Michael,

YOu say that your rims have an offset of 23 mms, right? If so, you are way off concerning safe offsets! I cant say I'm an engineer, cause I'm not. I do know that rims with an offset of more or less than 7,5 mms than stock are illegal to use here in Norway without T�V approval, so that wont ever happen for me.

You also say to put in spacers, but there's more to it. The spacers are made to make wheels with deeper offset fit with cars that have less offset. E.g.: the 1996-2000 Eurovan have an offset of 60 mms, the Vanagon have an offset of 38 mms. For these wheels, one must use a 20 mm spacer for them to fit, and be within clearances and specifications over stock. A rim with 23 mm offset can not be used
with spacers, and is also not good for the bearings. And that's what it all boils down to: The bearings! The offset is set to fit the bearings on the car, too much or too little will damage the bearings, as they will put excessive pressure on one of the sides of the bearings. A Mercedes rim that is opened up 2 mms is much safer than risking loosing a wheel because of ruined bearings, IMHO!!

PerL
87 Syncro 112i (soon with Audi rims)