Replica vs Authentic
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
The real ones say AMG and the fake ones don't. Wheels do vary in quality so check the fakes out well. An out of round or a wheel with an internal air leak can be a nightmare that outweighs the money saved. But on the otherhand many people get them and they work fine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
faux ou vrai
I believe that the real AMG wheels are forged aluminium, which is definitely much stronger than cast aluminium. I would suspect that the fakes may be cast...you should check this with the vendor.
Considering that some AMG wheels are very skimpy in the materials department (e.g. C 32 AMG wheel - there's lots of air and little material connecting the wheel centre to the rim), I think the strength of forging may be required to make such designs safe.
Considering that some AMG wheels are very skimpy in the materials department (e.g. C 32 AMG wheel - there's lots of air and little material connecting the wheel centre to the rim), I think the strength of forging may be required to make such designs safe.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane/Sydney, Australia
You pretty much pay for what you get...if you are gonna thrash the crap out of the car then you proably wouldn't want to get the fakes. Another minor point is that the lugs are often different and are not as strong as the MB lugs.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 711
Likes: 1
The real AMG splitspokes are 300 new at TireRack. Why buy replicas when the real McCoys are so reasonable?
These rims are pretty nice and quite strong.
BTW with AMG's, if you ever sell them (or your car) you will get most of the cost difference back.
These rims are pretty nice and quite strong.
BTW with AMG's, if you ever sell them (or your car) you will get most of the cost difference back.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
I've checked around and most tuner wheels are made by a company in Germany, Ronal. They make the Carlsson, Lorinser, Brabus as well as all the MB factory wheels. There's another company that's also well regarded in Germany, Rondell, they make quality wheels that look very similar to the tuner wheels. For example you can get a Ronal wheel that looks remarkably similar to the Lorinser LM5 wheel for less (same wheel, don't you think?). Also Rondell makes a wheel that looks remarkably similar to the Lorinser LM5 (both 2 piece wheels). As far as pricing, the Lorinser LM5 (18") is about $900 each, the Rondell LM5 is about $350 each and I've seen cheaper 1 piece knockoffs for $238 each. Check E-Bay. From what I've heard the Rondell wheels are lighter than the equivalent Ronal wheels. Just make sure you are not getting some junk made in China. Personally I would get the quality German wheels without the tuner name on it and put the extra money towards the performance mods you'll need to drive these huge wheels.
http://www.ronal.de
http://www.rondell.de
http://www.ronal.de
http://www.rondell.de
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
Originally posted by rrf
The real AMG splitspokes are 300 new at TireRack. Why buy replicas when the real McCoys are so reasonable?
These rims are pretty nice and quite strong.
BTW with AMG's, if you ever sell them (or your car) you will get most of the cost difference back.
The real AMG splitspokes are 300 new at TireRack. Why buy replicas when the real McCoys are so reasonable?
These rims are pretty nice and quite strong.
BTW with AMG's, if you ever sell them (or your car) you will get most of the cost difference back.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,744
Likes: 1
In addition to what Buellwinkel has posted, ATS is a major supplier of Mercedes, Porsche and VAG alloy wheels including the AMG Style III.
Most of the cars in the DTM use ATS cast aluminum wheels.
http://www.ats-wheels.com/index_gb.html
Most of the cars in the DTM use ATS cast aluminum wheels.
http://www.ats-wheels.com/index_gb.html
Last edited by Lynn; Oct 30, 2002 at 10:54 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,744
Likes: 1
The OZ Wheels site: http://www.ozwheels.com/OZ_enterFrame.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally posted by Lynn
In addition to what Buellwinkel has posted, ATS is a major supplier of Mercedes, Porsche and VAG allow wheels including the AMG Style III.
In addition to what Buellwinkel has posted, ATS is a major supplier of Mercedes, Porsche and VAG allow wheels including the AMG Style III.
