nsupra

Hey everyone. I am gonna be getting rims for my E430 soon. Problem is i am not sure where i should buy the rims from. I found a few guys selling the rims i want. (Brabus Monoblock VI replicas)

Here are two sellers selling the same rims. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...5604696&rd=1,1

and another

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...link:middle:us


The thing is i am not sure of myself if i should trust buying from them, because they are replicas and they could end up being cheap replicas that bend on me like nothing.Has anyone here dealt with either guy? If someone knows where to find OEM brabus monoblocks VI for a decent price let me know even if they are partially used.

THanks in advance

ohlord

If the original mono's were 7000 bucks what can you expect for 799?If you like your ride quality buy neither,stick to a 17 or 18.there is a set of original brabus 18inch on craigslist in seattle for 1800. with tires with less than 4000 miles
they are mono v .
ohlord

nsupra

Thanks for your input. The reason why i considered getting replicas was because a lot of people on this forum have posted with good results with there replicas,but i do know all replicas aren't created equal. If someone can recommend a seller that would be great.

The car right now rides nice with the stock size rims, but i am looking for a more sportier/ aggressive type of feel to the road. My plans for the car are to install h&r springs / bilstein shocks( to get the drop and the look with 19's) I was reading a thread somewhere and many agreed that 19's were the size rim to go with as far as looks went, but some downgrade in comfort.

Musikmann

Have you tried placing a "Want to Buy" ad or whatever eBay calls it? You can be very specific, and I have bought a couple of hard-to-find items that way. The link to that section should be easy to find.

You will definitely have a harsher ride with larger rims and the lower profile tires you'll undoubtedly have to use, but maybe the suspension upgrades you are considering will soften the wheel effect somewhat.

Another thing to keep in mind: The MB engineers mated what they felt to be the optimal wheel/tire/shock/spring combination for handling and safety. Your E430 is not a sports car, it is a luxury sedan. I think you might be happier with an AMG, or a Mercedes outfitted with a sports package.

In any event, good luck!

gotoschoolhere

Hello,

I am new to this forum as well, but have been a long time car enthusiast. I have spent way too much money accessorizing my cars over the years.

Some of the rules that I have found to remain constant.
1. You can never duplicate/ replicate the OEM ride and comfort once you have put rims on your car, lowered it or even put on an exhaust system.

2. I have found the more money you spend on the right products you'll be better off in the long run. DO NOT BUY REPLICA'S. DO NOT BUY FROM EBAY. Though Ebay is great, but use common sense... you want to buy wheels that are manufactured in China (no product liability or product development and testing) and put them on your Merc???

3. I am 25 now and as Jay-Z says... "no rims and no tints... I'm all grown up.

4. If you must lower your car, put rims or a body kit on... save your money for a while and buy quality products. I don't know where you live but there are many outstanding shops in Southern California (some I have used, others too expensive) that provide expert advice and the proper products for your car. Shops such as CEC (http://www.cecwheels.com/) are a bit expensive, but at least they will get you the right info.

Information is free. So spend the time and do all of the research.

Good luck

nsupra

Well i appreciate everyones input. Everything does make sense. I have backed off on the whole replica thing, but still want to get rims that are OEM from either Brabus, AMG, OR Carlsson. I am looking to spend $3000 at most.


I understand how you cant replicate the OEM ride comfort once you change the rims. I guess its just a matter of how much i am willing to sacrifice if i go with 19'.And non Mercedes suspension.


Another option i have considered would probably be the AMG rims that come with the E55. If i were to get those and the E55 mercedes suspension i shouldn't be sacrificing comfort right?


I was searching ebay and found these
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-E5...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...1752101&rd=1,1
Im assuming both are considered excellent quality since they are OEM and made in Germany.

I have a bit to think about.

ZedStyle

both wheels in your last post are hot, i don't think you can ever go wrong with amg monoblocks.
please don't go with the brabus replicas, they're so common you may as well stay with your original wheels.

victorylap

the rim choice are aggressive looking with the staggered setup, but, yes... try to stay clear from replica's where the offset claim they fit the e-class. more than likely, you'll need to get spacers which i'm not a proponent of. check out tirerack.com or tires.com - good luck!

Dema

Another thing to consider how easy to clean rims. AMG seems easy to clean.

gotoschoolhere

nsupra,

Again, I would be inclined to tell you NOT to buy rims from Ebay.

Yes, absolutely stay away from Replica's - they are Chinese made.

Look into Lowenhardts, Kleeman, Rentech, Brabus, Lorinzer and etc. if you want to have some of your OEM comfort.

When selecting your wheels (I am assuming you have the W211) you MUST consider the overall design of your car and how the wheel can mend. Do you want your wheels to conform to the overall look, or do you want something that stands out.

You may like a particular wheel and design but it may not like your car. I have seen it a thousand times... Expensive car, beautiful wheels but together just crap. For example you can't put wheels that are critically angled on a car that has a lot of curve angles and body moldings and vice versa.

Good luck

jaamb85

I absolutlely LOVE the 2002 E55 AMG Monoblocks. I think they especially look great on silver cars. I was about to spend the money on them myself but I decided to stick with my stock E320 16s and get new tires.

I would go with any AMG wheel. Made for the SL, E, etc. I think the original Mercedes-Benz look is priceless not to mention timeless.

nsupra

Yes i am going to stay away from replicas for sure. The only time i will buy wheels on ebay if someone is selling OEM . Car is a w210. I really do like the brabus moboblock vi. I know its a common wheel and a lot of people use it for there setup,but it doesn't bother me because i haven't seen that setup around my area. I havent looked or seen anyones w210 with a Lowenhardts, Kleeman, Rentech,or lorinzer wheel setup yet, but i am open to more ideas.

I like the 18' AMG e55 monoblock, but not as much as the 19' brabus monoblock VI. I have asked quite of few friends and they prefer the brabus moboblock VI as far as looks go. However it's not all about the look that i am looking for. I am willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort to get a nicer look, but i dont want the car to ride like total crap.(I know everyone has a different opinion as to what crap feels like) If i do go with 19' brabus or any other rim, i will get the h&r springs and blisten shock setup.I really wish i could test 19' setup before making a final decision.

If i get the 18' AMG monoblocks i will get the E55 shocks and springs, or would the H&R springs and shocks be better in its own way with Amg.

gotoschoolhere

Great...

We are all looking forward to your mod's being done and having you post the photos on here.

Good luck

ohlord

Still avail in seattle
on craigslist.org
1800.oo obo


Brabus Monoblock V (Authentic)
8.5J X 18H2 Silver One Piece
Bolt pattern: 5-112
Bolts: 5
Offset: 35mm
Pirelli P-Zero Nero M&S 235/40ZR18 (70% remaining)
Will Fit: C-Class (W203), CLK (W209), E-Class (W211) and many others (please check with
dealer)

Please Reply with questions or contact me at 206-390-2827

eXpLiCitW210

OEM ALL THE WAY, IVE HAD TOO MANY BAD EXPERIENCES WITH REPLICA RIMS AND AFTER MARKET IN THAT CASE. NOTHING BEATS OEM.
- Leo

E43

I'm partial towards the Carlssons.



They're a bit heavy though.

ruffrob

I've had some replicas on my W210,and the only problem I had was the streets I traveled on. (NY/NJ) Road repair is not a priority in these two states,and when
they are fixed,it's with some weak asphalt that drops all over again after some rain/snow. A good tip:18's are good for Florida and California where they keep
up their roads....My current rims are some 17" Brabus Monoblock V replicas that
have not changed my ride one bit....

nsupra

Thank you everyone i appreciate everyones information.

Next thing i am probably piece together is the suspension. I am debating on either spending more money on the kleeman suspension,or to save some money and go with H&R and bilstein shock setup.

From reading around most say that H&R would give a harsher ride, but will improve the handling of the car etc... With the kleeman most say its the best even in comfort over OEM suspension. Is kleeman really worth the extra cash? Is the difference really a day and night difference between the two in every category.
Also Whats the typical price i should expect to pay to get complete suspension installed.


I found on www.evosport.com the kleeman shocks + springs
and on ebay the h&r springs and bilstein shocks

KLEEMANN - w210 E-Class - 4 Speed Sensitive Sport Dampers (004 210 10 06) - [KLM.SUS.M10.SH1] $1,430.00
+
All V8 Kleemann - Lowering Sport Springs (All V8) (004 208 00 08) - [KLM.SUS.M08.S01] $385.00

Total: $1815+shipping costs.

Mercedes E420 E430 E55 H&R Sport Springs 29724-2
$229.95
+Mercedes Bilstein Sport Shocks w210 E430 E320 E55 AMG
$379.00
Total $608.95+ shipping costs etc.

over 1000 dollar difference.

E43

At triple the price, I highly doubt that the Kleemann setup is three times as good as the H&R/Bilstein setup. How much of a drop do you get with the Kleemann suspension?

Yacht Master

Before you spend your money on the 430 consider the fact that same year
E55s can be had for $3 to $5 K more than your car.
I would sell the 430 and buy an E55 rather than fixing up a 430 that will never
reach E55 looks or performance.
You can see how bad of an investment rims are $7000 to $1800
You never get your money back on mods, Just my .02

nsupra

I understand where you are coming from by saying you dont get your money back from doing mods.
I don't think i will go the route of selling the car to get the E55. I just got this car not to long ago.This is my first car actually modding so it will be a fun experience doing some mods. I personally don't think it takes much to reach the looks of the E55.


I think i will stick with the H&R BILSTEIN setup.