What's the proper tire and what alternatives W124 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jbach36 · #1 12-29-2006, 10:55 PM

I was surprised to read in this forum, that someone was considering getting a 16" tire (my car currently uses a 15") for his car, and someone responded that he would probably like the ride and feel of them better than a 15".

I have a 1991 300d. I'll check the manual to see what I'm supposed to have, but just wanted to ask, what alternatives do I have on tires?

dieseldiehard · #2 12-30-2006, 12:36 AM

16 in tires make a worthwhile improvement in the handling at the expense of less rubber between the rim of the wheel and the road, so bumps tend to feel harder. By choosing the right tire the overall diameter is kept the same so no rubbing occurs and the speedometer readout doesn't get altered.
Plus one as it is called (going one inch up) is not too noticeable in the negative aspects, I use 16 in Yokohamas on my '87 300D with 16 in wheels off a CLK (1999, they fit perfectly).

One reason for going to a larger wheels is because there are often better tires available in the larger sizes. I suggest you not go plus two (or three) sizes up unless you want a harsh, tweaky ride.
see: 124 wheel options

t walgamuth · #3 12-30-2006, 06:51 AM

i agree.

tom w

jbach36 · #4 12-30-2006, 08:43 AM

Thanks for the advice. I found out (guess I should have known) that if I go to a 16", that I would also need to get new rims, and I can do without the extra expense. And if the 16" take bumps harder, I don't think I could take any more. Maybe my shocks are bad, but when I hit a bump, it's hard enough already!!

Thanks,

Jeff

POS · #5 12-30-2006, 09:17 PM

I put new shocks on my '95 then put 16" wheels with 205/55 tires. The ride is much, much better. It corners better and it absorbs bumps better - I'm very pleased.

NewBenzOwner · #6 01-16-2007, 09:03 PM

POS, I am needing new tires for my '95 soon. Was it worth the extra expense of new wheels? Where did you get yours and what was the total cost tires and all.
Thanks

POS · #7 01-16-2007, 10:19 PM

I went a little fancy chasing the 80's wheel-of-choice, so the wheels came from a MB member who had three Ronal R9s on hand, and I found a fourth locally. Then I had them straightened, polished, and painted. Then tires mounted to them; tires are new Fuzions by Bridgestone.

I think I have about $1000 in the set. Worth it? It was to me; I really like the look, but it turns out I like the ride even more.

Ara T. · #8 01-17-2007, 02:40 AM

That looks nice... I have seen them on W123s and must say they look way better on a W124.

softconsult · #9 01-17-2007, 08:51 AM

POS wrote, "I put new shocks on my '95 then put 16" wheels with 205/55 tires. The ride is much, much better. It corners better and it absorbs bumps better - I'm very pleased.
"
Since this thread is about moving from 15" to 16" wheels, I wouldn't count on better bump absorption. New shocks may have helped, new tires may have helped, new wheels did not help. A lower profile tire within a given tire model will have shorter, stiffer side walls. Thus a firmer ride.

Steve

POS · #10 01-17-2007, 09:13 AM

The firmer ride was what I was after. The shocks made the car drive like it was supposed to (firm yet smooth), but the 16s did help in firming it up a bit more than stock. I prefer that - the handling around overpasses is much, much better.

BTW, I had the shocks installed while the 15s were still on and noticed a large improvement in ride quality (less bouncy). Then I put the 16s on after a week or so and noticed the firmer ride.

softconsult · #11 01-17-2007, 10:18 AM

Yes, I think it was '93 that the suspension was softened slightly in the W124.
Nothing like new shocks. Hope you went Bilstein route. I changed to Bilstein Heavy Duties on my former '90 W124. Slightly firmer would be my description.

I currently have a '92 Factory Sportline, with Bilstein Sports. Firm is an understatement. I have pretty much retired it. Replaced by '97 S320. Talk about a contrast suspensions!

Steve

NewBenzOwner · #12 01-18-2007, 08:18 PM

POS
That is really nice look. Right now I am in need of a set of tires due to cord seperation on the current set so new wheels are out of the question for now. I will look at wheels before the next set though. Thanks for the answer.

sLoweredK300e · #13 01-18-2007, 10:09 PM

you have two suspensions on your car.

Springs/ Shocks
Tire sidewall. In general terms the shorter the tire sidewall, the stiffer it is. This is not always the case, however. Tire designs vary.

I have sport springs, Bils sport shocks, 16 wheels and 215/55 tires. The ride is perfect, imo. the w124 is a VERY smooth cruiser, with new suspension. Therefore, if you want to improve the look and handling, 16's will do that and not hurt your ride.

Now when you get to 45 series tires on 18" rims, that can be rough, annoyingly rough.

If you like the look of your car and its wheels, start with replacing the shocks. Boges will give you factory ride, Bil HD will stiffen that up quite a bit.

hinrg01 · #14 01-21-2007, 03:08 PM

I signed on to see what the latest is in wheels and tires after 7 years with 17"er's on my '94 E320 (W124). I'm thinking of having the wheels redone and comparing to an all new set up. I had purchased a set of Imola Evolutions 5 spoke alum. (17" X 7.5) back in 1999 and now they need some work. Curb rash, one slightly bent and the finish needs dressing and new powercoating.

I can't seems to find anything as nice for the price of refinishing and the wheels look great. As for 15" vs 17" the ride to me was no different you just have to be careful of curb rash. Pic attached.