I've done some searching but can figure it out...

I have a 1991 300SL with stock 16" chrome 15-holers that are tired. I want to move to newer style 16" Mercedes wheels, strictly for appearance.

If I don't want to do a staggered set-up, what is the minimum/ maximum offset I can go without rubbing or sticking out beyond the fenders?

If I go staggered, what would be the min/max?

Any suggestions as to wheel models?

Thanks.

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03 CLK430 Cabrio 211K Pweter Silver/ Oyster Leather
90 300SEL 214k Pearl Black/ Alto Grey/Black Leather

Prior: 85 190E, 88 300TE, 89 300TE, 90 300E 2.6, 90 300TE, 92 300E 2.6, 91 and 93 300SL, 87 Ferrari Mondial Cabrio

Feel the inside of all fender lips and see if there is a flat spot. This was done from the factory for clearance issues, but I'm not sure all cars had this. A Mercedes tech sheet on how to install an AMG kit talks of flattening the inner fender area.

My 97 SL320 Sport came from the factory with AMG Monoblock "thick" spoke wheels that I have painted body color ( 702 Smoke Silver ) This wheel style adds a solid look to the car and body color gives less of a jarring transition than argent or AMG gray.

My sizes are:
Fronts are 245 40 18 on 8 x 18 ET 31 ( 5 3/4" calculated Back spacing )

Rears are 275 35 18 on 9 x 18 ET 35 ( backspacing 6 3/8" )

1998 and up had 8 1/2 and 9 1/2 but I don't have any measurements.

On the front of mine the inner portion of the tire is nearly rubbing the strut, in the rear about 1/2" of width could be added inward. I haven't measured tire to fender but being later cars got 1/2" of width I'd say mine aren't close to rubbing. All 4 of my inner fender lips have a portion flattened from factory for tire clearance.

The thick spoke AMG Monoblocks came in wheel sizes from 7 x 15 on mid 90's C 280 Sport, I think 16 on something and 17 for sure are floating around as well.

Given the wheels on my car, most any 16" would probably fit fine as long as the ET / back spacing is close.

Have a look at car-part.com select a year then wheel with image. Also have a look here to find something you like Wheel Collision Center Bath PA- Excellence in Refinished/Used Factory OEM Aluminum Alloy Wheel Rim Sales & Alloy Wheel Rim Straightening Repair Refinishing & Recycling! - www.oemfactoryrimwheel.com Excellence in Refinished/Used Factory OEM Aluminum A

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

I was looking at a set that had offsets of 34 in the rear and 51 in the front. They were supposed to be from a 1995-1997 S320-S500 car. He said he double checked the 51 number. Does that offset combo make sense? No way would they fit my SL- right?

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03 CLK430 Cabrio 211K Pweter Silver/ Oyster Leather
90 300SEL 214k Pearl Black/ Alto Grey/Black Leather

Prior: 85 190E, 88 300TE, 89 300TE, 90 300E 2.6, 90 300TE, 92 300E 2.6, 91 and 93 300SL, 87 Ferrari Mondial Cabrio

I'd lay a straight edge across back of wheel and measure back spacing of the alleged 51 ET.

Also I've come across wheels that have been modified so the stampings always can be relied on.

Do you have part numbers? Type them into the web and see what pops up.

Just as a follow up...

My SL came with 8Jx16H2 ET 34 chrome 15-holers.

I've concluded that at the front, I should have a little less than 1/2" (11mm) on either side of the rim width at 34 offset, to safely play around with. At the rears, I have a little less than 3/4" (18mm) of the same. So at the fronts, all things being equal and tire dimensions in proportion to my OEM tire size, I could go to as much as an 44 offset and the rears, 52 offset and expect to not have any rubbing issues. To be even safer, 42 fronts and 51 rears.

Do I have this right?

Thanks.

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03 CLK430 Cabrio 211K Pweter Silver/ Oyster Leather
90 300SEL 214k Pearl Black/ Alto Grey/Black Leather

Prior: 85 190E, 88 300TE, 89 300TE, 90 300E 2.6, 90 300TE, 92 300E 2.6, 91 and 93 300SL, 87 Ferrari Mondial Cabrio

Sort of, in the front my tires are nearly rubbing so you can't go inwards be any amount. In rear you could go 1/2" inwards and probably be safe.

Something to remember, tires flex and roll the side wall during cornering even at the top of tire. This can lead to rubbing on what appears to be adequate clearance when not moving. Look for videos of suspension and tires in action.

Also as a side note, look up " spin tron" this is a high speed video of engine valve springs / valve train in action.

Also, try this nifty tire / wheel calculator.

Custom rims, wheel tire packages for your ride - RIMSnTIRES.com

FWIW, I drove myself crazy trying to find an AMG set that fit as intended on my 98 SL as the offsets differ with different models. In the end I went onto EPC entered my VIN and then pulled the actual part number(s) for the three different sets of wheels that came on my car. That was the only way I could find a set (by matching part numbers to the ads) that I was certain would fit before pulling the trigger...

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82 380SL 41K miles sold, 98 SL500 44K miles, 13 C300 4Matic, 14 CLA-250 4Matic

I purchased a 1991 300sl r129 body i have wheels from a S500 any way to make them fit Thanks for any help!