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Factory Rims 6.9

Started by everettpa411, 10 March 2021, 11:02 PM

everettpa411

Did any 6.9 US models come with 15" rims?  I'm looking at 1979 wearing 15" rubber on Bundts.  Seller claims a factory option.  Data card says code 640 but every 6.9 I have ever seen has  14" rims.  Can somebody clear this up?  Thanks!

revilla

Sure, 15" Fuchs were an OEM option for every model in the W116 series, all.
Be careful however. There were about 4/5 replicas from other brands.

That turn out to be a BIG advantage considering today's world tires market because the choices on 15" are many times more the options on 14".  Reasons why many opt for the 15". Personally I like the look A LOT better with 15" too...



Cheers

everettpa411

Thanks!  Any way to tell exactly which size came with the car?  Option code 640 is on the data card but I see a lot of VINs with 640 and 14" rims. 

Max-NL

Aren't 15 inch fuchs a dealer option rather than a factory-fitted option? Even the W126 came with 14 inch bundts.
1971 R107 350 SL
1972 W108 280 SEL 3.5
1975 W116 280 S
1975 W116 450 SEL 6.9 #140
1977 W123 230
1992 W124 230 CE
2001 Ducati Monster S4

adamb

I don't believe there was a 15 inch factory option. All aftermarket.

ptashek

Quote from: revilla on 11 March 2021, 01:08 AM
Sure, 15" Fuchs were an OEM option for every model in the W116 series

The W116 was only ever offered from factory with 14" rims.
There's no 15" rim option in any of the prices lists.

From late 1979 the W126 was offered with 15" Fuchs rims as an option from factory, and at that time it was possible to have them dealer fitted to the W116 too.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

ptashek

Quote from: revilla on 11 March 2021, 01:08 AM
Sure, 15" Fuchs were an OEM option for every model in the W116 series, all.
Be careful however. There were about 4/5 replicas from other brands.

That turn out to be a BIG advantage considering today's world tires market because the choices on 15" are many times more the options on 14".  Reasons why many opt for the 15". Personally I like the look A LOT better with 15" too...

ARC and ATS 15" replicas are fine.

I'm one of those who moved to 15" on my W116, and I'd never go back to 14" even if I were offered a brand new set with factory fresh XWXs on them.
Tire availability aside, the car looks and (IMO) feels better.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

raueda1

Quote from: ptashek on 11 March 2021, 08:07 PM
Quote from: revilla on 11 March 2021, 01:08 AM
Sure, 15" Fuchs were an OEM option for every model in the W116 series, all.
Be careful however. There were about 4/5 replicas from other brands.

That turn out to be a BIG advantage considering today's world tires market because the choices on 15" are many times more the options on 14".  Reasons why many opt for the 15". Personally I like the look A LOT better with 15" too...

ARC and ATS 15" replicas are fine.

I'm one of those who moved to 15" on my W116, and I'd never go back to 14" even if I were offered a brand new set with factory fresh XWXs on them.
Tire availability aside, the car looks and (IMO) feels better.

^^^This.  Completely agree.  The improvement is not small. 
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

adamb

I moved to 16 inch wheels with 225 on the front and 255 at the back. The ride difference and road holding are much better. One major difference has been braking performance. The front wheels used to lock up too easily but with wider modern rubber I can really feel the difference.

PMcG

AdamB,

Do you have any pictures of how your tires look?  I went with 15" Michelin Defenders 205/65 with chrome 15-hole rims (there's chrome on the fenders so it matches), and was wondering what a bigger tire would look/feel like.  I sometimes think the ride can be a little swishy with some roll, but holds excellently overall.

Peter
1976 450 SE
Diamond Blue Metallic / Navy Blue

raueda1

Top and bottom pix are 235/60-15's.  Middle is 14", 205/70 if I recall.  All same car, different lighting.
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

adamb

Quote from: PMcG on 12 March 2021, 08:35 PM
AdamB,

Do you have any pictures of how your tires look?  I went with 15" Michelin Defenders 205/65 with chrome 15-hole rims (there's chrome on the fenders so it matches), and was wondering what a bigger tire would look/feel like.  I sometimes think the ride can be a little swishy with some roll, but holds excellently overall.

Peter

I must admit that to my eye the 14 inch wheels look the best but the ride difference of bigger wheels and fatter tyres is a strong reason to have something else for day-to-day usage.

PMcG

Those look great!  How does it ride and handle?
1976 450 SE
Diamond Blue Metallic / Navy Blue

raueda1

Quote from: PMcG on 15 March 2021, 11:29 PM
Those look great!  How does it ride and handle?
If this is directed at me, the answer is excellent and excellent

Oops, not directed at me! :o
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

adamb

Quote from: raueda1 on 16 March 2021, 04:54 PM
Quote from: PMcG on 15 March 2021, 11:29 PM
Those look great!  How does it ride and handle?
If this is directed at me, the answer is excellent and excellent

Oops, not directed at me! :o

LOL! I think you answered the question. The look is not for everyone but I like it.