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I just got a balancing today to try to solve some vibration I have at highway speed, and also just to rule out bent rims before I have the wheels painted. Unfortunately, they reported to me that I have 3 bent rims. I have an estimate of $450 to straighten these wheels. Unfortunately sets of used 18" AMG twin-spoke wheels for this car seem to be hard to come by, and any used ones I would have to suspect that they may also be bent themselves. It seems like having them straightened is my only possible option unless I want to go aftermarket (I don't).
Anyone have any thoughts on whether wheel straightening is a bad idea or not?
Nothing wrong with doing that if it is just bent a bit and not cracked too much or in a vulnerable spot. The company/technician that will repair the wheel will be able to determine if it is too far gone. In your case that does not sound like an issue.
If the deal is $150 ea for a total of $450 then that's a very cost-effective solution. I've had repairs to a couple of my Porsche wheels and they look fine and have held up well, though I don't drive many miles on that car.
I have a beautiful set of AMG twin-spoke wheels I'm offering as replacements for people in your situation. Asking $400 a wheel with shipping included to 48-states, so would cost more than the repair option. Here's what they look like (tires have been removed) ...
Last edited by Tom in Austin; 02-21-2020 at 05:59 PM.
I just got a balancing today to try to solve some vibration I have at highway speed, and also just to rule out bent rims before I have the wheels painted. Unfortunately, they reported to me that I have 3 bent rims. I have an estimate of $450 to straighten these wheels. Unfortunately sets of used 18" AMG twin-spoke wheels for this car seem to be hard to come by, and any used ones I would have to suspect that they may also be bent themselves. It seems like having them straightened is my only possible option unless I want to go aftermarket (I don't).
Anyone have any thoughts on whether wheel straightening is a bad idea or not?
It is a good idea.
I had two rims repaired due to occasionally hitting the side walking. The repair, including repainting, was $250.00 each 2 years ago. The car has been free of vibration since. It was not cheap, but cheaper than buying new rims. I have been very pleased since that repair. Still the wheels look like new today and no vibration....
If the OP is near NYC I can help him out. I just started a wheel repair business and I’m in Rockland county. I’ll charge him a lot less to fix the bent wheels.
Thanks all. I was told the bends are small. So I assume they are repairable. I think I will just go that route and hopefully they won't bend again. I just picked up this car and the wheels are beat to hell in general so I'm not surprised they are bent. I was planning to have them repainted as well for $600. But for that price they only paint the face of the wheels
Got the car back with the wheels straightened (and painted)! What a difference at highway speeds! I would say about 80% of the vibration is gone. I'm pretty sure the other 20% has to do with the motor/transmission mounts needing replacement, but it's not a bothersome amount--just not smooth as glass. So glad I got this done!
02-21-2020, 03:22 PM
