I'm a newcomer to the w123, but couldn't find an answer to this on any other threads. I have an '84 300D that currently has wheels/rims like the first picture I've attached. However, I'd really love the vintage look of the hubcaps (see 2nd picture I've attached).

I already own a set of these hubcaps and have painted them to match my car's paint color, but does anyone know what kind of wheels/rims I'd need to find in order to pop the older hubcaps on?

Also, is there anything structurally/mechanically superior with the rims I currently have compared to the older style I can use for the hubcaps? I assume not, but thought I'd ask. Thanks!

Attached Thumbnails

   

Welcome to the forum. It sounds like you asked on the wheels & tires board already.
You may find that we are much quicker to respond here in the diesel section. We are the nicest & happiest group on PP !!
You have a nice looking car.
I think they call those mags 'Blunts'.
The steel wheels you need are standard Mercedes rims.
Steel rims are actually stronger & not subject to the same level of failure by cracking as mag wheels. Some say they are safer. They are heavier though.
You could have your steels for winter with winter tires & your mags for summer.
Good Luck with your car

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

Steel wheels will be much heavier (2x?) than the bundts. The steel wheels should be easy to find at salvage yards. Also, put your location in your avatar as someone near you might be able to help/sell/trade a set, etc.

There are also alloy disc wheels in 6 and 5.5 inch versions. 6 inch would be more "proper" for a 300D, but nearly impossible to find and if you do locate a set be prepared to pay. The 5.5 inch alloy disc wheels are slightly easier to find and were spec'd on the 240D's. Either would be fine IMO.

__________________
1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

You have "bundt" alloy wheels
The important thing is that steelies require a shorter lug bolt than is used on the alloys. The bundt lugs can damage the rotor if tightened on a steel rim.

__________________
1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

you can't smoke those rims

__________________
'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

As properly pointed out, you will need shorter lug bolts for steel wheels. The longer bundt cake lug bolts will drag on the emergency brake shoes in the back and possibly will not tighten.

The aluminum wheels are far superior in lower weight. You would be surprised how much improvement is had in acceleration and braking when lighter wheels are used. I have some steel wheels, but I'm not close enough to you to make it worthwhile to ship.

I'm quite sure you could trade your bundt cakes for a set of wheels, lug bolts and wheel covers as an even trade and someone would be glad to get them.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Welcome to the forum. like Layback40 said, this is where the action is, and a good group of guys.

some of the 240D`s used steel wheels, and some used an aluminum wheel that looks like the steel wheel.

Start checking the pick n pull yards, I find them from time to time. a lot of them are beat up and signs of corosion. but I have come aross 2 that were in the trunk and almost new.

Usually the alum wheels are about $25, and the steel wheels are $10. usually the doofus at the window at check out thinks they are steel.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I thought the lightweight wheels which accepted covers were mag? The "bundts" are cast aluminum. Google "unsprung weight".

Jay,

__________________
On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

Thanks fellas for all the feedback on this! I definitely have a better sense of what I'm looking for and where to find it. It sounds like the lightweight wheels/rims I currently have might be advantageous to the way the car handles, but maybe with enough hunting around I can find the aluminum equivalents of the old steel rims. Thanks again.