I have a 1991 190e 2.6 and am seriously thinking about buying new rims and tires. What size 16" rims would you recommend 7 or 7.5s. Also does anyone have any experience with buying imitation mercedes rims from a place like the tirerack, or should i just go with oem's.

Jason,
If you are buying "plus" sizes rims and tires then it is usually best to buy a set where the offset is professionally matched to the new size of your specific model/year car. In a nutshell, call Tirerack. If a OEM MB rim just happens to be that size and offset you can get it too.

If you are getting 16" rims then the sizes I'd recommend are as follows:

205/50/16: 1.6% shorter overall. For pure performance I'd recommend the Michelin Pilot SX GT ($144 apiece from Tirerack) or the Pirelli P-Zero Asm. ($158 apiece from Tirerack) For a more handling/ride compromise you can get the Dunlop SP9000 ($155) or the Pilot HX MXM ($207). Budget choice goes to the Yoko A520 for $94 a tire.

215/50/16: literally a perfect rolling radius match for OEM. Probably max width for OEM fenders. The two tires I'd recommend in this size are the BFG T/A KDW ($134 apiece at Tirerack) or the Michelin Pilot HX MXM ($174 apiece at Tirerack).

205/55/16: 1.7% taller than OEM rolling radius. There are tons of chocies in sizes though. From mild to wild you have about any model/brand you want. In general you can't go wrong with Michelin. Other than that see above pics for recommendations.

In any case, a call/click to Tirerack is probably in order. Their staff should be able to match up the appropriate width rim, tire size, and tire model to suit your priorities.

Hope this helps....Lee