I'd like to get some opinions on the optimum wheel/tire size combination form my '86 300E. I thought that the largest wheel width I could use was 7.0 ET37, but apparently that's not the case. I don't think I want to go with anything larger than 16" wheels, but I'm open to suggestions.

I'm going to eventually install the full Sportline kit, so the pieces need to be compatible with it. I don't necessarily want the widest wheels/tires, but the best overall handling.

I use the car several times a year to run Monte Carlo style rallyes that run from 8 to 14 hours in length and cover upwards of 600 miles or more. Consequently, I want a combo that works well in a variety of conditions, from mountain switchbacks to flat-out high speeds straights that sometimes run for 8 - 10 miles.

Any opinions/info are greatly appreciated.

I have 8.0 x 16 (with 34mm offset) wheels. Wheels are from a '95 SL500. Tires are Nokian NRZi 225/50x16 W-rated. They fit very well on the wheels...even wear. Stick like glue. This is on my '92 300CE Sportline. Absolutly no rubbing, they don't stick out. No speedo error. They are probably about as wide as you would want to go. These tires/wheels will corner like nobodies business and go as fast as you dare.

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Steve

1992 300CE Sportline Sophie
1990 300E Emma - in the family
1979 240D Josephine - sold, but not forgotten
2004 Pacifica AWD

http://web.mac.com/dakota/Mercedes/Home.html

Dakota,

Has the ride quality or steering effort changed to any significant degree with tires that wide?

Anybody with 7.0 or 7.5 x 16 that can offer an opinion?

Gary

Both ride quality and steering effort have changed. The tires I had on before were Nokian NRW 205/60x15 on a 6.5 x 15 wheel. The ride now is firmer, but not disagreeably so. You'll notice way more ride harshness when you go to the Sportline suspension, then you will from the tire change. The steering is definately heavier, but I actually like it better. I feel like I'm much more hooked to the road...very predictable and stable...it goes where you point it.

Would I change either ride or steering effort back to the way it was? ..No way. My Sportline coupe is way better all around in ride and steering than my sedan (with its 6.5 x 15 - 205/60 x 15 NRWs).

__________________
Steve

1992 300CE Sportline Sophie
1990 300E Emma - in the family
1979 240D Josephine - sold, but not forgotten
2004 Pacifica AWD

http://web.mac.com/dakota/Mercedes/Home.html

I'm thinking at ths point that I might go with the 7.0 x 16 wheels that I found for sale if I can get the seller to drop the price a bit. He wants $550 with "New Michelin Tires" that actually only have less than half the original tread left. Probably only about 10-15k useable miles left , at best.

Will I have any problem mounting these wheels, off a 2002 CLK (pictured below), using the stock 300E lugbolts? I seem to remember reading that some wheels needed to use shorter lugbolts to avoid damaging the rear parking brake.

The tires on the wheels now are 205/55's. Would 215/55's be a good fit for replacement tires on the 7.0 rims to get a little more rubber on the road? (I've got 205's now on my stock 6.5 x 15 wheels)

What is the range of acceptable tire sizes for both 7.0 and 7.5 wheels?


Thanks for any help,

Gary

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