"Is it safe?" is a question I have had in my mind too for a long while.
I have a set of somewhat Vanagon looking Audi wheels with ET-45 that I
want to put on my camper. I am still waiting for the current tires to
wear out first.

In my opinion, one thing the spacers do is to bring the width between
the pair of wheels (front and rear) to the correct width. Without the
spacers the width would be too narrow regardless if the wheels would rub
against the suspension components. A higher ET number means the wheel
is further toward the suspension. The distance between the two wheels of
a higher ET is closer than wheels with a smaller ET number.

With 62mm offset you will need much longer wheel studs (rear) and bolts
(front). I am not sure if this is a potential hazard or not. With quality
spacers and studs/bolts I tend to believe it will be fine.

David

--- On Fri, 12/19/08, John C... <trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET> wrote:

> From: John C... <trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET>
> Subject: MERCEDES WHEELS 62MM?
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Date: Friday, December 19, 2008, 9:32 AM
> Hi All,
> Has anyone been able to run these
> 1998 ML320 Mercedes Wheels?
> They have a 62mm Offset,
> which according to BenT ( Thanks Ben !!! )
> Will Require about a Full Inch Spacer Behind Them !!!
> Is this Safe???
> Thanks All In Advance !!!
> John C...
> PS: I can buy them for $150 for  all 4 !!! hate to pass it
> up ! But don't want to throw money away either ! :o)
> SLC, UT...