Just got this one, and what a difference from the blue one. Leaky, rusty moldy, loose boost line, shuddery brakes, the list goes on. Makes me appreciate how well cared for the blue one was. But I like the white ones ride with the sport wheels, and it feels like the power steering is more powerful, the wheel turns much easier. It also has what look like aftermarket inserts in the springs in the front, to stiffen the spring maybe?

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My guess they're to give the front springs a little extra height. The only inserts I am familiar with are used on sagging springs.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

240 dnewbie,
I have the same "centra" wheels on my 1982 300Sd up here in Mass.
Are you going to be keeping them foe yourself? I believe that they are no longer made, and that they are not seen too often.
I have been concerened that somewhere down the line, one of my wheels MAY become damaged. If and when that occurs, then I may need at least one replacement...
Anyway, good luck with the "new" Sd.
Also, the only coil spring inserts that I have ever encountered have been to raise the "sag" lifr of the car to a higher ride height.
Best wishes always,
spo out

Well, close up you can sure see lots of corrosion lifting the paint and some curb rash, but from fifty feet...

Centra wheels are typically mounted with the chunky size tires your car has (my old euro 500SEL had the same set-up when I first got it) and the spacers are probably there to keep the front fender lips off the tires when the front suspension compresses while the wheels are turned. Centras have been out of production for many years but are still available through Performance Products. You'd have to really love their look, though, since the remaining wheels are rather expensive and extremely heavy. The chrome finish is a problem, long term, as well. I wound up replacing them with repro AMG monoblocks and was very happy with the handling and the updated, less flashy appearance.

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Richard Detoy
'84 300SD
'76 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans

Bump for John, it's the white one.

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'84 300SD veg-oil bliss
'83 300SD veg-oil beater