Tires, Brakes and Suspension

Old topic [:)] . Alloywheelsdirect sells the R129 steel rims in UK, 8x16 ET 35 I think, not ET 34.

But, we have a steel wheel shop here in Finland.

https://sites.google.com/site/vannepaja2/

They can modify any rims concerning the width, ET, center bore or bolt pattern.

My question is how large/wide/small ET 16 inch steel wheels can I use on my 450 SEL 6.9?

Original wheel size is 215/70 6.5x14 ET30 (tire outer surface comes 83 mm out of mounting flange)
560 W126:n size is 215/65 7x15 ET25 (tire outer surface comes 83 mm out of mounting flange)
My current 560 SEC has 235/45 8,5x17 ET 13 (tire outer surface comes 113 mm out of mounting flange)


I did some comparison: http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

Targeted wheel size could be 245/50 9x16 ET10 (tire outer surface comes 113 mm out of mounting flange)

Backspace on original 14" ja 15" rims is approx 126 mm and on those larger ones 134 - 138 mm. I am afraid the tyre outer side will hit the fender on smaller ETs. On the other hand I know W116 6.9 can be driven with 8x16 ET34 rims, just barely space for tie rod end, backspace is 149 mm.

Earlier my 560SEC had 255/40 R 17 in the rear end, ET 13.

So 245/50 9x16 ET10 could be optimum, perhaps even with a smaller ET.

As well the rear rim could be wider like 10" , should ET be 15 for safety? What size of tyre would fit on that; 275/45 ?

I will do this on for show-off only, not for racing nor long distance driving. Home made rims are illegal here as well.

Kari Pykäläinen

1971 6.3 #5581
1980 6.9 #7201
1981 380 SL
1987 560 SEC
1996 C180 A
1998 ML 320
1995 Tahoe 350cid
1980 Stingray SV175 boat

The hubcaps on the Vito are pretty ugly, van stuff and plastic. In fact they are the second version, replaced under warranty after they found the first version kept falling off. That's the current rear wheel drive Vito, not the earlier front wheel drive version. The old style steel hubcaps would not fit, even if you found some.
LOL,
Art

They sure would look sweet though....here's a similar interpretation on an American car - Mr. Leno had these 20" wheels machined out of aluminum billets to match the original design and accept the original center caps...



John Hubertz
1977 450SEL (Max Headroom)

Yeah, I know. I don't even think I'd bother...I can't imagine they're available.

Peter in St. Louis
6.3 #1349

Now, try to find a 16 inch older style hubcap.

Oh, yes they are.

Here is the pn: 129 400 02 02

Thanks, Art, and GVZ for the pn.

Regards,

Peter in St. Louis
6.3 #1349

I don't know of any cars but I think my son's Vito van has 16" steel wheels. I'll have a look when he gets home.
Art

PS He's home and yes they are. Got 195/65 Michelins on them.

Are 16" steel wheels available for Mercedes? Did any car ever use them? Or by the time they were doing 16s, was everything alloy?

Regards,

Peter in St. Louis
6.3 #1349