Stock size was 195/70/14, I want either 16 or 17 inch tires and rims. I have a friend who has 215/45/17 tires on a 1971 280 SEL W108. He has very expensive Brabus rims. What offset rims should I get for 225/50/16 or 215/45/17, must stay well inside the wheel wells. Also what brands of rims have the proper offset.

dunno - but your username is very funny.

My personalized liscence plate reads 200 BRST
which is short for 200 meters breaststroke which is what I recieved an All American rating and a national record a dozen years ago. So it's swimming related and not car related. Will have to get new plates for my 69 300 SEL 6.3:
Fastest Benz
Gold Benz
Gold 6.3?

Since the 6.3 is a heavy car I would go with the 225/50-16 instead of your friend's 17" setup. As for offset, my guess is ET25 for 7" or 7.5" rims. There are several manufacturers that produce wheels in that size. How does your friend car look with the Brabus? If it looks good go with the same offset.

By the way, the front grease caps on your car are very tall so make sure whatever new wheels you choose will have center caps that cover them correctly. Good luck.