1990 300E wheel size dilemma...
 

I just received used chrome wheels that i bid on on e-bay, but they don't seem to fit. I have a 1990 300E and the description for these wheels online was that they were from a 1990, but my old lug bolts seem too short. What do I have to do to make these wheels fit (longer lug bolts?), or am I screwed? Thanks -- Mike

go for the longer bolts...i guess its worth a try...unless someone knows why I am wrong

The stock wheel size is 6.5 J x 15 H2, ET49 mm offset, p/n 124 401 11 02 (I think thats the correct part number). Does any of this info fit?

mickey

there is a part number on the back side of the wheel.

what does it say?

peter

part #
 

Where is the part number located on the wheel? All I could find was the number 3589 which I am assuming is the manufacture date. There are currently tires mounted to these chrome wheels. Please don't say that I have to have the tire taken off to find out the part number. -- Mike

mikey

the number is stamped on the inside or back of wheel, NOT on the face.

tire does not need to be off wheel, but [wheel and tire] off the car will give you a much better view.

take a look at the back of your old wheels, see if you can see the number.

peter

For what it's worth..
I have a set of "15 AMG monoblocks (copy of AMG), for winter tires. And a similar set only in "17 for summer tires.
The "17 requires 10 mm longer bolts that the "15.

Be careful not to get too long bolts!!
I thought i was really clever when i used the long bolts for the winter tires. -They totalled the internals of my hand brake (the drum brake part of the combined disc/drum brake system), because they were sticking too far through!

Freestyler

W124 wheels
 

As mentioned, the standard W124 wheel is a 6.5 x 15 ET49 (or ET48). Sportlines came with a 7 x 15 ET41. The similar looking wheels on a late W126 or 107 are a 7 x 15 ET25 and those on a 190E are 6 x 15 ET49 except for the Sportline which runs 7 x 15 ET44. As you see, many similar wheels but with differing widths and offsets, and these are only the 15 hole wheels (the later 8 hole differed slightly again). The one thing that is common to all is the threaded length of the bolts for all these wheels is the same. The length of the bolt heads vary though, to suit the different wheel offsets. Aftermarket (rather than OEM) alloy wheels also often have different bolt lengths and of course steel wheels require different bolts.

Update...
 

That was very helpful Greg in Oz. I looked at the part numbers on both of the wheels and here is what I found. My original non-chrome 1990 300E wheels are 124.401.7.02 and the chrome wheels are 126.400.41.02. If I am right, these wheels that I won off of e-bay are from a W126 S-class, NOT a W124 E-class. Now, I have a few choices here....I can either sell these right back on e-bay with the correct model number info along with it (the more time-consuming and annoying option), or I can try to make them fit on my car. My question is, is this a good idea or even a possible option??? I put two of the chrome wheels on my car on one side and the only difference from the originals is that they stick out 1" further than the non-chrome ones because of the differing off-set. I'd also have to get longer lug-bolts. I'd appreciate the feedback on your guys' thoughts. Thanks -- Mike

The indy that rebuilt my SE transmission has 126 wheels on his 300TE. All you need is a set of lug bolts for the appropriate 126. The wheels are either 6,5J15H2 ET21,5 or 7J15H2 ET25. If they're 6.5", get a set of bolts for a 91 300SE. If they're 7", get a set of bolts for an 86 560SEL. Lug bolts are not cheap new or used. From a fits perspective, the lug bolts are the same but lug bolts for 7" wheels will stick out more on the outside on 6.5" wheels. It's a cosmetic thing.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

More info...
 

I have Sportline 8 hole wheels on my non-sportline 300e. I got them WITH the original bolts which, are longer than my stock bolts. However, they were from a 1993 Sportline coupe (124).

Re: Update...
 

Mike,

I would be reluctant to use the 126 wheels mainly due to the substantial change to the track and the possible ill-effects on the handling. Usually when others (with W124s) use wheels with a greater outward offset (lower ET) it is in conjunction with wider wheels (and then with an ET still greater than 25). I would wait for a set of wheels suited to the W124 (6.5J x 15 ET49 or 7J x 15 ET41). Usually they sell for less than the W126 wheels anyway.

Greg