Boostman76

Seeing tons of conflicting opinions on this. I know our vehicles use r14 ball seat bolts but im being told that r13 (audi spec) bolts will safely work. I ordered a spacer and wheel kit from esc but when i look up the part # on my invoice on their website and use the application filter for year,make and model it says they will not fit. I will be calling them to double confirm but wanted your thoughts as i know many of you have used there spacer and bolt kits...just curious if in those kits you received r13 or r14 ball seat bolts?

threeMBs

ECS is specializing in Audis, hence mostly carry R13 seat bolts. While R13 is clearly better for MB factory wheels than R12, R14 bolts still should be used. Bimecc, Rad make R14 bolts - both are carried by Otic La Inc. H&R makes R14 bolts (p/n ends with 02) and can be special ordered by ECS. However, current H&R bolts have a different (smaller) R14 than OEM Mercedes and much smaller than H&R used to make.

Bolt in the middle in photos is new H&R R14 - smaller seat than OEM bolts on the sides.

alexasa

iTrader: (1)

I ran r13 for a long time on two different cars and never had a problem.

I would recommend getting the proper set up if you haven't already invested.

or you know, just get aftermarket wheels and be happy that 90% of them are conical. lol

Boostman76

Thanks for the input! Strange that h&r r14 is now being made smaller...kinda defeats the purpose of getting r14...lol. also esc says they don't have a 42 mm bolt for the front (15mm spacer plus 27mm stock bolt length) so they are sending me 45mm. I think i should be fine on the front hub being a bit longer but know that the rears have to be pretty much bang on because of potential interference with the ebrake mechanism.
anyway thanks for your input...just wish mb would build these bloody cars with the correct flush looking rim offset...would save everyone a ton of headaches..lol

threeMBs

Well, front can take (much) longer bolts than stock only for RWD. 4Matic can take not more than 3mm longer bolt upfront. Contrary to stated above, rear can easily take 3mm longer bolts.

Otic has excellent RAD 43mm R14 (hex 19, not 17, but it is nonissue, just use 19mm socket instead of 17mm) and they are on sale for 50% off.


EDIT: ECS also has H&R 43mm R14 (obviously more expensive than Bimecc bolts).

Boostman76

Thanks...I'm in canada so shipping from california probably ends up chewing into the 50% savings..lol. i cancelled my order and will try to find a local source for both spacers and correct r14 wheel bolts. Appreciate everyone's input!

Star4life

otis inc la is now selling bolts made by the mercedes OEM supplier in Italy. Ferrada i think is the name. I highly recommend using otis inc for all your bolt needs. they sell the oem wheel locks as well for a fraction of the price and you can get any length since they are made by the same supplier. All black bolts now too not like the old rad bolts which were the silver gray color.

threeMBs

Otis does not sell Farad bolts yet, only Farad wheel locks. However, price for Farad locks is great. They carry a full line of Bimecc bolts/locks, but their price for Bimecc is actually on high side. I found suppliers in Great Britain via eBay, even including shipping to the US, are significantly less for Bimecc products. Also Otis' RAD pricing is really great due to clearance, but supply is low.