In another post of mine ("Finally Found My Car"), I mentioned a vibration problem in my car that I was a good candidate to test-out and solve.
My car, a recently purchased 1989 560SEL with 122k, had a vibration that started about 50mph and got more pronouced at a steady rate of increased vibration the faster I drove, irregardless of roadsurface. The vibration was directly proportional to speed driven. Some folks told me that the problem might be the fact that the original factory wheels were still on the car and that, over time, they start to "oval out" or become something other than nearly perfect circles.
So I know my car already has: new MB factory rebuilt transmission, serviced differential, and completely new front and rear suspension (all of it, including shocks and accumulators.) So, naturally, I thought my vibration problem was very likely the wheels. (The old tires on the car, Michellin MXV4 Plus's were also in need of replacement, but they showed little if any uneven wear.)
What I did: Ordered the following from TireRack, which arrived mounted and balanced:
-4 15x7 Silver Painted AT Italia Type 8 (8-spoke, like the 140 wheels)
-4 205/65VR15 Yokohama AVS dB S2 tires.
-20 New wheel bolts.
I cleaned the hubs and put the new wheels on.
WOW! This was, indeed the problem. My 560 now glides glass-smooth over most roads, no vibration at all from the wheels or any other part of the car, unless I hit obviously bad road surfaces.
Amazing tires, too. I was nervous about ordering them, despite many excellent recommendations, having been a "Michellin man" for many years. But for the money, they really handle very well and are about the quietest tires I've ever had.
Oh, and the new wheels/rims really look nice, too. [:D]
Hope this helps someone else out!
Cordially,
OneTwoSix
__________________
'89 560SEL 122k
'86 190E 2.3 (sold)
'81 300D (sold)
'78 280SE (wrecked beyond repair, alas)
'77 300D (sold, but a longtime favorite.)
(And various other cars, too.)
If you get a chance, put some pics up of your car with the new rims and rubber. Especially a close up of one of the wheels if you could. I'm curious as to what those AT Italia's look like. In the pics of them at tirerack, they look like they have two different finishes. The face plate looks like it's one finish and the holes appear to have a different, darker grey finish. Is that the case?
I'm curious as to what those AT Italia's look like. In the pics of them at tirerack, they look like they have two different finishes. The face plate looks like it's one finish and the holes appear to have a different, darker grey finish. Is that the case?
Just curious.
Nice choice on the rubber by the way.
Thanks, Todd! I'm very happy with the tires so far, including some interstate trips, a bit of rain, and general around-town driving. Amazing tire for the money, IMHO.
About the colors, the wheels (at least mine!) came all one-color on the outside. Holes and face plate are identical. The only difference is on the inside where the wheels mount against the hub, and that's darker and not painted, for obvious reasons. Otherwise, uniform color overall.
Well, I'm quite glad I've got my new wheels on and also removed (finally!) those chromed fender well trim pieces. Found a teeny bit of surface rust starting, so I'm glad I can take care of it now before it gets messy.
And the car looks better to me without them as well! [:)]
Maybe I'm biased but I think the 8-hole wheels are a natural on the W126's. I know alot of younger folks think you need 17+" wheels but I think the 15 or 16" 8 holes look absolutely killer on these cars. IMHO they look SOOOOO much better than the OEM 15 slot wheels. You'll find they're MUCH easier to keep clean too.
Your car looks great ! You got a steal on that thing. You should be proud. [8D]
Maybe I'm biased but I think the 8-hole wheels are a natural on the W126's..... You'll find they're MUCH easier to keep clean too.
Your car looks great ! You got a steal on that thing. You should be proud. [8D]
Heya Todd:
I'm biased the same way, actually. I think the 8-hole wheels are the best on these cars. Then again, I'm mostly an "OEM" man anyway when it comes to Mercedes. And yes, they are very easy to clean! I had a '78 280SE with the "old style" wheels before the 126 15-holes, and they were a big pain to clean. Seems the wheel style, at least, on the 140's was an improvement in MB wheel design.
And thanks for the compliment. [:D] I'm still happy as heck I paid a fair price for such a nice car. I'm proudest when I'm just driving around and enjoying it so much.
Also did my first DIY today: replaced the driver's side window regulator. Not a bad job at all, actually, and since I saved about 200$ in labor costs, I'm in a very good mood tonight. [8D]
Now if the ground will stay still out here for a while, it might be a good spring!
Cordially,
OneTwoSix
PS
Very nice looking car you've got, too--great wheels as well! Your car also looks a heck of a lot better when it's not wearing a 5-foot cover of snow!
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