Source for alloy wheels... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Plantman · #1 02-04-2004, 09:05 PM

I hate to say it, but I want to put the original alloy wheels back on my SDL. I hatet o say it because I sold the ones that came with the car.

After looking at more and more SDL's, I came to the conclusion that the cars look better with stock equipment.

Now, where do I get them? Used and for a decent price?

Help....

Filled with regret in Miami.

michakaveli · #2 02-04-2004, 09:36 PM

any pix of how she looks now with the rims you have?

JHZR2 · #3 02-04-2004, 09:36 PM

ebay... Thats a great place for wheels. Otherwise look for people who buy these cars dead and part them. I got a set of BMW basketweaves that needed painting from a guy like thi, and paid $100. Used the duplicolor wheel painting system and they look great. In good condition those wheels sell for $400. Just keep your eye out and ask lots of people. The wheels will pop up.

Or try a dismantler in your area.

JMH

Plantman · #4 02-04-2004, 10:17 PM

Here's what she looks like now. I really have fallen in llove with the original alloy wheels.

After a longer look see, I have come to the conclusion that the current rims look like I'm trying to punk it out.

Just my .02 cents.

michakaveli · #5 02-04-2004, 10:43 PM

they look nice but the big a** center caps with the gold star don't work well... Otherwise the chome is SWEET. Consider some AMG monblock replicas. They look awesome on the w126 as well as many other models.

BIGRED · #6 02-04-2004, 10:58 PM

I think you could make your current wheels work if you changed the center cap.

Good luck no matter what you do!

Don

dieseldiehard · #7 02-04-2004, 11:04 PM

Plantman, I agree. Go back to OEM chrome wheels and restore that smooth look it had with flat face wheels.
I like the flatface wheels, unfortunately it is getting very difficult to find older chromed wheels in good condition. Salt does bad things to alloy wheels, so look out for wheels coming from the NE. The chrome can peel and if it starts peeling inside where the tire seats on the wheel it forms a slow leak.
I suggest you look closely at any used wheels before you buy them.
Also note that plated wheels cost a lot to have replated. You would be better off buying painted wheels and sending them to be plated than buying chromed wheels and having them replated.

There is a supplier of new aftermarket look-alikes that may be worth checking out:
http://www.capitolwest.com/mercedes_wheels.htm#Flatface
DDH

JHZR2 · #8 02-04-2004, 11:18 PM

Im sorry, but I dont like chrome wheels on MBs at all. With the exception of a set of chrome wheels on an 80s SL roadster, Ive never seen a set on an MB (or any other car really) that looks good. They look too showy, like youre trying to be a pimp.

In general I dont think that non-oem wheels look particularly good. I think car companies do a pretty good job when it comes to designing wheels, and its a good idea to stick with them.

But thats just me

JMH

Holson Adi · #9 02-04-2004, 11:54 PM

I think 16" 8-holes with fat tires on them look great on a W126! I saw one a few days back .. MINT.. in midnight blue with 16" 8s in silver.

I agree. .. ditch the huge center caps first and try on some standard MB recessed star center caps. I think they'd look better if they were silver though..

However, the 15-holes do have a classy look to them. But so do the 8-holes.

vwbuge · #10 02-05-2004, 12:36 AM

how about these.

Plantman · #11 02-05-2004, 07:44 AM

I have no idea what type of rims those are and have even less of an idea where to get the center caps. Any ideas?

BIGRED · #12 02-05-2004, 10:04 AM

Chances are the maker of the wheel casts their name into it along with the model. Being that the wheel pattern matches MB (assuming your not using adapters) they would be a source for or might guide you to a maker of center caps.

Don

Rick Miley · #13 02-05-2004, 10:51 AM

I have a feeling that Plantman cannot simply change the center caps to something more standard on those wheels, because of their non-standard size. They almost look like "Centra" style wheels.

For used original wheels, try Potomac German Auto. Having owned two cars with the 15 hole "flat face" wheels, I can tell you they're a real PITA to clean. The later 8 hole style will be much easier to maintain while still looking "correct" for the car.

For new wheels, try Phil at Fastlane. If you strike out there, try the dealership or Caliber Motors. I bought brand new E430 style wheels from my local dealership for around $250 each including installation. Moral of that story is that sometimes the dealer will pleasantly surprise you, so it doesn't hurt to give them a try.

#14 02-05-2004, 11:20 AM

Or try:

www.mercedesdismantlers.com

Click the pictures link,there are atleast 2
w126's in the foreground with OE wheels
on them.

Louis.

KCM · #15 02-05-2004, 11:32 AM

Adsitco.com carries original style wheels, through I've always thought their prices were high. Got a flyer in the mail the other day saying they had wheels on sale.