My '89 300CE came with chrome 15-hole flat face 6.5 x 15 wheels. They have always looked nice, expecially when the chrome shines. Since putting on Sportline sway bars and Bilstein HD struts, I decided to get some 7" rims. Finally found some 8-hole wheels from a Sportline 190E from a forum member here.

The 15-hole wheels, as everybody knows, are a pain to keep clean. Everybody says that the 8-hole wheels are much easier to keep clean.

So, since the tires on my old flat face wheels were getting a bit thin, I took the morning to pull them off the car and install the 8-hole wheels.

I'm not sure I like the look! The chrome 15-hole wheels were classy. The grey 8-hole wheels look okay, I suppose. But, I'm not totally convinced that I like them better. Not sure what to do now. Put the chrome flat face back on, and keep on the lookout for 7" flat face wheels. Or, keep the 8-hole and just get used to them.

Oh, by the way, I didn't notice any difference in handling. I was hoping for a little better handling with the wider tires and wider stance. When I drive to work on Monday, over the mountain, I'll get a better feel if the handling is any better.

The "look" of these wheels on your car is completely and totally your own personal taste and no one here can help you with that.

As far as improved handling, going to wider tires, especially on slightly wider tirese will not make a noticable difference in handling unless you drive at the very edge of losing control of the car. If you take up road racing and drive through every corner as fast as you possibly can, then the tire size change that you made may or may not be noticable. You are only increasing the size of the tire patch by a few %. The compound of the tire makes more difference in "on the edge" handling.

Hope this helps,

Ooooooooorrr get them chromed. I think you have gotten to like the chrome look and the dullness of the plain alloy is bothering you. Just a suggestion