16" 15 hole alloys

[Chris Van Dyk]

I have a '91 W126 SEL and I 've been offered the 16" version (from a '90 SL) of the 15 hole 'flat face' alloys that were standard (but 15" not 16") on W126's. Anyone confirm whether they will fit i.e. is the offset the same?

Many thanks, Chris

 

[jakmeticklerpaper]

chris
I wouldn't be so worried about the offsets! If you go from a standard 15" wheel to a 16" without reducing your tyre side profile (to maintain the same rolling radius), you will screw up your gear ratios, speedo and possibly get lower performance and economy. Beware.

 

[Chris Van Dyk]

This is ok as they are 55's as opposed to the standard 65's but thank you for your reply.

 

[talbir]

Check the chassis number of the donor car - if it's a 107 type SL, then they will fit. If it's a 129 type SL, then you will need 5mm spacers at the fronts.

I am sure that it's a type 129sl if it's manufactured in 1990 - moreover, as far as I know, MB never offered the 15-hole alloy in 16" size for the W126.

Easy to check if they will fit - check the ET number on the rear of one of the SL wheels. If they are stock width (7.5J) and ET34, then you'll need 5mm spacers at the fronts. If they are ET25 then you can swap them straight over to the 126 without any modifications.

They will work - but I am sure you will need minimal spacers at the front to correct the offset, otherwise the inner rim of the wheel will hit the track rods on full lock. At the rear it's no problem, except the wheels will sit deep inside the arch and look a little unsightly.

Ideally on the W126, you want the offset number to be as low as possible - 8" wide wheels with ET11 are the PERFECT fitment (as was specified by AMG on the wheels they designed for the W126), as the wheels sit perfectly.

I'd be wary of putting a 7.5" or 8J wheel with ET > 25 on a 126 - it won't look right and may cause problems on full lock at the front.

Always be sure to consider the offset number WITH the width of the wheel - offsets on their own mean nothing.

 

[Geoff2]

I measured 15inch, 16 inch and 17inch wheels with tyres, and they are all very close overall diameter, You should have no problem. They sell 18inch AMG wheels, as you quite rightly said, the lower profile tyres make up for the increase in diameter.

 

[jakmeticklerpaper]

Regardless of all the above, the rolling (wheel+tyre) radius needs to be checked and maintained as close as possible to the original. Of course offsets and widths are important, but ignore overall circ. at your peril.
Jak :?