Tire size for 16" wheels on W126?
 

Greetings,

The car is 1984 W126 380SE, currently running on 225/50R16.
I need new tires but is confused as to what would be the correct/best size?

Tirerack website indicated 225/55R16, while manufacturer's site indicated either 225/50 or 215/55.

According to tire calculators found on this forum, 225/50 will result in a faster speedo, while 215/55R16 is the best match to stock 205/70R14. I also went to 3 tire shops today and all said 215/55 won't fit, "too tall", "will rub"

Which size should I go for? Since the rim rim is 16 x 7 ET37, would the added 12mm or so in diameter (if I go to 215/55) result in possible rubbing? Thanks in advance.

Curret wheel Overall Diameter is 635mm (as in Goodyear's brochure), while planned 215/55 OD is 647mm.

Re: Tire size for 16" wheels on W126?
 

Bill

Best fit for 16" Continental Conti-Eco-Contact CP 225X55X16. It is not too tall and will not rub, specially if you already hae 16" rims X7. If they were 16X8 you would need 6mm spacers.

Regards

Thanks Anthony for your post.

225/55 sounds a bit on the large side but I will look into that, maybe tires are like clothes, same size spec doesn't mean they are actually the same size.

Also, the thing is, I parked next to another W126 the other day and found that my front end are visually lower then the other one, which confirms my suspicion that I have a lower than normal front suspension, either it has been lowered by the previous owner or the spring has sagged. No wonder I scrape the oil pan and bumper all the time...
Even with existing tires they look uncomfortably close to the wheel arch on the front already...

Bill

Bill

I would keep using the 225/50-16 sized tires because the taller tires will make your car feels underpowered. However the 215/55-15 will fit without problem.

By the way the correct offset should be ET25 for 7X16.

If you car is bottoming I would definitely buy new springs and shocks instead off using a taller tire to compensate suspension defficency.

Thanks a lot guys for your reply.

I knew it, those wheel were fishy. To top it up I have 3 x ET37 and 1 x ET23...
I will check the spacers on top of the springs and see, and replace the springs/shocks when budget permits...
I am thinking about getting a set of new 15-inchers, since the current wheels are old and aged, and difference in tires will offset the cost the the rims. While the current setup is hard to throw it off balance (I tried to fish-tail it on a rainy day), I would like to bring it closer to original ride and handeling.

Just curious, can I expect lower fuel consumption if I go with 215 or 205 width tires? If so how much are we talking about?

Regards,

Bill

Bill

If you go with 15" wheels, use 215/60 or 205/65 with 7X15, and 205/65 with 6.5X15.

I have used 215/60-15, 225/50-16, and 245/45-16 on my 500SEL and I have not noticed any change in fuel mileage changes.

TommyMB,

Darn...I was hoping to save 3 - 5% fuel which would further offset the price of new wheels....
Thanks for your info:)