:p 
View Poll Results: Aftermarket Wheel Thread
W203
0
0%
CL203
0
0%
Voters: 0. You may not vote on this poll
W203/CL203 Aftermarket Wheel Thread - All you want to know
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
2002 C240 6 spd manual
OEM vs. Replica Wheels?
I was curious, wha's the advantage to going with OEM wheels vs. replicas? There seem to be a lot of replica Brbaus and AMG wheels for sale at a significant discount to OEM wheels. What should I look for? What questions do I need to ask to ensure they're ok? Thanks for the help.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Jakarta
300E
hhhmm... firstly I think that Original is the best to go with since they are stonger(you dont want it to crack in the middle of highway when you hit potholes ). But if budget is the matter, go with replica or if you are a person who get bored easily. I dont think the replica one are alot cheaper too, I might be wrong. 
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Ames, IA
C230 K
replicas can be a lot cheaper. If you just want style, I say go with the replica, if you want prestige, go with the OEM. A lot of OEM wheels are constructed using a 2-piece or 3-piece construction giving them a deeper lip and a cooler looking. If you're looking for brabus or carlsson style, I say go with the replica but if you're looking at lowens, ain't gonna find a replica. As strength go, I say there isn't much difference since most tuners doesn't make their own wheels and most replicas are TUV and bla bla bla approved. As far as I'm concerned, I pick OEM since I don't want to be caught riding a merc on a replica.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 0
From: Chino Hills, CA
2008 C300 Sport
I dont think there is much difference as far as strength is concerned either... replica's are cheaper and in some cases considerably a lot cheaper however they are not multipiece and in some cases very heavy...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 340
From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
There is a huge difference in quality between different wheels.
I'm sure that some replicas are of similar strength as the wheels that they imitate. . . but. . . I've seen a Porsche OEM replica wheel come apart (fracture at the spokes) at a high-speed track event - causing the car to crash and be totalled. Question: How much money did he save?
If you're going to cruise the strip, and drive back and forth to work or school, replicas will probably be fine. But, if you are going to run 10/10ths, whether on a track or down the canyon; you'd better be certain that the wheel will hold up to the stress.
If you buy replicas, I'd check with a reputable outfit (like TireRack) that sells the replicas. I'm certain that they wouldn't sell the lower quality stuff.
I'm sure that some replicas are of similar strength as the wheels that they imitate. . . but. . . I've seen a Porsche OEM replica wheel come apart (fracture at the spokes) at a high-speed track event - causing the car to crash and be totalled. Question: How much money did he save?
If you're going to cruise the strip, and drive back and forth to work or school, replicas will probably be fine. But, if you are going to run 10/10ths, whether on a track or down the canyon; you'd better be certain that the wheel will hold up to the stress.
If you buy replicas, I'd check with a reputable outfit (like TireRack) that sells the replicas. I'm certain that they wouldn't sell the lower quality stuff.
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
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
2002 C240 6 spd manual
Originally posted by nevide
yes, yes, but seriously, who wants to run track with a C240 ( no harm just fact).
yes, yes, but seriously, who wants to run track with a C240 ( no harm just fact).
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Jakarta
300E
I saw my friends replica wheels bented for hitting pothole. OEM are made in europe as for replica are made in Asia (Taiwan, China....) If you want replica, should choose Brabus or Lorinser(easier to find). I agree with Nevide, I dont want people to caugfht me using replica wheels on my Mercedes. 
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 987
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
2002 C230 Coupe Black/Charcoal C5 C7 Auto
i think potholes arent just for replicas. One of my friend has 18" OZ F1 cups and she hit a pothole this morning. Sucker cracked like a **** and had to be towed to a local shop (they dont make it anymore so she's getting a whole new set of wheels) and she said when taking up on a ram the thing almost broke in half!. Those things weigh about 26lbs a piece too! I have my "replicas" (although dunno what it replicated from) Flik Lex wheels. Love 'em and it seems I was the first to have em on a c class (big in Audi circle and seen em on RX7s in Korea). The wheel only weighs 19lbs (well for 17x8 so not that light) and been driving in Pothole city Houston, TX for two years now, no probs.
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15,769
Likes: 37
From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
Flame suit is on because this will offend somebody.
If you find a wheel you like buy it. Don't put too much stock into the replica vs. OEM. As you found on this thread there are a lot of reasons both ways. Some buy OEM because they got too much money, want to track, etc. Others are after a certain look, don't have deep pockets, etc.
In the end the only person that has top be pleased with the choice is you. Now I ask you; what is more important? Your satisfaction or keeping up with the Joneses. Keep it mind that wheels will not significantly do anything regarding resale. Look at the classified thread or ebay sometime and watch the asked for prices vs actual received prices.
If you find a wheel you like buy it. Don't put too much stock into the replica vs. OEM. As you found on this thread there are a lot of reasons both ways. Some buy OEM because they got too much money, want to track, etc. Others are after a certain look, don't have deep pockets, etc.
In the end the only person that has top be pleased with the choice is you. Now I ask you; what is more important? Your satisfaction or keeping up with the Joneses. Keep it mind that wheels will not significantly do anything regarding resale. Look at the classified thread or ebay sometime and watch the asked for prices vs actual received prices.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 0
From: Chino Hills, CA
2008 C300 Sport
Originally posted by amdeutsch
Flame suit is on because this will offend somebody.
If you find a wheel you like buy it. Don't put too much stock into the replica vs. OEM. As you found on this thread there are a lot of reasons both ways. Some buy OEM because they got too much money, want to track, etc. Others are after a certain look, don't have deep pockets, etc.
In the end the only person that has top be pleased with the choice is you. Now I ask you; what is more important? Your satisfaction or keeping up with the Joneses. Keep it mind that wheels will not significantly do anything regarding resale. Look at the classified thread or ebay sometime and watch the asked for prices vs actual received prices.
Flame suit is on because this will offend somebody.
If you find a wheel you like buy it. Don't put too much stock into the replica vs. OEM. As you found on this thread there are a lot of reasons both ways. Some buy OEM because they got too much money, want to track, etc. Others are after a certain look, don't have deep pockets, etc.
In the end the only person that has top be pleased with the choice is you. Now I ask you; what is more important? Your satisfaction or keeping up with the Joneses. Keep it mind that wheels will not significantly do anything regarding resale. Look at the classified thread or ebay sometime and watch the asked for prices vs actual received prices.
Ya I have to agree... buy a wheel that YOU like that is within the budget you want to spend... and about the issues with potholes and cracked/bent rims... that's just something you got to live with it... no matter what aftermarket wheels you get, with the low profile tires you have to run, you shouldn't be driving over potholes anyways... those are drawbacks and things that you gotta look out for... if you can afford the brand name rims, then go for it... but if you can't or dont wanna spend that much theres a lot of decent affordable rims out there that are good quality... just shop around...
Banned
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
One question for those who are considering buying replica rims. Once you answer this question then you will know which rim to buy. Think about this for a minute before you answer it.
"Would you ever buy a replica Benz if they made it?"
Now you decide what you want.
"Would you ever buy a replica Benz if they made it?"
Now you decide what you want.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Clearly I have an issue with it. If you buy an expensive and original car then you want it right all the way. Its kind of like buying expensive nice pants with a nice shirt and then buying PAYLESS shoes. Come on, it wont look good.
Only advise is if you can not afford the rims you want just save up and buy them when you can. Simple
Only advise is if you can not afford the rims you want just save up and buy them when you can. Simple
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
Originally posted by BenzOwner02
One question for those who are considering buying replica rims. Once you answer this question then you will know which rim to buy. Think about this for a minute before you answer it.
"Would you ever buy a replica Benz if they made it?"
Now you decide what you want.
One question for those who are considering buying replica rims. Once you answer this question then you will know which rim to buy. Think about this for a minute before you answer it.
"Would you ever buy a replica Benz if they made it?"
Now you decide what you want.
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15,769
Likes: 37
From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
Originally posted by Robert Schrader
I thought the c-class was a replica. :p
I thought the c-class was a replica. :p
Replicas on replicas. What a concept. Are you trying to say that anybody buying a C-class really wants to have an S-class but can't bring themselves to get it because of other life priorities.
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
Originally posted by amdeutsch
Replicas on replicas. What a concept. Are you trying to say that anybody buying a C-class really wants to have an S-class but can't bring themselves to get it because of other life priorities.
Replicas on replicas. What a concept. Are you trying to say that anybody buying a C-class really wants to have an S-class but can't bring themselves to get it because of other life priorities.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Ames, IA
C230 K
Originally posted by amdeutsch
Replicas on replicas. What a concept. Are you trying to say that anybody buying a C-class really wants to have an S-class but can't bring themselves to get it because of other life priorities.
Replicas on replicas. What a concept. Are you trying to say that anybody buying a C-class really wants to have an S-class but can't bring themselves to get it because of other life priorities.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,587
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
E320
Not everyone wants to lug around in a huge a$$ car like the S class you know... Especially if you're single and not married yet. But that's just me. For you, I guess it's because you need the $ for lunch. 
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
first, I want to clear up the meaning of OEM. Original Equiptment Manufacturer means those manufacturer produce certain parts that are used in/on a car. For Mercedes-Benz, AMG is the only OEM rims maker other than the maker of those stock rims that come with the car. Brabus, Carlsson, Lorinser, etc are not considered as OEM because their product are not sold through Mercedes-Benz North America.
back to the topic. I don't think that replica and real brand wheels makes that much difference unless you are talking about the forged wheels that's not easy to replicate such as HRE and SSR. Some replica rims are not easy to spot from a distance, but for AMG because they have AMG mark on the flat surface, the replica could not do the same thing. It'll be easier to spot a replica AMG rim.
IMO if you are willing to and can afford the real thing, get the real thing. If not, replica is the best way to go.
back to the topic. I don't think that replica and real brand wheels makes that much difference unless you are talking about the forged wheels that's not easy to replicate such as HRE and SSR. Some replica rims are not easy to spot from a distance, but for AMG because they have AMG mark on the flat surface, the replica could not do the same thing. It'll be easier to spot a replica AMG rim.
IMO if you are willing to and can afford the real thing, get the real thing. If not, replica is the best way to go.
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Dublin, CA
2003 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan/2008 M3 Coupe M-DCT/1996 328i (Gone)/1988 190E 2.3 (Gone)
Originally posted by BenzOwner02
One question for those who are considering buying replica rims. Once you answer this question then you will know which rim to buy. Think about this for a minute before you answer it.
"Would you ever buy a replica Benz if they made it?"
Now you decide what you want.
One question for those who are considering buying replica rims. Once you answer this question then you will know which rim to buy. Think about this for a minute before you answer it.
"Would you ever buy a replica Benz if they made it?"
Now you decide what you want.
