so close that you have to use glue-on wheel balancing weights on the inner surface of the rim, instead of clamp-on weights around the bead seat (which is fine, because glue-ons are better for the wheel anyway).

I like the steel wheels with the painted hubcaps, they have a very 'classic' look to them. The way I see it, these 123s can look 'vintage' or 'modern' depending on how you choose your accessories. With the silver paint, tinted windows, and modern wheels, my car looks much newer than it is. Euro head lights would seal the deal. Of course, steel wheels with painted hubcaps, round headlights, untinted windows, etc, would highlight the 'classic' look of the car. To me, the bundt cake rims just look like generic steel wheels with the wheel cover missing... When they are finished up really nice, they aren't bad though.

peace,
sam

[t walgamuth]

but put the stocers on when time to sell. it seems to be best.

tom w

[Urquattro]

These aren't necessarily stock Mercedes wheels, but if you can get your hands on a set, the original AMG Penta's are the way to go. But good luck finding a set...
Mine are 15's, but the also came in 16 inch. In my opinion they are the best looking wheels you can put on a w123.

[H-townbenzoboy]

I've always thought the 16 inch 8 hole MB rims (used on early 90's MBs) look nice on the W123.

[Johnhef]

I've had my 17's on my 123 for a few years now with no issues, they are ET37, but only fit because the tie rod tucks inside the rim. My 16" rims with the same offset do clear the tie rod itself, but the boot of the tie rod rubs the rims.

If you can find a late 80's 126 in a junkyard the 15" stock rims will bolt right up and still look good, as opposed to the same style rims found on 190's and 124's, those will not work.

[phidauex]

The AMG Pentas do look good, though I'd probably opt to finish them in a brighter color. Nice wheels though. The early 90's 8-hole rims are nice too, but they almost seem too big for me..

Still, tell me this isn't hot:



Seriously though, it seems like good wheels are 15-17" (too high would look weird, and 17" is even borderline), and with a classy look. I think there are a lot of options.

peace,
sam

[Johnhef]

that does look good but wait till you see my wagon with r-9's on it

[boneheaddoctor]

Hear is mine with the 16" AMG Pentas of the same year as my car 1983...

Here is a hint 225/50-16 tires are a bit too wide for the front....just an FYI

[Austin85]

Originally Posted by Urquattro

These aren't necessarily stock Mercedes wheels, but if you can get your hands on a set, the original AMG Penta's are the way to go. But good luck finding a set...
Mine are 15's, but the also came in 16 inch. In my opinion they are the best looking wheels you can put on a w123.

I have the original bundt cake wheels ; BUt if I had to vote yours' get mine....

[Austin85]

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

Hear is mine with the 16" AMG Pentas of the same year as my car 1983...

Here is a hint 225/50-16 tires are a bit too wide for the front....just an FYI

BHD;
Your ride is very nice, but the wheels are a little too Republican.....