I am planning to upgrade the 15" wheels & tires on my 1995 E420 to 16" in the near future. Will the 16" size make the steering harder? This model seems to steer harder than most now with the 15" tires. Also, will an alignment be needed once the wheels and tires are upgraded?

The way to go with W124 V8s is a 215/60/15 on 7" rims. Order the 8-hole 15" x 7J wheels. This is the BEST combination I've ever felt on a V8 W124. And I have tried EVERYTHING. 205/55/16 is too stiff. 215/55/16 is still slightly jagged. 225/50/16 is simply too big and stiff.

Tire wise I would go with Pirelli P6000 or Michelin Pilot XGT V4. Pirelli's wear quick and can get lumpy and get loud as hell. But they handle incredibly.

Not for nuthin', but I humbly submit that I'm VERY satisfied with 225/50-16 Toyo Proxes XGT-Z4s on my 300TE...and I've done a lot of tire/whell sampling myownself. A bit stiffer than the 15" setup Mr. Singer wisely proffers, but the 16" looks more aggressive, and has more aggressive turn-in. Depends on your needs; if the look's what your after (and handling's secondary), go 16" with a compliant tire. If ride, wear, and all-around performance are your thing do EXACTLY what Mr. Singer recommends. Also, in rim width Wider is Better; more stable(I've got 7.5"X16" on my W124 300TE, and 8.5" X 17" on my 500 w/ 245/45-17)

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

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Michael:
Not for nuthin', but I humbly submit that I'm VERY satisfied with 225/50-16 Toyo Proxes XGT-Z4s on my 300TE...and I've done a lot of tire/whell sampling myownself. A bit stiffer than the 15" setup Mr. Singer wisely proffers, but the 16" looks more aggressive, and has more aggressive turn-in. Depends on your needs; if the look's what your after (and handling's secondary), go 16" with a compliant tire. If ride, wear, and all-around performance are your thing do EXACTLY what Mr. Singer recommends. Also, in rim width Wider is Better; more stable(I've got 7.5"X16" on my W124 300TE, and 8.5" X 17" on my 500 w/ 245/45-17)

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Have you lowered your 300TE at all?

Cardude


[This message has been edited by Cardude (edited 07-04-2000).]