Just found out that for some reason the two wheels (16X7) at rear have different offet, one ET37, the other ET23. The other two at front are ET37. The car is 84 W126 380SE. Tyres are 225/50R16
After searching I think spacers may be able to correct it? But I still don't know enough...
So, are the wheels suitable for the car in the first place?
If so what spacers do I need? (Size and location).

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and comments.

Bill

1) check your spare tire to see if maybe the odd one out is, in fact, a spare.

2) my personal opinion, don't use spacers. if you want to correct the problem, correct the problem. mickey mouse solutions are great in the short term but can cost a hell of a lot more in the long term.

__________________
'94 W124.036 249/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'93 W124.036 199/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs, up in flames...LITERALLY!
'93 W124.036 481/040 leder; euro delivery; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'88 R107.048 441/409 leder; Euro lights
'87 W201.034 199/040 leder; Euro lights; EvoII brakes; 8x16 EvoIs - soon: 500E rear brakes
'70 R113.044 050/526; factory alloys; Euro lights

Hi Yen-Hsen,
Thanks for your reply, can't use the spare as its the original 14". So how should I correct the problem? Is changing wheels the only way?
Thanks again.

bill,

if you choose to, you can use a spacer. if you decide to go that way, ensure that you use a space that is hubcentric.

the way the rims and hubs on all benzes have been designed is for the rim to bear the weight of the car instead of the bolts. this is accomplished by having the hole in the center of the rim fit tightly around the flange at the center of the hub.

if your rim/spacer is not hubcentric, the weight of the car will be borne by the wheel bolts. the bolts are designed to hold the wheel flat against the hub. they're not meant to support 1000lbs of car while spinning at 60 mph. not only could this arrangement seriously damage your car, it is grossly unsafe.

that having been said...if i were in your position, i would replace the odd rim with one that matches the other 3. that is the proper solution to your conundrum. a spacer would serve as a band aid fix and would not solve the real problem.

good luck!

__________________
'94 W124.036 249/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'93 W124.036 199/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs, up in flames...LITERALLY!
'93 W124.036 481/040 leder; euro delivery; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'88 R107.048 441/409 leder; Euro lights
'87 W201.034 199/040 leder; Euro lights; EvoII brakes; 8x16 EvoIs - soon: 500E rear brakes
'70 R113.044 050/526; factory alloys; Euro lights

Hi Yen-Hsen,

I totally agree with you on your post, and personally I don't like the idea of spacers as well.

Don't know if I can find a matching rim to replace the odd one, I would love to get a set of new rims though, except that the last time the car broke down burned the wallet, but looks like I found myself a new excuse!

Thanks for your input.

Bill

By the way, would you know how can one tell if the bolts are of good quality and will thread perfectly?
I once had a dealer fitted after-market wheels, with matching nuts, but turned out that the nuts have a slight mismatch, so while changing a flat tyre one time, the nut cut in the stud and stuck, the next thing I know the bolt snapped (by the twisting motion). Broke two more while rotating wheels later. I wouldn't want the hub to be damaged by a bad bolt!