Krytech

What do you all think of these rims? link

Fronts: 8.5/19 ET42 and Rears: 9.5/19 ET45. The seller said they weigh ~23lbs each.

I'll probably use 235/35 in the front and 265/30 for rear. I'm not planning on dropping the car right away, maybe next year I'll do a mild drop.

I'm debating between these (they also have gun metal finish), some C63 replicas or authentic AMG 18" 5 spokes. I currently have the 17" AMG 6 spokes on.

I'd only we wearing these in our short MN summer months and I'll have my stock 17" w/ my Blizzak's on in the winter.

Also, I'm a little confused if the offsets are within spec. I read a lot about rims on here today and it seems over 50 is best, but with 9" rears maybe I need less? I could use some help here! (be kind!)

Thanks all!

Azn_C300

Honestly, not really feeling it. Given the list, go with C63 reps or AMG 18".

CL916

999 a set... You get what you pay for. IMO they look like every other OE/replica style wheel on every other Mercedes. Put your signature on your car and go with some different, something custom. Yeah you might spend 999 each, but you won't be mistaken for the next benz off the lot. And if your going to do 19's, go with 245/35 and 275/30 combo. But that's my take on "custom" wheels. Honestly, you need to buy what you like, not what I or any other forum member likes.

yxc145

Krytech

There is nothing wrong with getting a set of replica wheels for the price of one authentic one. Most of those wheels are made in Taiwan, which I know makes very good quality wheels. some manufacturers even produce for the big brand name aftermarket companies. I work in the automotive industry. We manufacture parts for GM, Chrysler. I know they sometimes buy wheels from Taiwan, too.

Why do people buy replica PU spoiler that are made in Taiwan? Because they are good quality and only half or 1/3 of the price of the authentic parts.

Those are nice wheels. I think they go well with the sports AMG package. I don't think you will look like any other mercedes out there because not many C-class out there uses 19" AMG wheels most of the people just think they have to get the "custom" wheels. I actually see more similar "custom" wheels than the actual big size AMG wheels on the c class.
I think there is another seller on ebay that has pictures of those wheels on a RED c class. They look nice. One more thing, you can most likely bargain it down to $850 shipped. So try that.
Good luck!!!

yxc145

here are 2 pictures that i found with those wheels. Oh, if you wanna go bigger, go 19". don't get the AMG 18" too small and not much difference from your original 17".

narky

I agree with AZN-C300: those wheels don't look too great. However, the same wheels look GREAT in those pics with the Mars Red. I have no idea why.

I also agree with yxc145. If you're gonna go with bigger diameter wheels, might as well go 19". Make it worthwhile, right? But I gotta say, I do love the AMG 18". I love the design enough to delay my getting some 19" until I get tired of the set I got. The 17" AMG isn't bad though... I woulda preferred that design in 18" over mine. It's just that 17" is too small for this car IMO.

joebenz

dont really like the styling....plus, i'd never go with a no-namer wheel. last thing you want is to crack a wheel while driving

methodz

u usually go for the authentic wheels. but damn, i saw how much the brabus cost that i want and it is a little out of my range with all the other things i have going on right now.

those wheels are ok, but if i find a set of good fitting replica brabus monoblock s for 999 i'd be all over that then straight to the powdercoater!

look at it this way, if you crack one, just buy another.

Azn_C300

yeah, that's why I try to stay away from reps. Lots of those made in china wheels use weak alloys and I've heard reports of bending and cracking. Granted, not all reps will do this, but I've read enough customer reports that make me wary.

aowhaus

don't get it.
It looks cheap. The design is too chunky and busy and the black painted parts don't help either. There are much nice wheels for sale on eBay.

CL916

Unlike tires that have to pass DOT testing and standards, wheels do not. Your neighbor down the street can pay a couple thousand dollars and have a cast built and sell wheels. Your quality wheel companies will individually test their wheels and pass that on to its consumers. Quality = $$$

peet

Remember too that adding weight to the wheels is the best way to drop acceleration. Buying cheap wheels pretty much guarantees the wheels are heavy.

yxc145

cheap doesn't equal bad quality. and even wheels has to pass certain national inspection/standards. I can not vouch for wheels that are made in China or other places. But made in Taiwan is definitely a quality assurance.
I can tell you now that most of the tires and wheels companies sell replica wheels. You can go to tire rack and buy a set of Brabus replicas and I bet they will warranty the wheels. EVEN the accessory dept in Mercedes dealer sell replica wheels (i am talking about Big Mercedes dealer in the country). You really think they are gonna sell you some poor quality wheels that they put warranty on and possibly ruin their reputation?
Most of the custom made, or aftermarket wheels are expensive is because they are "CUTOME MADE", "special design", or the brand name. But it doesn't mean that the quality are that much better.
Replica wheels are mass produced and they do not need to spend money on designing the wheels, so naturally, they are cheaper. For a fair price.
So, replica doesn't equal bad quality, cheap doesn't equal bad quality.
You just have to find a reputable seller to buy the wheels from.

CL916

What is the difference between Taiwan/China wheel manufacturing?
Isn't Taiwan territory controlled by the Republic of China???
What is the "national inspection" called?
What Which replica companys actually pass TUV certification?
Do you know what the TUV certification is without Googling it?

I have only been in the wheel industry for over 11 years. I probably have forgot more about aftermarket wheels than most people know. So being seasoned to this industry and actually seeing the production and "quality assurance" that alot of wheel companies have, I know first hand what constitutes quality. We can start at the casting, the alloy used, and finish with the quality of paint and coatings or even the fact that some don't even have a Q.C. after painting.

Yes I sell replica wheels, even to a BIG dealer, and yes they are garbage wheels. Paint comes off easy during mounting, fades with minor wear and they crack easy. But for the person with the older MB that has chrome peel on their OE wheels, or bends one on a pothole, replicas are a great fitment. Pop in the OE caps and they are elated! And yes I will warranty them for workmanship and materials (but with a higher adjustment rate than a "quality" wheel)

Krytech

Thanks all for your input.

I'm not sure which way I'm going to go yet. I am working on a set of original C63 rims w/ decent tires on them. If I can nab them for under $2k that's the way I'm probably going to go. I want the OE look, I'm not trying to stand out with my rims. My 17's just leave me wanting more, but they have to look at least as nice as what I already have or it obviously isn't worth it.

yxc145

1st, Taiwan and China are 2 completely different countries. The production and quality control/standard for these 2 countries are completely different. I can give you many of websites for the national standards, but you probably can't read them anyway.

2nd, you really shouldn't sell those crappy replica wheels. Why not sell GOOD Quality replica wheels? Replica does not equal to bad quality. Maybe that's why replica wheels has such bad names....

Azn_C300

Taiwan is still a democracy. Two different countries, two different systems.. and only cause the US is preventing China from invading Taiwan

FrankW

you gotta be a moron to think China and Taiwan are the same. FYI Taiwan is called Republic of China. China is called People's Republic of China. One runs on democracy and the other communist idealism (of course a lot better now day and age.).

quality control is vastly different. for example to you all Jordan fans. until Jordan 99-2000 all Air Jordan was still made in Taiwan. nowaday you will not find any made in Taiwan Jordans because Nike moved the factories to China for cheap labors.