alloy wheel hell

[drumboy4real]

I've just bought some "rucha" alloys from an 2004 avantgarde e class(w211) 16" ET42 with brand new 225/50 tyres fitting to T210 98' avantgard e class dicovered problem with bolt size /difference, so after some reading on these hear pages ordered special bolts from murray-systems (M12 bolt 26mm long with R14 radius as recommended by them for this purpose) thought I'd fit today. Back wheels no prob, front wheels big probs threaded hole in front hub only seems to take 16mm of thread before bottoming out ! Alloys 7mm thick at bolt hole 3mm to long also
1mm clearance between inner tyre wall and upper ball joint(not good at all ).
Now would changing tyre size to 215/50? (original tyre size)
The thing is I've seen a few pics of w210s with these wheels fitted, so is my car a freak? Is this upgrade possible ? or should just scrap the idea and keep my old alloys . I just did'nt think it would be this tedious. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[television]

What were the original off set's.

re the bolts if they are going right through the disc no problem in grinding 3 mm off ( I had to on my rear)

Re width of tyre, in the morning I will look and see how wide the tyres sit on my car with 215's compaired with my other car with 245.

A simple answer to all your problems is to fit wheel spacers to the front. they come from 2mm to 10mm

Malcolm

 

[drumboy4real]

Thanks for that TV! the original offset was et41. I suppose I could grind the bolts down a bit ! With regards to wheel spacers, I wonder what the minimum clearance between upper balljoint and inner tyre wall (that I could get away with would be ?

 

[television]

Thanks for that TV! the original offset was et41. I suppose I could grind the bolts down a bit ! With regards to wheel spacers, I wonder what the minimum clearance between upper balljoint and inner tyre wall (that I could get away with would be ?

Just had a look on my cars, 215's would give you 5mm more. I have 7mm clearence on the Volvo, and 12mm on the MB. Have you tried putting in a wheel bolt without the wheel just to be sure it does go right through, never known a problem with that, its normally the back that gives problems.
As long as the tyre clears by 5 to 10 mm on both locks, I cant see a problem.

Malcolm

 

[clive williams]

I've just bought some "rucha" alloys from an 2004 avantgarde e class(w211) 16" ET42 with brand new 225/50 tyres fitting to T210 98' avantgard e class dicovered problem with bolt size /difference, so after some reading on these hear pages ordered special bolts from murray-systems (M12 bolt 26mm long with R14 radius as recommended by them for this purpose) thought I'd fit today. Back wheels no prob, front wheels big probs threaded hole in front hub only seems to take 16mm of thread before bottoming out ! Alloys 7mm thick at bolt hole 3mm to long also
1mm clearance between inner tyre wall and upper ball joint(not good at all ).
Now would changing tyre size to 215/50? (original tyre size)
The thing is I've seen a few pics of w210s with these wheels fitted, so is my car a freak? Is this upgrade possible ? or should just scrap the idea and keep my old alloys . I just did'nt think it would be this tedious. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

Drumboy,

The new alloys should fit. The 225 clearance problem is due to the increase in the width of the tread being 4mm closer to the suspension (5mm of tread less 1mm of offset difference 42 v 41(210)). A simple solution may be to fit 3mm spacers, which will be available from your local fancy wheel emporium. It will solve the long bolt issue and add the clearance required. The spacers will have little effect on any stresses and are a common competition solution where the stresses are higher in any case. Much thicker spacers will be a problem though.

One last thought, I can't remember if the front discs are held on with a grub screw? If so, then it would be worthwhile drilling and countersinking a new 3mm longer screw to retain the spacer as it could be a pain lining up the bolt holes on the wheel/spacer/hub. Alternatively, use a long stud temporarily to slide the spacer and wheel over.

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

 

[drumboy4real]

Thanks guys all very helpful stuff ! If I go for the spacer scenario would it be wise to purchase some for the rears aswell ? Or am I opening another can of mercy worms !

 

[clive williams]

Thanks guys all very helpful stuff ! If I go for the spacer scenario would it be wise to purchase some for the rears aswell ? Or am I opening another can of mercy worms !

Hi Drumboy,

Can do, but I doubt whether you would notice any difference - save your money.

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

 

[Niel18]

Hi Drumboy, I know its a while since you posted the issue with changing your alloys but I was about to buy a set of Rucha 16" wheels with 225/55/16 to replace my tired (pardon the pun) looking alloys on my '98 W210 estate. Did you resolve the problems sucessfully by fitting the 3mm spacers and the M12 bolt 26mm long with R14 radius? Niel