In a message dated 10/25/2003 12:10:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
Joe18d@AOL.COM writes:

<< I am looking at some Mille Bello 15 X 7 ET 25 , 5 X 112. They are for a
Mercedes will they fit a Syncro? I know the load rating is likley different.
Has
anyone ever had or heard or an actual structural wheel failure?  Thanks, Joe
in
NH>>

Joe,

I've never heard of an ET23 stock Mercedes wheels but anything is possible in
the aftermarket. W126 & W123 Mercedes bodies used ET23 wheels. That's the
closest I can think of of. That aside, yes the 2mm difference is negligible. They
will fit. Check the mounting pad thickness as that will dictate wheter or not
you will need longer studs or bolts. Forged wheels are generally thickner and
dos not cause much concern in this regard. It is a big deal on casy wheels
which are thicker. The cost of longer studs and/or bolts (for 2wd guys) can
often offset the savings on using non-Vanagon wheels.

I've done much experimentation in this regard as evidenced by the pile of 80+
rims and tires in my storage place. I currently have on my vans:

1987 GL -- Porsche Fuchs re-drilled to fit. ET23 15X8
1982 GL -- Mercedes ET23 steel rims 15X6.5
1990 16" Syncro Double Cab -- ET30 steel 16X5.5 T3 rims
              on the same Syncro ET59 ML320 16X8 alloys with 32mm spacers
(net ET27)
1988 GL -- Mercedes CLK forged alloys ET38 15X7
1971 Panel Bus -- Mercedes SL-class Chromodora 14X7 magnesium wheels ET23
1982 RHD Single Cab -- Mercedes ET23 W123 stock alloys 14X7 (just sold truck)

That's just the Vanagons.

BenT