I put a set of MB orginal 1999 300 series rims (R16, et 41) with Michelin MXV4 tires on my 1987 300e. The left front tire rubs the wheel well during hard braking and when I cross a dip in the road. Any suggestions?

Scott

There are possibly two things wrong with; bad shocks and tires too tall.

For tires I would suggest 205/55-16, it is about 1/2" smaller in diameter and the tread width will be approximately 1/4" narrower, and it is the correct size for your car. I had them on my 89' with no rubbing at all.

Your shocks are probably worn, allowing too much wheel movement on dips. Good luck

I also had problems with a set of 225/50x16s on my 300e. Switched to a set of Continental 205/55x16s, no problem.
However, if it is only rubbing on the one wheel well, you might want to consider having your best local body shop rework the inner lip of the fender well.
Although, it might be cheaper and more productive to just get the correct tire size. By the way, I am quite satisfied with my continental tourings and they were reasonably priced!

I thought Lee told Leonid that the 215/55/R16 tires would fit on his 1987 300e. Did I misunderstand?

Scott

I recommend 225/50/16 on 16x7.5 rims for most W124's. If you are getting rubbing/clearance issues check the offset of the wheel (to make sure it is correct for the application) and your suspension components. You can also fit 205/55/16 but if you are going to 16"ers go all out with the 225's. BTW, 215/55/16 (W210 non-sport OEM) will fit on W124's but is a slightly taller rolling radius.

215/55/16 is only 1/3% taller RR which is well within the 3% variance rule.

225/50/16 is .5% shorter RR

205/55/16 is .4% shorter RR

By the math, it should/will work. If you are getting rubbing then I'd check wheel offset and suspension/bodywork issues at dealer or top-notch independent.

Hope this clears things up...Lee

[This message has been edited by Lee Scheeler (edited 12-21-1999).]

Indeed a 215/55-16 should fit; however, it is a bit larger in diameter than OE.

A 205/55-16 will absolutely fit, but have 'em mount one 225/50 and check for clearance and good luck!

------------------
Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 12-17-1999).]

Best I can measure, the left side of my car is 1/2" lower than the right side. I suppose I should quote it as 12mm since it metric. However, should I have the springs?, shocks? checked out?

Scott

Scott

It is typical (unfortunately) for that car to be 1/2" lower on the left front. Mine was the same when it was brand new and even after I have replaced the springs with Sachs Sport. Are you sure that your tire is rubbing the fender lip? You ET41 wheels sit 1/4" further inside the car than the typical aftermarket 7 1/2 X 16 with ET35. I had the ET35 with 205/55 and no problem. Has your car been in an accident?

I am sure the car is rubbing the fender lip. My clues are no paint and shinny metal on the fender lip towards the back of the car at about 2:00 o'clock. There is also a fresh rub into the well toward the engine at about 2:00 o'clock. Hoped that new shocks would solve the problem, but it does not sound that way now.

I am the third owner and I don't know for sure if the car has been wrecked, but I don't think it has.

Scott

[This message has been edited by Scott (edited 12-22-1999).]

Scott

It sounds like you may have suspension damage (or loose bearings and/or bolts) if the tire is rubbing both inside and outside at 2 o'clock. I think it is worth taking it to a Mercedes mechanic to have it check out before spending the money on new shocks. Best of luck.

The tire is rubbing on the tread, not the side wall. I think the tire runs pretty true. The local MB dealer thinks the shocks are fine, but it has the wrong tires on it. He is focused on the fact that I put 16" wheels on a car that came with 15" wheels. Anybody know a good speed shop in Cininnati, Ohio? Or do I have to send it to Georgia and have Rennsport fix it.

Scott

[This message has been edited by Scott (edited 12-22-1999).]

I have seen 18" rims on w124 without rubbing problems. Something is definately wrong here. Do a serious check of your suspension including springs and pads. Also check to see if your clearance is stock. You may need to check what you find against somebody else's w124 or post a question here. This is really weird.

yal
88 230e W124

Okay, I had all new springs, mounts, shocks, and torsion bar bushings put on by my local MB Dealer. Big bill, big improvement, but it still rubs a little if I hit the brakes really hard or I cross a hard dip in the road with four of us in the car. The rubbing is livable if it is for only one set of tires. My next tires will be 205/55/R16.

I vote, NO, W210 tires and rims do not fit on a W124 chassis.

The handling and ride is greatly improved. It was worth the expense for the new suspension for that alone.

Scott