[W126 Coupe] Increased Wheel (Rim) Diameters

[David Fatovic]

In your argument based on the tradeoffs or allowences made by the designer of the car, you also have to take into account what the norm of the day as well as available parts.  When these cars were made there was nothing above a 16" rim, and smaller was the norm.  You look at the massive W126 saloon and the 85 came with 14" rims.  Today if the car came out of production it would at least have a 17" rim.  So I think you also have to take into account what the engineers would have done today with today's tech and parts bins.  I would pretty much guarantee the SEC would come with larger wheels stock.  



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From: "Flodur2 at aol.com" <Flodur2 at aol.com>
To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 8:40:28 AM
Subject: [W126 Coupe] Increased Wheel (Rim) Diameters

Will someone enlighten me as to whether there is any real desirability to 
fitting wheel (rims and tires) of a diameter greater than the standard size 
fitted to a car, and specifically MBs, other than just for "looks". Although I 
am not directly involved in vehicle design, I am a professional mechanical 
engineer and well acquainted with consideration of dynamics, vibrations and 
structures. Other than appearance, I see very little to suggest that an 
increased tire size is an attractive proposition. Without going into details, it 
is desirable to minimize the (unsprung) mass or weight of a tire and rim. But 
the combination has a certain stiffness which was allowed for by the designer of 
the car or suspension to yield a good tradeoff in comfort, handling and 
reliability. Changing these characteristics changes the design point, not 
necessarily for the better, in my opinion. So what's the attraction of plus 
sizes with the associated smaller sidewall heights (degraded ride comfort) and 
other induced problems such as rubbing on the chassis?
 
Rudolf Boentgen, PE
'96 S600 Coupe
'98 S320 Sedan
'02 SL500 Roadster 

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