I finally got around to installing the 16x8 RS90 wheels that I had acquired and refurbished several years back. I like how they complement the w126 and I'm happy with the overall ride quality on 225 55 Hankooks.

However, the one issue I have is that there were no center caps when I acquired these wheels. The diameter appears to be 2.875 inches but I cannot tell for sure as my feeler gauge does not properly clear the lip when I try to measure.

Does anyone have any information on aftermarket center caps that would work?

Thanks!

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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time"

Sourced the lorinser center covers; however, I now have an issue where the covers won't snap over the front wheels and protrude about 3mm.

It appears they are making contact with the wheel bearing dust cap. I haven't attempted to remove the wheel and snap the cover in place before mounting it back, but I may give it a shot to rule that option out.

My question is whether anyone has encountered this issue before, and if so how did you deal with it? Would slightly flattening the domed part of the dust cap compromise the life of the bearings? I cannot recall how much 'gap' there is between the spindle and the end of the bearing dust cap.

Thanks!

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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time"

ruchase, the front wheel bearing dust caps are normally recessed below the face of the wheel. I wouldn't recommend attempting to reshape the dust caps. To properly resolve the interference problem you probably need to acquire genuine MB wheels (perhaps 5-hole wheels for a 210 vehicle) with the proper offset to fit your 126 vehicle.

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Fred Hoelzle

Thanks for your reply Fred.

These are period correct vintage wheels that were a popular aftermarket option for most Mercedes of the 80s. I plan on keeping them, especially since the stocks that I had are in rough shape with pitting chrome, but I'm also curious if anyone has encountered this issue and what they might have done.

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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time"

ruchase, although I would not endorse ever doing it, you could add a spacer between the back of the wheel and the hub to provide clearance for the center cap. Of course, you would also need longer lug bolts so you have proper lug bolt thread engagement.

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Fred Hoelzle

I agree; spacers would be a last resort. I may see if I can adapt the tabs on the back of the wheel center caps. That seems like the logical option right now because the caps are almost seated except for a couple of millimeters. Seems to me if the tab is slightly modified the cap will then be securely held in place even if not fully seated. Thanks for your input!

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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time"