Clearcoated Chrome 15" MB Bundt Wheels - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 10-08-2012, 05:55 PM

Well, I got them back! The 15" MB bundt wheels that I got from Germany, sent to CA, and were delivered back to me. I havent had a lot of time, plus my CD is still needing a vapor barrier, so it is not going to be used much this instant... but my curiosity peaked so I opened one up...

Now this isnt regular electroplated chrome, this is vapor deposition with clearcoating over it. It is a warrantied chrome designed for salty environments. My CD wont see winter salt if I can help it, but these wheels should be good for the elements. I think this stuff is really a powder coat clear over vapor deposited and polished metal.

The rims were pretty smooth and didnt have any real curb rash, but there were a few minor spots. They chromed smooth, though I think they repaired them all a bit. The inside of the wheel barrel is not smooth, but it is chromed and shiny. I guess perhaps they had removed some metal before coating. Will see how they balance, but I imagine they will be fine.

They will get H-rated COOPER CS4 in 195/65R-15, and put on my 300CD which had chrome wheels when I bought it in CA.

Here they are:

giff · #2 10-08-2012, 06:56 PM

Do you have any additional pics of the wheels?

I'm just not getting a true sense of what you're saying here!!! : ^)

ZRatedDog · #3 10-08-2012, 07:41 PM

wow. They look amazing. Not into the chrome rim look but those came out really nice.

Zacharias · #4 10-08-2012, 08:38 PM

Thanks for giving half the list a reason to hate you. Badly.I could forgive you that... but 15s? Not a chance....

I am not a huge fan of chromed wheels, but I really like chrome bundts on a w123.

Phillytwotank · #5 10-08-2012, 09:05 PM

a few sets on EBay Germany right now. Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

JHZR2 · #6 10-08-2012, 09:13 PM

That's how I got mine. Google translate is your friend.

I'm not a fan of chrome wheels generally, or on w123 cars, but mine came that way when I bought it in LA, and they do work on a dark blue metallic car...

barry12345 · #7 10-08-2012, 09:13 PM

Vapour deposited bright aluminium? Has to be clear coat protected if it is. You vapourise aluminium in a vaccuum chamber and it deposits on the rim. Usually a few microns thick. Then clear coat it. Looks like chrome. same process for comparison is your headlight reflectors. They are bright aluminum deposited as well.

JHZR2 · #8 10-08-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry12345

Vapour deposited bright aluminium? Has to be clear coat protected if it is. You vapourise aluminium in a vaccuum chamber and it deposits on the rim. Usually a few microns thick. Then clear coat it. Looks like chrome. same process for comparison is your headlight reflectors. They are bright aluminum deposited as well.

No there is definitely a copper layer and then a bunch of chrome, then powder coat clear. I think that's it.

ngarover · #9 10-09-2012, 12:15 PM

Those look great. So what was your final cost? Rims included?

barry12345 · #10 10-09-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHZR2

No there is definitely a copper layer and then a bunch of chrome, then powder coat clear. I think that's it.

Substrate of copper would almost indicate true chrome coating. A lot of these alternate applications are used on plumbing fixtures now. Look good anyways. There were a few processes that hit the market awhile ago that i did not familiarise myself with.

JHZR2 · #11 10-09-2012, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngarover

Those look great. So what was your final cost? Rims included?

I paid 680 euro for the wheels, and I think 100 euro for shipping.

A little over $100 to ship the wheels to CA.

$125/wheel for the service.

$160 to return ship, IIRC.

But Ive got a nice CD and are not planning on leaving the 123 space anytime soon, so having access to better 15" tires and new wheels (my 14" chrome wheels were showing some age, but will be for sale soon likely) was a good move for me, IMO.