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More modern rims

Started by 200 hp, 27 July 2010, 02:02 PM

200 hp

I'm looking to get either late W126 wheels or W140 wheels, as I need summer tires too anyway. Would they fit on the w116? I currently got Nokia 205/70 winter tires with the 14" steel rims. I want something that won't affect the speedo too much too.

Mforcer

W126 rims will fit perfectly. W140 and later models do not fit. W107 rims will also fit perfectly.

The rims will not affect the speedo but rather depends on the tire size. You should be able to use tires with almost identical rolling diameters on different size rims.

15" rims from the W107 or W126 could be your best, easiest choice if you are happy with those styles.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

goldacre

I would love a set of 15 inch rims on my 450 (just to get a better range of tyres)  but just cannot say goodbye to those fantastic color coded hubcaps  :'(

Goldacre
12/1979 450 SEL 148K on clock (museum piece)
12/1986 Lotus Esprit Turbo 87K on clock 'Darling, look what Q has brought for us, isn't it nice' :)

Mforcer

I kept my colour coded hub caps but know they will probably never be on the car again.

I thnk my AMGs rims suit the car perfectly and if I ever need panel work on my car may consider painting the AMGs body colour too, as was an additional option when they were new.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

200 hp

Thanks chaps, good to know the W126 and R107 rims do the job perfectly. I prefer those style more than the W140's.

To not affect the speedo, I need 205/70/r15 tires? Or is that the kind the W126 and R107 already use? If so, that's great. And yes, I'm painfully aware how difficult and expensive it is to get 205/70/r14 tires. I was quoted $600 as the cheapest.

1980450sel

#5
Try this site

http://www.barretire.com/calculator.htm

This is an American site so it's in MPH but it doesn't matter since it's all ratio based.

Scott

goldacre

My understanding of the numbers on the side of tyres is this...

example: 205mm width tread with a 70 aspect ratio means the side wall is 70% of the 205mm tread width therefore = 143.5mm sidewall height

So the aspect ratio would lower as the tread width widens to roughly maintain the same sidewall height?

Goldacre
12/1979 450 SEL 148K on clock (museum piece)
12/1986 Lotus Esprit Turbo 87K on clock 'Darling, look what Q has brought for us, isn't it nice' :)

samuli

My understanding is that 205/65 R15 would be the best match on 15 inch tires. There are plenty of quality choices on that size as well.

200 hp

I found late model W126 rims for sale with 215/65 r15 tires. The tires I'm not sure would work.

TJ 450

The rolling diameter may be slightly larger, but you could always get another set of tires if there is too much speedo error. The 215s won't be too wide.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

200 hp

So I can just change the tire? If that's the case, I spotted very good condition Bundt wheels for sale, but with 195/70 R14 tires. Probably off a W123.

Mforcer

I should have originally stated that W123 rims are also a perfect fit for our W116 but original rims were not larger that original W116 rims. You do need to be careful with the width of the rim and tire width.

Bundts usually come in 14x6 and 14x6.5 sizes. A 215 wide tire may not fit a 6" wide rim (check with the tire requirements). 14x6.5 bundt rims shouldn't be too difficult to find but you will still be stck with the relatively limited 14" tire choice.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

200 hp

So the 14x6.5 bundts are W126 type? Which means W123 bundts are 14x6, identical to W116 bundts? I don't mind going with 14" rims, I'd like to if know these W123 bundts can take the familar 205/70 r14 tires. Better yet, if for the time being these narrower tires can take the weight of the W116.

It seems I've decided to keep the car looking 70's.

Mforcer

The W116 280S/SE/SEL and 300SD used the narrower 14x6 rims with 185/70-14 while the 350SE/SEL and 450SE/SEL used the wider 14x6.5 rims with 205/70-14 tires. The 450SEL 6.9 also used wider 14x6.5 rims but with larger 215/70-14 tires.

I don't know about which rims were used on which models in the 123 and 126 ranges but would guess the smaller engine models were on the narrower rims. All 123 were probably on the narrower 14x6 rims.
Michael
1977 450SE [Brilliant Red]
2006 B200

200 hp

When I bought the rims the guy measured them infront of me and confirmed the W123 bundts are 14x6.5

I had them fitted now with 195's at the front and 205's at the back. I must say that the difference in width is clear visually. Regardless, I like the look with Bundts now. Even though 14" is pretty small, the design of the alloys is alot more interesting to look at than the disk rims of the W126. In my opinion.