For my Euro 1984 500SEL I have an extra set of wheels with 7 1/2 x 16 ET 23mm rims (These might be from a W140 but I am not sure)

These wheels stand substantially further outboard than the original
wheels with 6 1/2 x 14 ET30mm rims.

The 7 1/2 wheels are moving about 20mm further out relative to the original wheel.

The car has a wider stance for sure. The question however is: Are these 7 1/2 wheels technically okay or are they too far out and put the wheel well in jeopardy.... for instance when the car is cornered hard followed by heavy braking.
My car has the hydraulic suspension and different to the spring based suspension my car could potentially go down if the suspension would be faulty.

So my question is: Are the 7 1/2" wheels safe to drive on a W126?

Martin

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w:
GenII 126s were supplied with wheels with ETs of 25 and 21.5, so the 23 is right in the range. The outboard wheel lip is .330" farther out than that of a 7" w/ET25, and .440" farther out than that of a 6.5" w/ET21.5.

Thanks Frank.

Comparing the 3 wheels

#1) GenI 6 1/2"ET30. (0.45" farther back than GenII)

#2) GenII 7" ET25

#3) 7 1/2"ET23. (0.33" farther out than GenII and 0.78" farther out than GenI)

Assuming the axle and wheel hubs are the same for GenI and GenII cars then
wheel #3 is 0.78" or 20mm farther out than wheel #1.

Is there a yes/no answer to the question: Is it safe to drive the car with wheel #3?

Thanks, Martin

If the wheel itself is sound, and the bolts are of the correct length and thread engagement, then the answer must be yes. With the outside lip of the wheel only .33" farther out than GenII location rubbing is unlikely.

Thanks you!

"Rubbing unlikely": I guess you mean rubbing is unlikely if the suspension is at normal riding height like a stock spring suspension and the same for my HPF -hydraulic 4 corner suspension.


However with the HPF (hydraulic suspension) down and front wheels straight
Do you think the wheels would touch the wheel well more likely?

With the HPF down and front wheels turned however the front wheels would touch the outer lip of the wheel well (my assumption). But it would do the same with stock wheels... I guess?

Martin

I'll install and test the new wheels. I will see how they look and 'feel'.

What I realize now is: modern cars, also my stock 1992 W124 400E, have the wheel farther out compared to the older cars.

Best, Martin

Good news:

I have the wheels mounted and everything is looking good so far.

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nice stance. I hate MB uses Honda rims on there car's. they could fit rail road tracks

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

The GenII 126 was fitted with ET 25 and 21.5 wheels, so the 23 arrives straight. Removable wheel lips are 0.330" from 7" with ET25 and 0.440" from 6.5" with ET21.5.

"Hemburg", on its second post to this forum, demonstrates its genius. It was able to copy post #2 this thread, and slightly rephrase it.
Robot or moron?

Did you use spacers and longer lug bolts?

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

w140 wheels use 14mm lug bolts

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran