[W126 Coupe] and speaking of tires...

[Mike R.]

I've had LOTS of problems with 18" and 16" wheels with spacers. It felt like
the wheels were out of balance.

It turns out that almost the entire problem is the incorrect fit of the
hubcentric spacers. Once I put some aluminum shims between the spacer and
the wheel rim, and spacer and the suspension hub, the problems went away. I
went to the hardware store and got a piece of aluminum air conditioning
ductwork, about .010" thick and cut off strips about 3/8" wide with some
scissors. I fit the strips inside the rim and cut to length, then epoxy them
in place. Now the spacer is (barely) a press fit, NO spare space, same thing
on the suspension hub. MUCH better now. 

Later,
Mike R.
-----Original Message-----
From: mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
On Behalf Of Ronny
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 10:55 PM
To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] and speaking of tires...

Your wheels really looks nice, but how long does one tire last? And do you 
have any balance problems?
My mechanic just told me he has 2 customers with SEC and 1 with a SEL who 
has a lot of problems with their 18" wheels. Tires last only about 2 oil 
changes, about 10,000 miles, and the spacers are creating a balance problem.

Two has change back to 16" wheels due to high cost.

Ronny
1987 560 SEC
1984 300 SD