Need advice on rim width . . .

[yogiysh]

I am about to get a new set tires and decided to go for a 205/70/14 whitewall tire but have been advised by my local tire specialist that the prefered rim width for this tire is 6.5" and I have the original 14x6 steel rims. I was talked out of the 215/70/14 because they advised that it was too spongy around corners.

I have sourced 14x6.5 steel rims at a MB restorers at AU$30.00 each but they advised that its not a necessary exercise to replace the originals as the 205/70/14 will be okay on them.

I also sourced a set of the 14x6.5 alloys at AU$100.00 each in fair condition but I would have to get them refinished. I also kinda like the original looks with the hubcaps. Would the alloys make a dramatic difference in performance/feel?

Can you please advise. . .

the acceptable range of rim widths for 205/70 X 14 tires is 5 1/2" to 7 1/2", and that the nominal dimensions are actually measured on a 5 1/2" rim. There are many cars like yours running 205/70 tires on 6" rims in the USA with few handling complaints which could not just as easily be explained by a choice of a smooth ride, long wearing tire model over a better handling type.

I'd advise that if you feel a need to spend good money on rims wider than your 6", make it worthwhile and get some 7" X 15" at the very least. One half inch will not make a serious difference.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

I installed 205/70R14s on the stock rims on my '72 W114 250,(originals were 185s) with no problem other than some added load on my steering gear. I keep those tires inflated 2 or 3 PSI over the original spec to compensate.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[j9fd3s]

205/60 tire on a 5.5" rim is a factory fit in mazda land....

mike

[yogiysh]

I would luv to get my hands on 15x7 alloys ! They're beyond rare here in Sydney. There is a set for sale but the asking price is AU$2500.00 - a bit out of my price range.

I will be over in the U.S. in the middle of this month and have been trying frantically to source a set to bring back with no luck yet. No listings on ebay...but will keep on trying.

Thank you for the advice, I will get the 205/70/14 on the current rims but I'll hold off until I get back, just in case I find the holy grail of rims.

Cheers,

Ysmael (ysh)

almost all Mercedes alloy rims require different length lug bolts than the steel ones came with -- you'll have to buy them, too.

What part of the USA will you be visiting?

[yogiysh]

I will be flying into Los Angeles and the drive up to San Francisco and stay for four days. Then off to New York for ten days before going to London. I'll try to locate some in the U.K. to...

I'll be in Frankfurt at the end of August and I thought as a last resort to try and source some there but I think the language will be a challenge.

I also need to be carefull not to make sourcing these rims a central point of the holiday since I think my partner will not appreciate it too much but I could subtily and convinently incorporate it . . .

Cheers,

Ysmael (ysh)

[jas2wa]

In my experience, for what it's worth-

I swapped out the 6" steel rims on my 108 for a set of 6.5" wide bundt cake alloys- while the half inch extra width doesn't seem like much, it allowed me to mount 215/70/14's, in place of the bicycle tires that were on there previously- the biggest difference I have found, though, is the reduction in unprung WEIGHT- the alloys are significantly lighter than the steel rims and hubcaps, even larger tires fitted- with my current set-up, I notice a markedly improved ride and way-improved handling. The combo of less weight at each wheel, coupled with a much heftier contact patch results in a car that feels truly stable and safe on the high speed country roads I drive on- before, the car felt truly archaic, now it is actually 'tight.'

So, while fimum fit is right, a 1/2" width isn't much, I'd argue that that in conjunction with the reduction in unsprung weight makes the wider wheels worth it-

JAS

ps- here's a pic with the wider alloys installed- I think the wheel/tire package looks great like this, in addition to the functional improvements.

[68_Mercedes]

take a look at this thread. It might help you some on rim sizes. Also, check out the links I posted in the thread regarding the tire and wheel calculator. It helps ALOT!

(w108) Non-stock Mercedes wheels and tires, oh and motor too! lol

[JMela]

Dan Smith of the m-100 pages has mentioned that persons have been able to get the coveted 15-inch steel wheels from m/b which are a perfect match for 108/109/113 applications where 14's were standard. With 15's, many more tire options are available.

MB parts # is/was 126 400 28 02 and labeled "Disc Wheel". Try your local dealer or mbclassic and let us know if any turn up.

edit -- mbzstore.com has these 15" wheels for $155/per, special order only. 15-inch hubcaps might take a little more doing but ARE out there.

[yogiysh]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for all the advice, I just got back home to Sydney with no progress on finding those 15" alloys - so I'm back to square one.

After an extended think about my options white wall tyres have come up plus the MB purists have nearly persuaded me to try and keep it as close to original.

Can anyone provide me with some views on white wall strip tyres.

Thanks again,

yogiysh