tire clearance 300sel 3.5

I have a 71 300 I am "playing" with and I'd like to put an updated tire/wheel package on it. What determines whether I can have 16.5" rims or tire width and so on. I have adjusted the air suspension to the lowest tolerance according to the little tech book. I'd like it lower. Should I just stuff as much tire in there as I can or will the geometry be all wacked? I really don't want those factory spec tractor tires

Thanks
cfh

This would be better directed to MB DOC, the moderator of our "Performance Paddock". He was working on those cars were new and knows the handling mods inside and out.

Lee

Believe it or not at one time some of those big old cars were "raced". If fact at the yearly M.B. club event there are several 6.3s that compete in the performace events!! The car can handle tires several sizes larger upto about 7.5 x 16 rim, remember that older Mercedes use a different offset than the newer cars.