I took front wheels off to check brakes and had wheel spacers (front only) kind of just fall off when I removed the wheels. Brakes were fine, put wheels (with spacers) back on noticing a balance was missing on one of the wheels. The front end would shake at about 50mph plus, so I took it for a tire balance. The guy balanced all tires and rotated the wheels. I picked it up and she shook at 40mph, took it back. The guy had it for a day or two, said he rechecked all wheels for balance and they were spot on he says. He assured me the wheels are balanced, I took her home and rotated the tires again. I can now at least do 40mph/50mph.

I think the spacers have to go, the inside of the rim is stamped ET 34. I am pretty sure these are not the correct rims for a 1987 420sel w126? I also did check bearings, appear to be fine, so I want to get the proper rims. I think I need to eliminate these spacers I think to be the shake source.

What is the correct rim size I need for this car? Any help would be be great..

Thanks,
JD

JD, your Owner's Manual lists the correct wheel size, including offset (ET), for your 1987 420SEL.

I would never use spacers on one of our MB automobiles because they aren't original equipment for any MB vehicle. When you purchase the correct wheels be sure you're using the proper lug bolts also. Diameter, length and seat contour are critical.

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Fred Hoelzle

Thanks for your reply, but, I got the car just under a year ago with no owners manuel...
JD

Working from memory, so take it under advisement....i'm thinking the 420SEL and 560SEL stock rims were 15 hole, 15", bolt 5 on 112 mm, with an offset of 23 mm. ET 34 would have needed a 10mm (plus or minus) spacer.

They would look something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Refinished-Mercedes-420-1986-1986-15-inch-Wheel-Rim-O-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem588cb32f19QQitemZ380317675289QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

According to the PeachParts Fastlane catalog, the proper lug bolt would be a 12 x 1.5 with a 40mm length (for stock rims).

I think you might be able to download a pdf of the owners manual at mbusa.com. Alldatadiy.com is a great resource for repairs. Hope this helps.

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Earl McLain
'02 C230 Kompressor
'89 560 SEL "Frau BlueCar" (retired April 2004)

Hey,
Thanks for your reply.. That info does help me. ET 34 compared to ET 23 is a big difference no? Like I said, only the fronts have spacers that don't seem to lock or fit into a groove or anything that lets you know they are on center? I want them spacers gone, I want rims that fit as they should. I'll be selling/trading the rims I've now.
Thanks,
JD

JD, contact your local MB dealer regarding the correct wheel size and style for your 1987 420SEL. The dealer should be able to order an Owner's Manual for you. It contains technical information that you should know about your vehicle.

Note that all MB wheels are hub-centered as opposed to bolt-centered. Genuine MB wheels have the MB Star logo on the back of the wheel. Do yourself a favor and use only genuine MB wheels on your vehicle. Buy wheels in good shape from a salvage yard, or you can buy new original style wheels from a MB dealer ... but they will likely cost more than you care to spend.

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Fred Hoelzle

yes, i got a set of stock wheels w/ american general tires. tread is ok on tires ,but might not pass inspection. I have had these rims in storage/shelter since i took them off in 06 i think. Any way i will take 200.. or best offer.....local pickup or can meet 1/2 way.. n.c. here _________________________________________________ I like it!