Alright, thought I was in the clear after the upgrade. WRONG. The 16x7 SLK wheels I had wouldn't clear the caliper and was barely scraping it. The ET on them were 37. So I figured lets try the 16x8, ET 30, well too much push, they rub with the 215/50/16. So now, I am thinking to find a 16x7 with low 30s offset, or a 16x7.5 with a 41-37mm offset? Everyone was saying spacers on the 16x7, but I didn't feel comfy, and besides, all the lugs were too short. So quick question:
1) Luke, what is the offset on the 16x7.5 8-hole replica wheel.
2) Would the 16x8 ET 36 wheels fit better, or you think the 6 mm would not help the rubbing issue much.

Thanks

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benz ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2002 S500/S600 - Maybe in a little more then a year

First issue is that your tire is too tall. Normal plus 1 would be 205/50/16 (as 205/55/15 is standard on Sportlines and 2.3-16's). Also, try the wheels I have. They are EURO only 16" x 7J 8-hole (available in high-sheen or painted finish). They are around $300 each and were MADE for the 1993+ Euro-400E with big brakes. These are REAL MB wheels. Not cheap, but great, and GUARANTEED to work, since that is what they were built for. ET is 46mm on them for the brakes. Also, FYI, the imitation 8-hole Tire Rack sells is 41mm offset if I remember correctly. I don't think it would work due to the extra .5". Email me if you need anything else regarding these wheels.

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E (W124)
Arctic White/Grey
Debadged
Euro Headlights
Clear Turn Signals and 1994/1995 Taillights
16" x 7J 8-hole
Michelin Pilot HX MXM 205/55WR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W210)
Pearl Black/Ash
Debadged
Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 P225/55ZR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202)
Polar White/Parchment
Michelin Pilot SX-GT 205/60VR15

The statement with your tires being too tall is true. I'm running 205/50-16 on the front and 225/45-16 on the rear all on 7 X 16"
wheels...Porsche 928! I have, but not installed, the 400E calipers but did do a test fit and there is a good finger (3/4")
both laterally and longitudally. Many times the offset is not the problem of clearance but the drop section of the wheel and its location. This is the area the bead falls into opposite the lip while installing or dismounting a tire on a rim.

Tobias MB
300CE, C280Sport, 190/5.0

Actually, me and Luke discussed this, and the tire isn't really the problem. ITs the 16x8 with an ET of 30 that is causing the tire to rub. Also, The 16x7 that Dan is using would probably run into the same problem. When I had the 16x7 SLK ET 37 on there, more then the ET, it was the design of the wheels and the brake clearance issue. Sine it was a matter of less then 2mm, we think the 16x7.5" ET41 8-hole replica from TireRack will work. So Anybody looking for some SLK Rims, 16x7, 16x8, I have them


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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benz ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2002 S500/S600 - Maybe in a little more then a year

How could my wheels not clear it when they were made for those EXACT brakes...?

I think the problem is that the 400E calipers I have get bolted on where my old calipers where, which is why the protrusion of my calipers right now are more. Cause I know the 16x7 ET 37 wheels fit on an E420 w124, and I thought if they fit them, they should fit mine.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benz ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2002 S500/S600 - Maybe in a little more then a year