Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2000 08:36:21 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Drillock <drillock@earthlink.net>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Drillock <drillock@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: Mercedes Alloy wheels
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
This is not so simple a question. The bolt pattern used by Mercedes is
the same as Vanagons. The bolt holes are for 12mm on Mercedes and need
to be drilled out for 14mm bolts used on Vanagons. The big problem is
the offset. Various Mercedes wheels have different offsets, some are
suitable but many are not. The width of the tire and rim come into play
along with the offset. True factory Mercedes wheels have the offset
stamped into them. This is given as an ET#, such as ET37, ET51, ET49,
and a rare ET25. Vanagons need a smaller number than most Mercedes
wheels have. An ET# of 30 or less should fit with a rim width of 6 1/2
inches. The front upper ball joint on 2WD Vanagons is very close to the
tire even with stock wheels and tires. Most Mercedes wheels mount closer
in than the stock wheels and the tires will rub on the upper ball joint.
Sometimes the balancing weights hit something also. Spacers can be used
to position the wheels farther out but longer bolts will be needed. The
thicker alloy wheels may need longer rear studs and front bolts even
without the use of spacers.
Many people have used Audi and Mercedes alloys on Vanagons. I have done
so on many of my Vanagons and Syncros and I am using Mercedes C2XX 6
1/2"x 15" wheels right now on my 82 Westy. These have ET37 and thin
spacers are needed up front due to my wide tires. Spacers would not be
needed on a Syncro as they have more clearance up front. Tire size
enters into this very much. I am running 215/75/15 tires.
I have used these common Mercedes 14" alloy wheel/tire combos without
spacers.
ET45, 6x14, 205/70/14, 2WD Vanagon
ET45, 6x14, 215/75/14, Syncro
Care must be taken to have lug nuts and bolts with the proper taper and
fit. Some people consider the reduced track width to be a problem so do
this at your own risk.
Mark
Bob Kelly wrote:
>
> Will, I have them on my 1982 Westy. They came of a 1986 380SEL. All you have to
> do is drill the lug holes out as the MBZ has smaller lug bolts. There is a steel
> insert in the wheels so drilling will not harm the wheel. The big thing is the
> lug bolts and studs as they have to be longer. I used Porsche one and they were
> costly. The wheels have been on the Westy for 2 years with no problem. Bob
> RWK Enterprises Placerville Ca.
> VW Performance/swaps/Vanagon Conv./Parts
>
> bigw wrote:
>
> > I have seen a number of vanagons with Mercedes alloy wheels on them. Does
> > anyone have experience with mounting these wheels to a Vanagon. Thanks, WILL
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