I will be looking at a set of 16" not 17" original AMG aero II monoblock wheels and would like to know how to tell the difference between a repical and an original.
Thanks

To the best of my knowledge, they never made a 16" AMG Aero Monoblock II wheel. They had the Aero I. Thats why most of the 16" ones you will find in the Aero II design will be replicas. Thats why I went with 16" SLK wheels instead. They are still OEM and have a nice look. Too bad they didn't fit, So I ended up with replicas instead. Good Luck. If you are interested in the 16" SLK wheels, let me know.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benz ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2002 S500/S600 - Maybe in a little more then a year

All AMG wheels have "AMG" stamped (engraved) on them. Replica AMG wheel ads usually say "AMG Styled". Replica does not mean inferior or problem. They just cost less and the Monoblock Aero II Styled wheels comes in 16 inch sizes while real AMG's do not. If you like the look, need the 16 inch, and the price is right, go for it.


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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1998 MERCEDES-BENZ E430
<LI>OBSIDIAN BLACK METALLIC/BLACK LEATHER
<LI>XENON H.I.D. HEADLIGHTS
<LI>DEBADGED REAR
<LI>AMG CHROME TIP DUAL EXHAUST
<LI>CARLSSON 1/6 Wheels/DUNLOP SP SPORT 5000 from TireRack
<LI>SLK BLUE "WREATH" CENTER CAPS
<LI>ATP FLASH Wheels/YOKOHAMA AVS dB from TireRack
<LI>ALPINE CHM-S611 CD CHANGER
<LI>FORMULA ONE TINT

</UL>

All AMG wheels do have the AMG logo cast into the face of the wheel. It looks something like this: ///AMG
My best advise would be to deal with a reputable, honesy company.
Many of the replicas I have seen do not have the TUV certification and are weak in the warranty area.
Thanks, Luke

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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist (ASE Certified Master Tech)
Please, call me to place orders (800-428-8355 ext. 362)
or mention my name for on-line orders
(click banner at top of the page
to visit Tire Rack web site)

I have a set of replica 17" monoblocks by RH Alurad of Germany that I use for racing/rallying. They are TUV tested and approved for my vehicle. They cost one third the price of AMG rims. They are not finished as nicely as AMG rims, with some paint flaws visible under close scrutiny. You'll have to decide what is important for you.

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Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

www.need2speed.web.com

I HAVE ORIGINAL AMG WHEELS MONOBLOCKS AND GUESS WHAT - I HAD A FLAT AND DROVE IT ABOUT 1/8 MILE TO THE SHOULDER TO CHANGE TO THE SPARE. WHEN I BOUGHT A NEW TIRE THE WHEEL BALANCER COULD NOT BALANCE IT DUE IT THE WHEEL BEING BENT.
I WOULD TRY A SET OF REPLICAS, FOR THE MONEY, AMG JUST DOESNT DO IT FOR ME ANYMORE AFTER THAT EXPERIENCE.


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Tony Malgapo
91 MB 300CE
89 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
84 Porsche 944
92 VW Corrado VR6 SLC
87 Audi 4000S