15" Pentas on the C107

[brycedunn]

I've recently purchased a set of 15" pentas for my 450SLC. I think this style goes really well with the C107 body shell.

A couple of questions.

1) They didn't come with bolts, but from what I read on other US based forums, the bolts from the 14" alloys work. Is this correct? I have a set of these bolts if this is the case.
2) Tyres. The closest size seems to be 215/60R15. From what I read 215 tyres won't rub on the 107 and should still deliver a good ride. Has anyone else run these wheels and did you also use this size?

The downside of this vs the more common 205/65R15 size is that the selection seems far more limited. I did notice a new 'classic' tyre called the Radar Dimax. I've never heard of this - any experiences good or bad?
You can get Pirelli P6000s in this size, but they are $700 per corner so not something I am willing to consider.
I'm less worried about tread wear as I drive the car about 2,000km per year so they are likely going in the bin with plenty of tread left because they are too old.

[CraigB]

I think the bolt length will be fine, always make sure they are the rounded shape in wheel and bolts - came across a mismatch on a car recently - very dangerous!

Depends what you want to do with tyres. Not much between 215 and 205 or 60 and 65 series, although it is visible. Assuming they are 15 x 7. I always remember the time I changed to wider wheels (6 to 7 I think it was) but swapped the same tyres over that were the wider limit for the 6 and narrower limit for the 7. Result for same car on same tyres is it handled and gripped much better. I put that down to the sidewalls being straighter and allowing the tyre to grip better and sidewall not slopping around. In a straight line the ride was probably worse.... but I like going around corners.... fast! So while I have had the odd tyresalesman try and tell me to go as wide as I can on a rim for grip, it tend to go narrow for the same reason. But still, not much in the sizes you mention. I guess if you can look at a 215/60 on a rim to see what it looks like and makes a difference for you, otherwise I would go with the 'falcodore' size that is always cheapest and most range.

For grip and not life, I am looking at hifly for my sons gti corolla that we will share for some motorsport stuff. They are cheap and have pretty good reviews as a high performance sticky tyre. Looks come into it, but doesn't matter if your just burning them up. Just thought I would mention though.

I imagine this is more of a weekend cruiser role.

[brycedunn]

Hi Craig,

Yes, they are 15x7 ET17. The car is mostly a cruiser, but I do like taking around twisty roads on the outskirts of Sydney when I get a chance. I was thinking 215 might be a decent balance here, but the tyre selection is a bit depressing in that size. I do want to avoid those ultra hard economy tyres that are supposed to last 80,000km. I've owned the car for 18 years and only done 45,000km in that time, and 11 of those years it was a daily. I think the only time I threw out tyres due to wear was when the front end alignment was out.

Bryce

[John Green]

Here is my 450SLC back in 2003 with 7" x 15" Penta's. I still have these wheels are work with the same tyres on them, will check and let you know the size.

450SLC.JPG

[brycedunn]

Thanks John,
appreciate that.
Was a nice SLC you had!

Bryce

[John Green]

Thanks John, appreciate that. Was a nice SLC you had!
Bryce

They have 225/60R15 tyres on them. From memory no issues with fowling. Yes it was a great car, silver with a tobacco interior, which was a little odd at first to look.

[brycedunn]

Thanks John, appreciate that. Was a nice SLC you had!
Bryce

They have 225/60R15 tyres on them. From memory no issues with fowling. Yes it was a great car, silver with a tobacco interior, which was a little odd at first to look.

Thanks John, appreciate it.
It's a striking combination, and looks good with the Pentas.

[brycedunn]

Anyone have any experience with the Hankook Kinergy Eco2 K435 tyre?
https://alltyretests.com/hankook-kinergy-eco-2-k435/

It seems like a decent enough midrange tyre. The name doesn't exactly fill me with confidence for the purpose as making the fuel economy on a car like a 450SLC 1% better is like sticking your finger in a dam. Given I drive about 2,500km year with the car, I'll only do 25,000km in 10 years at best so longevity is not a huge deal either. I'm more concerned about comfort, handling etc.

[Greg in Oz]

As far as lug bolts go, I use the standard bolts for factory alloy wheels with my ATS / AMG "Penta" alloys.
For tyres on my 500SLC I previously used 215/60R15 on my 7J x 15 factory "bundt" alloys. I currently run 8J x 16 ATS / AMG "Pentas" fitted with 225/50R16 tyres. I also have 7J x 15 ATS / AMG "Pentas" fitted with 225/60R15 semi-slicks which I previously used for track days although these tyres result in a slightly too large overall diameter and rolling circumference. In 15" I consider 215/60R15 to be ideal and in 16" 225/50R16 are about the best size for a 107.

[brycedunn]

Thanks Greg.
Assume you've had no rubbing on your SLC with any of these options?

Bryce