AFlood351

This story starts back in February, as I came across a local Craigslist ad for a spiderweb and plasti-dip covered set of forged Volk TE37's (specifically LE37). In the past, I had been on the hunt for a set of Volks, or any Rays Eng wheels, in a 5x112 but they seemed few and far between. I watched the owner of this ad slowly drop his price from $2500 down to $500 over several months as they didn't sell. I figured this was due to the "+84 offset" the seller listed in the ad - which made ZERO sense for ANY vehicle. Still scratching my head at the listed offset, I decided to pull the trigger and buy them. As I couldn't use the tires, I sold them separately, and ended up with the wheels for $150.

Screenshot of original ad:



Unsure of whether these wheels would ever fit on the C32, I left them in my shed through the winter - not exactly pumped at the idea of running 50mm of spacer in the rear to accommodate the claimed "+84 offset". Finally, with a bit of good weather, decided to soak each wheel in WD40 and pressure wash off all that nasty plasti-dip. Somewhat satisfied, I even re-listed the set on Craigslist for $600 in hopes of a quick sale. After a couple conversations with prospective buyers, who were in equal disbelief at the prospect of a +84 offset wheel, I decided to go measure the backspacing myself. Upon closer inspection.....my pressure washing efforts revealed the TRUTH!!!!!!



That same ugly plasti-dip had been hiding a sweet sweet +34 offset! Needless to say, I pulled the ad and plotted next steps for getting these fitted to the w203. A quick test fit indicated the need for a 3mm spacer in the fronts to clear the struts - rear fitment was perfect. For tires, ended up with Falken FK453 in 225/35/29 front and 255/30/19 rear. Although effective, each wheel still needed about 5 hours of detailing post-WD40 bath to bring them back full life (not bad for wheels with a 2003 build date).









Now to my main question - as during this entire process I scoured the internets for info and pictures about Volk fitment to w203 (or any MB for that matter) - and found virtually nothing. On one blog, where the owner was selling a non-staggered setup similar to this set, he mentions as few as 12 sets entering the US in a 5x112 bolt pattern. Could this be true?

Everywhere I read, only this limited run of LE37's (essentially a TE37 with a polished "lip") were the only Volk wheels offered in 5x112. However, I've seen a couple E55's with TE37's along with the only other w203 with them - the blk/blk C32 with yellow calipers. Perhaps they are still attainable through custom order ($$$) or are they really that rare?

Either way, doubt I'll find a replacement if I'm ever unfortunate enough to damage one.

Thrilla

LE 37 in any bolt pattern is rare. Seeing it on a 5x112 makes it extremely rare as Volk wheels are usually not seen in any MB.
The TE37 wheel is one of the most iconic wheel design. It looks great in any car. My old C63 had the TE37 Tokyo Time Attack, and looked great. I still miss those wheels.

This is set looks great on yours! Great find.

AFlood351

Thanks and good to hear!

My understanding is that the Time Attack's replaced the LE37 - but I don't see anything in a 5x112 offered in the current Volk lineup.

Still amazed by the manufacturing process of the forged Rays -

steverwrx

Those wheels look great on your C32. Good score!
What color is your car? Mine is pewter and looks similar but bot sure.

AFlood351

Thanks! The official paint code from Mercedes is 693U - Travertine Beige Metallic. I think it is commonly known as Desert Silver. I wasn't a huge fan of the color with the stock wheels, but now love how the color looks with the gunmetal Volks.

Accidental L8 apex

Killer score on great wheels. They really do make an otherwise boring color pop a bit.

mars-red

My C32 is the same color - I love the stock wheels but I'm not gonna lie, those Volks would go on mine in a heartbeat if I came into a set. Looks awesome!!