[W126 Coupe] 10 x 18 rims - will they fit?

[Paul Samarin]

I found a good deal on a 500 SL (R-129) before I found a suitable SEC 
to replace my wrecked one.  It's a very fun car, but inferior to the 
SEC in my opinion.

My SEC had the 10 x 18 Anteras with 265s on them (in the rear) when I 
bought it.  Ran over a pipe that fell of a truck and bent two of them.  
Replaced with 9 x 18 Lorinzers (8 x 10 in front).  Handling was 
noticeably inferior with the 2" decrease in "rear stabilization."

I would guess that the absolute best set-up would be 10 x 17 to give a 
little more cushion, but I've never driven, nor even ridden on, that 
set-up.  Perhaps the extra cushion *also* decreases the crispness of 
the handling.

I know you will love the 10 x 18s.  I don't know what tires to buy, but 
I'll suggest the following:

235 in front gives a lot of grip; perhaps too much, if that's possible. 
  When I had the Anteras with the previous owner's tires, although I 
don't remember exactly, I'll bet they were 225s up front.  The thing 
was very nimble; drove like a slot car.  So, I would go with 285s in 
back as soft as you can get them...you'll go through them quickly, and 
it'll be expensive, but you'll love every driving minute of it...and go 
with something a little harder in the front.

That's all just off the top of my head.  Everyone on this list knows 
more than me about all this, so if there's some safety or other reason 
not to do what I've suggested, please advise...

Have fun!

Paul

On Jun 25, 2007, at 6:09 PM, Marcus Johnson wrote:


> Thanks Paul,

>

> I have followed the thread about your car and seen pics of it running 

> the 18 x 10 Anteras.

>

> A lovely looking machine.

>

> Was fitting the 10 x 18's a worthwhile exercise in your opinion?

>

> What are you driving now?

>

>

> marcus

>

> marcus johnson

> 1985 380 SEC

> melbourne, australia

>

> The MB Coupes Website!

> W126 SEC Mailing List

> Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.

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