83 500 SL wheels & tires/ K & N

Well, I just bought a 1983 500SL, 77k miles about 80% restored. Also my first MB ! P.O. put the wrong wheels and tires on, (wrong offset) rubs on turning. Factory calls for 14" x 6 1/2 with 205/70HR-14. I'd like to upgrade to at least a 15" wheel, possibly larger if I have to spend teh money to correct . Any suggestions or advice on what size wheel and tires other similar 500 SL owners have used and are happy with would be much appreciated.

Also, what is the K & N part number for this 500?

Many thanks in advance,

the newbie,
Mark

[RickM]

This info from a thread I posted a while ago 380sl Project "refresh" continues.... .

I assume your Euro SL is the same as my '85 380. I went with the 560SL wheels. This is what I experienced......

"Sourcing 560 SL wheels was a bit harder. Yes they're out there but usually in beat, very average or in ultra expensive form. I lucked out and got a beautifully refinished set WITH lug bolts for $150.

Be careful, the 16 inch 15 hole wheels (newer SL - 129), will not fit the 107 without quite a bit of modification. What you want are 15" diameter and a 7" width. The offset is 25mm...very important. These wheels came on a few other non-SL cars so they are out there. The stamp on the back of the rim will read: 7Jx15H2 ET25.

I did quite a bit of research on the tires. I wanted a quiet (especially with a convertible), good handling (in both dry and wet) and decent wearing tire. The number one contender turned out to be the Sumitomo HR200. Only carried by Tire Rack and at a ridiculously low price of $42 each. So far they're great!"

Many thanks, Rick. I just spoke with Dexter at the Tire Rack. He recommends an ASA type 8 which is a 15" x 7" with a 22 mm offset, mounted on 225 60 15 Continental "Extreme Contact". This wheel painted looks very much like a 90's MB 8 hole wheel. Another option is a the ASA type 15 15' x 7" with a 25mm offset. Will the 3 mm difference mean much?

I read your previous post. Car looks great! I have the same intentions ( and same front end issues). I'll take your advice on the tires as I'm looking for the same characteristics. What size tire are you using?

Thanks again,

Mark

[RickM]

Mark,

I went with the 205/65-15 HR 200 from Tire Rack...they're $45 each now. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+200&vehicleSearch=true&partnum=065HR5HTR200&fromCompare1=yes

I can't answer your question on the offset but Luke from Tire Rack most likely can.

My decision was based on performance, looks and cost. The 560 wheel did it for me. For less than $450 I had the whole shootin match. I sold my wire wheels and actually made a profit.

Also, the "560" wheel is used on other models. Go by the size stamped on the inside of the rim.

[maheath]

The 560SL wheel is also used on the W126 series in '86 and '87. In '88 the W126 went to a 15"x6.5" ET 21.5 wheel, which will also fit and looks the same. The change in offset corresponds with the change in width to keep the steering geometry the same.

[Bruce Hat]

Good luck and enjoy your SL. It's a great car and you'll have more fun than you ever thought.

Thanks Bruce! After reading that long thread about " consider this before buying" I was getting a little nervous!

Mike/Rick: Thanks for the reply. I think I'll go with the 15" aftermarket wheels , either ASA type 8's or 15's. The question now is 225 or 205 size tires?

Mark