The easiest 15" steelies...

[AdrianC]

So it's not going to be long before we need four (or five, since the spare's not great) tyres. Now would probably be a good time to swap to 15", probably.

Don't particularly care about alloys or cosmetics. Cheap, easily replaceable steels sound perfect. Don't want to fanny about with spacers or adapters, and not worried about taking the rubber much wider. Definitely don't want to muck about with the slider hinge.

What's the best bet? What bolts straight on without visiting a lathe first? Three pointed star? T4?

[AdrianC]

And the answer appears to be... none.

Merc steels are the right PCD & offset. But they're too small a bolt hole (M12, not M14), until you get as recent as W140 ('90s) S-class or W211 (early '00s) E-class. IF you can find one of those on steels, they'll be 16".

Last thing I want is to need a rim somewhere out-the-way, and need to find not only a new rim but machining, too.

Oh, well. Keeping it 14" it is, then.

[lloydy]

there is a few 15" merc steels with m14 holes, you might get a better response asking on the syncro forum. A lot of them use 'em

[skippymoss]

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=108678" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Does this help?

[AdrianC]

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=108678

Does this help?

Not much... <grin>

[keith]

Pretty easy to open up the hole size.

[tforturton]

I'm sure there are plenty of threads in the Syncro section on alternative wheels. Also, check out the Brickyard site - they have a big section on it as well. I'm sure there's also stuff in the Syncro section of the Wiki, though it's not as comprehensive as it could be.
You could always buy the Syncro driver's choice - 15 inch Mefros wheels from Germany. Bolt straight on, though you do neet different bolts, but they usually come with the wheels. Try Syncro Services. About £350 for a set of five (or something like that).

[CovKid]

W126 S Class from 1986 to 1991. Straight fit 7 x 15 ET25 - thats what i run.

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/garage.php? ... ge_id=1836" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BALDY3260]

adrian, couple of choices here, i think both are straight fittment, no problems,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221127696996? ... 2457wt_989" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221127696996? ... 2457wt_989" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

good luck

[AdrianC]

adrian, couple of choices here, i think both are straight fittment, no problems,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221127696996" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So they're off a W202 - first-shape C-class. They're both the same link - but that looks like a very good source. £30 EACH, though, for scruffy old steels? They're having a laugh... Just about buy a ratty C-class for the price of a set... Question sent, anyway.

The one question remains - though. M12 vs M14 studs. Can those of you who've said "These fit no probs", of older M12-stud rims, such as the W126 please confirm that the M14 bolts/studs fit through undrilled M12 bolt holes? I'd have thought they might, given the amount of "slop" there is on the standard rims, but short of collaring a Merc driver and waving a bolt at him as I ask to borrow his spare wheel for a minute... <grin>

Dammit, I'd almost made up my mind that it was too much hassle and to stick with the 14"...

[BALDY3260]

hmm, try this link 7j x 15 et25

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221127696969? ... 2457wt_989" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

same firm different wheels

if it helps ive got 7 x 16 et31 on mine with standard bolts

[CovKid]

Do remember that the shape of the bolt taper on Merc wheels are different from the stock VW ones so technically they are not a straight swap. Factor that expense on top - you need the Merc bolts/nuts. By the way, £30 is about right on post just above mine - they command same price all over Europe.

[pintofbestbitter]

If you get 15s does that mean you have to forgo the nice chrome VW hubcaps?