Hi guys,

On my 1983 240D with 4-Speed MT, I'm down the wear bars on my Michelin X Radials. I have the stock steelie wheels with hubcaps.

I'm toying with the idea of buying some 16" alloy wheels (Probably from Tire Rack dot com) and going with 205/55/16 tires...likely from Costco.

I'd like opinions on whether it is worth it to spend the extra dough for 16" tires/wheels. I am actually pretty happy with the stock 195/70/14. They ride nicely, are reasonable quiet, and although they don't have a massive amount of grip, they've been fine for the driving that I do around town with the occasion 2-3 hour trip. The car is mostly run around town.

I estimate the cost of new Michelin X radials would be around $450 or so, and the cost of the new wheels and tires would probably be around $550 + $550 = $1100 for the 16" tires and wheels, all shipping and installation included. So, it would be almost 3X more expensive to change to 16" "shoes".

I realize that the 205/55/16s would likely give me a little better grip and handling along with possibly more noise and tire wear.

What are your opinions?

If you changed to 16", was it worth it? Would you do it again? What do you like/not like about the changes?

All the best,

PE

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83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige
189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too!