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AMG pentas

Started by Des, 29 January 2007, 01:50 AM

Des

I may be able to obtain some AMG pentas, in 15" though
can anyone think of any advantages/disadvantages over the 16" versions?

Now I actually want a set and can afford it there are none around.

:(

Mforcer

I don't think there are any advantages/disadvantages as such, just differences.

The 15" would need a taller side-wall than 16" which would be closer to original 14". Does anyone know how the stiffness of new 14" tyres compares to the original tyre spec?

The biggest benefit of rims larger than 14" is being able to buy better performing tyres than the limited choices in 14" and I would assume that 15" and 16" would have similar choices though I would expect 16" to have more choices. One thing to check for tyre choices would be tyre load rating. There would be no use having the right tyre size if the load rating wasn't appropriate (some jurisdictions will not insure cars with inappropriate tyre load ratings).

Having said all that, I have 16x7.5 et17 rims with 225/55-16 tyres and think they are great. I could get a narrower tyre to reduce the tram-lining but at the cost of some grip.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

s class

205/70r14s are limited for choice.  THe stiffness of the sidewalls varies.  The Bridgestone Turanza GR50 (now discontinued) had a very stiff sidewall and I loved them.  Current Michelins tend to have softer sidewalls.  I have no idea how XWX's compare. 

In 15" there is some wider choice - I use 225/60VR15 on my 15" Bundts, but 16" certainly has a wider choice.  Currently my 280SE has R129 wheels (7.5x16) and Bridgestone tyres (225/55VR16 Potenza G3 in front, 225/55ZR16 Potenza SO3 rear).  Performance is absolutely excellent.  I have not found any tramlining problems, but my suspension is in top condition - completely rebushed front and rear, and rebuilt steering.  I have not found the low profile to be unduly hard. 

Note that the 225/55r16 has a slightly (about 1.7%) larger diameter than the standard 205/70r14, but you could also use 225/50r16, and have a similarly undersize diameter - either will work. 

225/50r16 has a wider availability, and lower price than 225/55, but load ratings are lower.  You will need to check it all out. 

Des, my view is that suitable 15" tyres are going to go the way of 14"s in a few years.  16" will be more future proof.  Plus, would you really be happy with 15" knowing there are 16"'s out there?

Ryan


[color=blue]'76 6.9 Euro[/color], [color=red]'78 6.9 AMG[/color], '80 280SE, [color=brown]'74 350SE[/color], [color=black]'82 500SEL euro full hydro, '83 500SEL euro full hydro [/color], '81 500SL

Des

Quote from: s class on 30 January 2007, 03:44 AM

Des, my view is that suitable 15" tyres are going to go the way of 14"s in a few years.  16" will be more future proof.  Plus, would you really be happy with 15" knowing there are 16"'s out there?

Ryan

You are right there Ryan, I looked at a nice 450SLC and a 450SEL before I bought my 6.9, very nice cars no doubt but in my mind I thought I would always have a niggling feeling I opted for second best.
In retrospect, I would have felt that way. I cannot think of a Mercedes model that gives more bang for the buck than what I have now.


I might hold off for ether some 16" or some BBS spoked style wheels.

thanks everyone for your comments and thoughts, it is appreciated.

Mforcer

Quote from: styria on 30 January 2007, 01:18 PM
I have 18' ers on my Gleaming Beauty", and I am hard pressed to notice any "real" improvement in road holding. They seem to hang on quite well in the wet, but then again the power in my 6.9 might be down a little when compared with a super duper 6.9-seat of the pants statement, with no real proof though.

I would assume the rim makes little difference in road holding for a road car compared to the difference between a good quality tyre and not-so-good quality tyre. Tyres are the most crital part of any car - without tyres, nothing else works. Just buy the best tyres you can afford and know that the steering and braking will perform to their maximum ability when you really need them.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

BAR

Apart from the very significant improvement in grip: translating to better cornering and braking one may just find a slight loss in ride quality and possible increase in road noise when going the PLUS route for rim sizes.  Don't forget that you get away from the original 70 profiles down to 65 or 50s with a 16" rim.

The other benefit of PLUS sizes is that one has increased brake cooling - or the ability to fit larger brakes, off later 126 or others.  Now that wouldn't hurt either.


AMG69

amazing.  And I paid $A200 for mine :D
sigh....sitting back contemplating the next purchase..!

Mforcer

AMG69, don't forget to add the cost of refurbishing your rims...

Those rims for sale look new and are certainly not expensive for a new set.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

AMG69

fair point!!  ;)  make it around $A750 a set...still good value!
sigh....sitting back contemplating the next purchase..!

Mforcer

Even at $A750 it is a fantastic deal! I paid a little over $A1,000 (don't remember the exact figure) for my rims and think that was reasonable.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

s class

I could brag at the other end of the spectrum.  My 15" bundts cost me ZAR800.  That's about AUS$150 for the set.  Admittedly a little taty, but since I do my own refurb work, there has been no further costs.  I wouldnt mind 16" pentas though. 

Ryan


[color=blue]'76 6.9 Euro[/color], [color=red]'78 6.9 AMG[/color], '80 280SE, [color=brown]'74 350SE[/color], [color=black]'82 500SEL euro full hydro, '83 500SEL euro full hydro [/color], '81 500SL


Des

hummm.....I wonder if 10s would fit under the back of a 6.9 without too much butchering of the rear wheel arches?


Mforcer

I don't think 10" wide rims will fit an unmodified 116 (or 126). They were made to fit the AMG wide-body 126 SEC.

I did read of a custom 116 wide-body project...
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200