What size/rims for my new set of tires? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rino · #1 12-23-2007, 11:47 AM

Hello guys, after being absent from this forum for a while,
I'm back just in time to wish all of you Happy Holidays! and a
joyous and prosperous 2008...

It so happens that yesterday I noticed for the first time a thick
nail stuck all the way in, slightly less than an inch from the
shoulder, in my FL tire. Not long enough to go through and
deflate it, but I think it would be wise to replace that tire (as
opposed to resort to a quick $5 fix and plug it, right??)

Since I have been thinking of getting a new set of tires for
at least the past six months, here is my incentive to go ahead
with it.

Currently the 240D has 195/65 R14's on it (the car came with
those, but several people have already pointed out it's an odd
size for this model).

Do you guys suggest 185/75 R14's or 195/70 R14's?
Can you also share your preferences as to what brand/tire
is the most suitable?

Another thing, the car's original MB wheels are in pretty bad
shape (with the chrome largely peeled off, impossible to
clean properly, and they are the only part of the car taking
away from its nice general looks), so if there is a way to find
a good set economically, I'd love to give her a nice Christmas
gift and do just that.

In that case, should it be 14" or 15" rims? (15's with 195/65 R15's
or 215/60 R15's, based on some advice found on the net).
Your opinions, please, and where do you suppose a good deal
can be found on the rims?

TIA for your suggestions,

Rino

bgkast · #2 12-23-2007, 01:09 PM

I have 195-70 Dunlap sport A2s on my 14" steel wheels and am quite happy with them. They have way more grip than the car has power, and were something like $50 each. It is hard to find other wheels that fit the W123 offset. There are the stock steel wheels and bundts, and you can use 15" wheels from early W126s. If you want to go larger 16" wheels from newer CLKs or SLKs will fit despite the wrong offset due to the larger diameter (attached picture 1 is a CLK wheel) or you could try to find some pentas (picture 2).

bgkast · #3 12-23-2007, 01:10 PM

Here is a SLK wheel that fits:

rino · #4 12-23-2007, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

or you could try to find some pentas.

Otherwise, is there anything (though without the MB insignia)
that would fit, be economical, and still look nice?

Rino

bgkast · #5 12-23-2007, 01:33 PM

You can often get the CLK and SLK wheels with good tires for a few hundred $$ (espically in LA I bet) because people upgrade to chrome 18" DUBs yo!

The only aftermarket wheels that will fit are the pentas and BBS wheels

rino · #6 12-25-2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

You can often get the CLK and SLK wheels with good tires for a few hundred $$ (espically in LA I bet) because people upgrade to chrome 18" DUBs yo!

The only aftermarket wheels that will fit are the pentas and BBS wheels

Thanks. Unfortunately, the more I've researched this issue in the
forum, the more confused I've got about what's appropriate.

Right now, I have 195/65 R14's tires on this car. Does this mean
that it has the 5.5" rims on? If so, I can't put 195/70's on it, can I?

If I were to go with the CLK and SLK wheels you suggested, what
rim specs and tire sizes should I be looking for, to make sure that
they are suitable to the 240D?

Thanks,
Rino

t walgamuth · #7 12-25-2007, 12:07 PM

If you have factory wheel covers it will be the 5.5" wheel. Bundts will be 6". Either will be fine with the 195/79s.

Tom W

rino · #8 12-25-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

If you have factory wheel covers it will be the 5.5" wheel. Bundts will be 6". Either will be fine with the 195/79s.

Tom W

OK. As far as getting "new" rims, I saw a couple of local deals on
CLK and SLK wheels, but what rim specs and tire sizes must they
be in order to be compatible with the 240D?

Could C class 15" wheels (w202) be used?

I'd appreciate any pointers...

Rino

rino · #9 12-25-2007, 02:42 PM

For instance, a neighbor has four 15" stock rims with tires he
took off a w202 c class that are 205/60's. I checked with the
calculator, and tire overall size is VERY close to the 195/70 R14's,
just about 0.4" wider...

Will they fit, or are these wheels incompatible with a 240D?

Please HELP!!!

Rino

t walgamuth · #10 12-25-2007, 02:42 PM

Those newer wheels will have the same bolt pattern but different offset. They probably will work with spacers and longer lug bolts.

Tom W

rino · #11 12-25-2007, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Those newer wheels will have the same bolt pattern but different offset. They probably will work with spacers and longer lug bolts.

Tom W

So, given the right price, is it something wise to consider, or is
it better to stick to more standard alternatives?

Rino

t walgamuth · #12 12-25-2007, 05:03 PM

Personally I stick pretty close to what the cars were designed for. Going to very wide tires and tall wheels inevitably results in heavier wheel tire packages and a rougher ride.

They look cool though.

Tom W

rino · #13 12-25-2007, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Personally I stick pretty close to what the cars were designed for. Going to very wide tires and tall wheels inevitably results in heavier wheel tire packages and a rougher ride.

They look cool though.

Tom W

If you look at the actual numbers, there's no much difference in
terms of height and width between 195/70 R14's and 205/60 R15's:

195/70 R14's are 24.7" tall, 7.7" wide (with a 5.4" sidewall).

205/60 R15's are 24.7" tall, 8.1" wide (with a 4.9" sidewall).

The latter are exactly the same height and less than 1/2" wider.

Rino