w108 wheel options

[awarne]

Are there any newer style wheels that will fit my 72 4.5 lug pattern. I would really like to put 18'' or 17'' wheels .

Thanks , Aaron

I have seen 18x8's on a '71 280sec, but I'm not sure if the wheel wells are the same. I guess it would depend on the offset of rim.

this is the site of that 280se coupe with 18x8's


[IMG]c:\280sec1.jpg[/IMG]
http://www.coxracingroup.com/projects2.html

I just went through some of the sizing issue on my W109/8 (1970 300SE L6.3). While I did not increase the rim size to 18", the following might be useful. I found that the wheel wells will comfortably accomodate a total wheel dimension of 10"of width and 26" total diameter/height at the rear. My rims are 6.5x14 with an offset of 30, so I accomplished these dimensions with a set of Dunlop Qualifier GT's in size P235/60TR14.

With my 6.3, I conservatively generate 300 SAE HP and considerably more torque than a 2.8 or 3.5, so I wanted a bigger footprint at the rear. However, I do not want potential steering clearance problems at the front, so I would recommend a little narrower tire at the front. (A P205/70R14 provides approx the same total diameter/height with 8 1/2 -9" of max width and has never caused me problems).

Essentially then, if you wanted to use an 8J x 18H2 rim, you would need to investigate tire choices that, when installed do not exceed the above dimensional values when installed. Further, when making rim choices, it might be useful to realize that the 6.5J x 14H2 rims that I am using were OEM Alloys that fit W126 series cars through 1984 and cound have fit models through 91 if the newer design had not come along. So, if you're shopping for rims and their application lists do not go back to 1972, this might offer you a starting point. (Just watch the offset values on the 8Jx18H2s to make sure that your wheels "center" properly in the wheelwells.)

PS: You are welcome to have a look http://communities.msn.com/Mercedes300SEL63

Brad 6.3 003724

so, what did you decide to go with?

[Aaron]

Somethig I always tease my 6.3 owning buddies about...Never park it overnight with the front wheels turned! Brad, you know what I mean.

I sure do Aaron. That's why I went with the stock-sized P195/70R14 s on the front (using a Dunlop Sp Sport w/t an AA
traction rating) and only increased the rear width profile with similar patterened Dunlop Qualifier GT in a 235/60R14.

The AA rating helps the front tires maintain the cornering grip while the A rated 60's provide the tractive "footprint" I wanted for acceleration at the rear. Since they are almost the same diameter, but only a different width, they maintain the fairly "stock" look and I don't have the "wheel lock" problem.

Brad 6.3 003724

PS: why not join us in Chat some Sat eve. 8PM through at least Midnight (Eastern Std Time)?

http://communities.msn.com/Mercedes300SEL63

Click on "Join this Community" to register and then click "Chat" on the menu to the left to verify or load the software (2 min @28Kbps).

[Clunker]

Just for curiosities sake, why do you want 17" or 18" tires?