NewBe in the Benz world
 

Hello to all...
As the post states, I'm new to the Benz world and this forum. I posted this question earlier, both here, and on the "wheels & rims site. With all the activity here I was expecting someone out there would be able to give me some information. I'm surprised and disappointed that no one posted back.

I'll give it one more try. Even if no one can answer my question, if you have a suggestion as to where I might go the get an answer, that to would be appreciated.

I have a 1986 190D with orgional rims 6 J x 15 H2, wheel offset is 49mm as stated in the owners manual.

(btw: what does the "6 J" and the "H2" mean and what is the wheel offset?)

I live in Minnesota and need to deal with our snowy winter wonderland. I want to put a pair of Firestone "Blizaks" (winter only) on a second set of rims, and just swap rims/tires in the winter. Ive found a set of chrome 15" rims from an 300E, was told by the 3rd party seller that they "should" fit models from 1985 through the 90’s model change. The offset markings are 6 1/2 Jx15H2ET48
Does anyone know if these will fit on my 190D

Thanks for the help

Jeff N

From the Mercedes Service Manual (Model 107 Body & Chassis):

Rims with a hump at outside only are carrying the designation "H". At high air loss of tire, the hump prevents sliding of tire bead into well-base rim, that is, a sudden venting of tire. For tubeless tires at least one hump on rim outer side is specified.

For 6J x 15 H2:

6 - Rim width in inches
J - Code letter for height and contour of rim flange
x - Designation for one-piece drop base rim
15 - Rim diameter in inches
H2 - Rim section outside and inside with hump shoulder

Rim offset - ET
distance from rim center to contact surface of wheel disk, measured in mm

In other words, the larger the wheel offset, the further the inside edge of the rim is from the face of the hub. I don't think it's a problem to use a wheel with a smaller offset than your stock wheels, but using one with a larger offset risks some type of damage (or rubbing), particularly the parking brake. Since your stock wheels are 49mm offset (ET49), using a 48mm (or even a 34mm) offset rim shouldn't be a problem at all. I think the question is, will the 6 1/2" width cause you a problem? That's going to make the rims go 1/4" - 1mm further in than your stock wheels. I don't know if that will be a problem with your vehicle.

Welcome Jeff N:

Don't give up on the posting - I see that your original questions were posted on the 23rd, and Friday night/Saturdays/Sunday mornings can get a bit thin on posting responses. Also, a lot of what you are asking is already answered in the archives, and that is a good spot to start, using words such as 190, offset, wheel, width, etc. This will find threads such as: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-wheels-tires/25684-urgent-will-190e-rims-fit-300e.html?highlight=190+wheel+offset and http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-wheels-tires/70-mb-wheel-offsets.html?highlight=190+wheel+offset

Anyway, If you don't search the archives, a nice offset explanation to elaborate on what Mike described is at the tirerack site. Another is at: http://www.usacomp.com/Offset.htm . Offset and wheel width calculators are at: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html and http://toy4two.home.mindspring.com/offset.html . These will show you what changes in clearance you can expect between different wheel widths and offsets.

Maheath & JCE
 

Hey, thanks.
Both of your posts were right on the mark. It was a great deal of help. I checked out the links you posted (JCE) excellent infor-bookmarked for future use and to pass on.

As I enjoy my 190D I'm sure I'll have other questions on its maintance and repairs.

Thanks again
Jeff N

btw: nice 300E Would like to find my wife one about that year and model

A note on offset. Offset affects where the centerline of the tire contacts the ground relative to the steering pivot axis. Incorrect offset must be compensated with alignment adjustments to avoid excessive tire wear and handling peculiarities. In some cases, it may not be possible to compensate properly. Best choice is to keep the offset the same or very close.

Steve

Re: NewBe in the Benz world
 

A couple comments, Jeff:

1. You don't really want to put a pair of snows on. Either do all 4 or don't do any. You are asking for real trouble if you use 2 very different types of tires at the same time.

2. Have you bought your Blizzaks already? If not, check out the current Consumer Reports. They just tested snow tires. There may be better choices for you, depending on what sort of weather you see. (In my case, I'm going to get some Nokians since they tested well and I've heard NOTHING but good things from owners of them.)

3. It really helps to use a descriptive subject line. When I get busy, I will generally skip over messages that don't have a specific question in the subject line.

Good luck in your tire/wheel search!