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W203/CL203 Aftermarket Wheel Thread - All you want to know
04-12-2007, 10:17 AM
#2580
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Alright. I did search the pages. But i wasnt allowed to see any pics. I saw what everyone was saying but no pics. Anyway my gf is getting the car. And its between black or silver. Her father has a couple car lots, we found several at the auction for cheap. With hardly any miles..I thought I spoke english? And i have never been to this site before until yesterday when i registered. Just to clear that up..
04-13-2007, 08:29 PM
#2582
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so called "WHEELS EXPERT" messed up my car!
Just bought a set of 18 x 8.5 Mandrus Milleniums with 225/40/18 Toyo Proxes 4 for my '03 C240 4M online where the wheels came straight from the manufacturer.. i wont say where for now until its settled.. first i want you all to know that i am not knowledgeble with tires and wheels, fitments etc.
The package inluded the tires, the wheels.. i spoke with the wheel and tire expert at lenght about the compatability of the wheels to my vehicle and he said that the milleniums are way compatible with it being specifically made for MBs only even saying that everything from the oem center cap to the workings of the tpms will work for this wheels unlike the other ones i will find elsewhere... he said all i had to do was take my oem out and use the caps and lugs to the new one and im done.. I was so convinced I thought when the wheels comes it is so compatible it will just roll down to my car and install itself.. so worried about it getting stolen i asked if they have wheel locks and he said yes and he will throw it in with my package.. i spoke with him the whole day, as i said im ignorant when it comes to this things but have to say a lot smarter now lol.. i just wanted to make sure i got the right size and all.. i even pm members Jan ken po and blazinpinoi since they have the same wheels about getting 19s and thank you guys for the replies.. too bad i didnt ask about the lugs with you, didnt think about it since the "wheel expert" from the shop where i bought it said it will fit fine no problems..
so when it finally did come (with a lug nut, instead of a lug bolt) and remembering what he told me to just take your old one out and put your new one in.. i did and after 20 minutes installing it i got in to drive and from my initial step on the pedal the car didnt move but instead a loud **ping** sound (like a steel cylinder breaking into two) was heard from the rear.. looked it up and couldnt find a thing.. jacked the car up, put the car in neutral and started turning my back tires and when the wheels turns it screeches like crazy and I mean LOOUDD.... its only for the back.. i later found out I was not suppose to use my OEM lugbolts like the so called wheel expert said and that the wheel locks are not just accessories but its actually a crucial piece to install it.. I called him to tell him that the wheel locks he sent was wrong and also asked what could have went wrong with the wheel and all he said was that he will send the correct locks but he doesnt know what went wrong and asked me to call him when my mechanic informs me of whatever!!!
my mechanic estimated it around $200 - $400/wheel with nothing definite since I cant drive the car to him because of that screeching noise.. it sounds like two pieces of rough metal just grinding heavy non stop.. but i cant see anything when I look.. i now have to get a auto transport and get it fixed and guess what.. the place where i bought the wheels admits fault at sending the wrong locks and not informing me correctly but will only give me $100 to compensate for it.. i mean after numerous emails he is so guilty but wont pay but $100.. tomorrow i will find out what the actual damages are, i will update if needed..
The package inluded the tires, the wheels.. i spoke with the wheel and tire expert at lenght about the compatability of the wheels to my vehicle and he said that the milleniums are way compatible with it being specifically made for MBs only even saying that everything from the oem center cap to the workings of the tpms will work for this wheels unlike the other ones i will find elsewhere... he said all i had to do was take my oem out and use the caps and lugs to the new one and im done.. I was so convinced I thought when the wheels comes it is so compatible it will just roll down to my car and install itself.. so worried about it getting stolen i asked if they have wheel locks and he said yes and he will throw it in with my package.. i spoke with him the whole day, as i said im ignorant when it comes to this things but have to say a lot smarter now lol.. i just wanted to make sure i got the right size and all.. i even pm members Jan ken po and blazinpinoi since they have the same wheels about getting 19s and thank you guys for the replies.. too bad i didnt ask about the lugs with you, didnt think about it since the "wheel expert" from the shop where i bought it said it will fit fine no problems..
so when it finally did come (with a lug nut, instead of a lug bolt) and remembering what he told me to just take your old one out and put your new one in.. i did and after 20 minutes installing it i got in to drive and from my initial step on the pedal the car didnt move but instead a loud **ping** sound (like a steel cylinder breaking into two) was heard from the rear.. looked it up and couldnt find a thing.. jacked the car up, put the car in neutral and started turning my back tires and when the wheels turns it screeches like crazy and I mean LOOUDD.... its only for the back.. i later found out I was not suppose to use my OEM lugbolts like the so called wheel expert said and that the wheel locks are not just accessories but its actually a crucial piece to install it.. I called him to tell him that the wheel locks he sent was wrong and also asked what could have went wrong with the wheel and all he said was that he will send the correct locks but he doesnt know what went wrong and asked me to call him when my mechanic informs me of whatever!!!
my mechanic estimated it around $200 - $400/wheel with nothing definite since I cant drive the car to him because of that screeching noise.. it sounds like two pieces of rough metal just grinding heavy non stop.. but i cant see anything when I look.. i now have to get a auto transport and get it fixed and guess what.. the place where i bought the wheels admits fault at sending the wrong locks and not informing me correctly but will only give me $100 to compensate for it.. i mean after numerous emails he is so guilty but wont pay but $100.. tomorrow i will find out what the actual damages are, i will update if needed..
Last edited by jdestreza; 04-13-2007 at 11:34 PM. Reason: title could be misinterpreted to think i didnt like the wheels i bought.. i do, i just dislike the person who sold it to me...
04-13-2007, 08:38 PM
#2583
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2005 C55, 1988 260E, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
The bolts where to long and you messed up your parking brake assy. in the rear. The rear bolts are critical, they have to be the propper length. You can put your stock wheels on so you can move your car, but it will have to be repaired.
04-13-2007, 09:37 PM
#2586
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2007 C230 Sport manual
A good example of why one really needs to know what one is doing when attempting to fiddle with one's car. I am a DOOF, so I always get things done at MB Manhattan or at STS for wheels/tires. A cautionary tale for us all.
04-13-2007, 09:54 PM
#2587
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05 SL500, 02 BMW Z3 (Mrs. VF), 05 FJR1300, 91 ZX-11
the wheels didn't fudge your car up, the lug bolts did. If you had STFF as I did before buying some Mandrus 18's for my CLK, you would have known that new lug bolts were mandatory.
So you didn't even give the new wheels a courtesy spin after mounting before you tried to drive?
Russel Stevens - I'm diggin the wheels, what are they?
So you didn't even give the new wheels a courtesy spin after mounting before you tried to drive?
Russel Stevens - I'm diggin the wheels, what are they?
04-13-2007, 10:32 PM
#2589
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'05 SS Brillant Silver
Yeah dude I really would not have titled this as saying the wheels messed up your car as much as the place where ya got them from sent you the wrong set lug bolts. I just don't want you giving others the impression that problem lies in the wheel when it doesn't. Mandrus are made to fit MB, its not the wheel, just simply the shippers fault for sending you the wrong lug-bolt kit.
I know its hindsight, and thats 20/20, but the minute you realized you had nuts instead bolts, you should not have mounted the wheels.
I know its hindsight, and thats 20/20, but the minute you realized you had nuts instead bolts, you should not have mounted the wheels.
Last edited by jan ken po; 04-13-2007 at 11:19 PM.
04-13-2007, 10:36 PM
#2590
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R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
Is it possible for your ones front lug bolts to be too long? In my case i have the stock bolts up front with the Lorinser wheels and spacers.
04-13-2007, 10:52 PM
#2591
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There was just a post about this not too long ago..... Someone put on their spare tire and used the original lugs instead of the ones in the back.... he/she messed some stuff up and reminded us all to use proper lugs.... That reminder actually taught me something cuz i had no idea either. Doesnt sound like too crazy of a mistake... at least you didnt put the wheel on backwards or something 
04-13-2007, 11:18 PM
#2592
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I failed to mention even with my old tires it still screeches. How much and what kind of damage do you think im going to be looking at tomorrow?
04-13-2007, 11:32 PM
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Yeah dude I really would not have titled this as saying the wheels messed up your car as much as the place where ya got them from sent you the wrong set lug bolts. I just don't want you giving others the impression that problem lies in the wheel when it doesn't. Mandrus are made to fit MB, its not the wheel, just simply the shippers fault for sending you the wrong lug-bolt kit.
I know its hindsight, and thats 20/20, but the minute you realized you had nuts instead bolts, you should not have mounted the wheels.
I know its hindsight, and thats 20/20, but the minute you realized you had nuts instead bolts, you should not have mounted the wheels.
youre right. I feel like I just dissed myself there since I like the milleniums a lot. It is really the shipper who I should have put on the title.. see the thing is about the locks, the guy i spoke with just told me it was an accessory and made it seem like its not really needed since he said i can use everything in my oem wheels on the Milleniums since its so compatible.. well it is just not the lugs.. besides, when i initially bought it, I had to wait two weeks since the one they had in stock was messed up... i mean after two weeks how could you possibly do something stupid like sending me the wrong lugs??? so when i didnt see it i just thought well i will use the old ones for now and replace them later.. if i only knew....
Anyways the rims did look nice when I first put it on, i mean it really looks perfect. If anyone wants an elegant type of wheels that is a head turner yet classic... the Milleniums are what I recommend
.. im sure there are others like it but I just like the way this one looks. Its too bad this happened, could have been enjoying my wheels now... i want to just drive everywhere 
how bad is this damage you think? what is the worst thing i should expect my mechanic will find tomorrow and how much?
Last edited by jdestreza; 04-13-2007 at 11:36 PM. Reason: forgot to put something else
04-14-2007, 12:31 AM
#2594
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05 SL500, 02 BMW Z3 (Mrs. VF), 05 FJR1300, 91 ZX-11
the screeching is probably just something rubbing against the disc. Not good, but not too serious.
Take the tire off and look behind the disk (between the inner fenderwell and the back side of the disc) for something rubbing.
Take the tire off and look behind the disk (between the inner fenderwell and the back side of the disc) for something rubbing.
04-14-2007, 03:16 AM
#2595
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wow jdestreza, u really got me worried there for a moment since im planning to buy the same wheels for my car pretty soon. Anyways thanks for the thread i didnt realize the right bolts were so crucial. But i will remember for future reference. Thanks
04-14-2007, 12:42 PM
#2596
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2005 C55, 1988 260E, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
My wheels are Lorinser LM6 replicas.
The parking brake assy. is inside the disc, in the drum section and will not be easy to see anything without taking the disc off. The first thing the bolts would contact is the adjuster mechanism. If we knew where you lived sometimes other members can help out. But if you are a little mechanical you could pick all the parts up and fix it your self for very little. New brake shoes and mechanism and other parts and you would be set.
The parking brake assy. is inside the disc, in the drum section and will not be easy to see anything without taking the disc off. The first thing the bolts would contact is the adjuster mechanism. If we knew where you lived sometimes other members can help out. But if you are a little mechanical you could pick all the parts up and fix it your self for very little. New brake shoes and mechanism and other parts and you would be set.
04-14-2007, 02:13 PM
#2597
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Yeah it is.. make sure its the shorter ones.. The wheels are nice you will LOVE it!!!! i just got off the phone with my mechanic.. $200 is what I owe to get to drive my baby with the new wheels in an hour!!! its just the springs by the ebrake I needed to replace and just for the rear.. $100/side, not bad.. expected worst... now time to get payment from the place I got it from...
its a good choice trust me you will love the milleniums.. just make sure you dont use the OEM bolts.. coz if you do... you are just plain.....
lolI attached pics of my brothers Aviator towing my C240.. i just thought it was a cool pic... those Avi's have some power on them, and i thought the gas was for nothing.. they really have some serious pull...
Last edited by jdestreza; 04-14-2007 at 02:19 PM. Reason: lack of info
04-14-2007, 02:22 PM
#2598
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My wheels are Lorinser LM6 replicas.
The parking brake assy. is inside the disc, in the drum section and will not be easy to see anything without taking the disc off. The first thing the bolts would contact is the adjuster mechanism. If we knew where you lived sometimes other members can help out. But if you are a little mechanical you could pick all the parts up and fix it your self for very little. New brake shoes and mechanism and other parts and you would be set.
The parking brake assy. is inside the disc, in the drum section and will not be easy to see anything without taking the disc off. The first thing the bolts would contact is the adjuster mechanism. If we knew where you lived sometimes other members can help out. But if you are a little mechanical you could pick all the parts up and fix it your self for very little. New brake shoes and mechanism and other parts and you would be set.
04-14-2007, 02:24 PM
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it was the lugbolts being too long that was causing the screeching noises.. you should see my OEM bolts, ill take a picture of it once I get my car back.. its stripped in the end and i am just so glad nothing else is messed up.. but you never know..
04-14-2007, 02:45 PM
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
I'm sorry to hear about your situation and it is unfortunate that a wheel "expert" gave you mis-information and sent you incorrect parts.
That being said, in your first post, you indicated that you are not knowledgable about wheels, tires, and fitment. Why would you attempt a DIY, if you aren't knowledgable about the actual products you are putting on your car and why wouldn't you just have a professional shop install it?
I'm always happy when I can do a DIY and save some money on install, but when it is something that is going to be WAY over my head, I don't risk it and I have a shop install (well, also if I'm feeling lazy). The money I pay a shop that knows what they are doing will be nothing compared to the extra money I'd have to spend if I broke something and had to have it fixed.
I completely understand that this is something the "seller" should have told you ahead of time, but this is the same reason why I always recommend people NOT to do a DIY unless they are 100% sure they know what is necessary for the parts to be installed properly.
That being said, in your first post, you indicated that you are not knowledgable about wheels, tires, and fitment. Why would you attempt a DIY, if you aren't knowledgable about the actual products you are putting on your car and why wouldn't you just have a professional shop install it?
I'm always happy when I can do a DIY and save some money on install, but when it is something that is going to be WAY over my head, I don't risk it and I have a shop install (well, also if I'm feeling lazy). The money I pay a shop that knows what they are doing will be nothing compared to the extra money I'd have to spend if I broke something and had to have it fixed.
I completely understand that this is something the "seller" should have told you ahead of time, but this is the same reason why I always recommend people NOT to do a DIY unless they are 100% sure they know what is necessary for the parts to be installed properly.
