Knock-off wheels or real thing?
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Knock-off wheels or real thing?
I am interested in changing my wheels and tires to the size of the E55, which are:
Front: 245/40 R18 and Rear: 265/35 R18
The real AMG Wheels, are very expensive (around $1100) and I've read that they are also easy to bend, this is the real AMG from tirerack.com :
I found the following wheel and would like your opinion, if someone used them or what do you think about the quality and durability of them:
This is the Replica Wheel found in www.tires.com, at $147 a piece:
Is this wheel any good of will I suffer from steering problems or something like that? Anyone put this type in their W211?
Thanks.
Front: 245/40 R18 and Rear: 265/35 R18
The real AMG Wheels, are very expensive (around $1100) and I've read that they are also easy to bend, this is the real AMG from tirerack.com :
I found the following wheel and would like your opinion, if someone used them or what do you think about the quality and durability of them:
This is the Replica Wheel found in www.tires.com, at $147 a piece:
Is this wheel any good of will I suffer from steering problems or something like that? Anyone put this type in their W211?
Thanks.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
The real AMG's are not that easy to bend, trust me. They are hilariously heavy and strong.
If anything, the replicas will be weaker, and you could encounter millions of issues, it all depends on how much luck you have with the supplier.
I say, go with the original as you'll have the piece of mind of less problems and hassles.
If anything, the replicas will be weaker, and you could encounter millions of issues, it all depends on how much luck you have with the supplier.
I say, go with the original as you'll have the piece of mind of less problems and hassles.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 301
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clk
Definitely, I have OEM AMG's on my car - 19s. Surprisingly, they are very sturdy and not at all easy to bend. I can't speak for copies though. I drive around the L.A. area for 4 years now with these wheels and (knock on wood) no problems. I think it's worth the money. And since you are thinking about 18's, they should be even stronger and tougher to bend-and of course it depends on your tires also.
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 171
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From: Los Angeles / Orange County
2005 E500 / 1993 MR2 Turbo
there is nothing usually wrong with replica wheels. there are a few reputable wheel manufactures that copy the style of brand names. for example, moven wheels, monet wheels, Axis wheels, etc. Usually these "replicas" are manufactured from the same tooling as the original. But, with everything there are unscrupulous characters out there that sell just absolute crap. When you buy the wheels, and if they are replicas, if they are made from a reputable company, they should have some sort of industry approvals, (e.g. ISO or TUV). Anyhow, whats more important is having the correct wheel for your car. This means that the wheel you put on your car should have the proper offset and tires to maintain correct rolling diameter set for your vehicle by the MB factory. Incorrect rolling diameter may have adverse effects on your speedometer (in terms of accuracy), fuel consumption, transmission, etc. If you need help determining the rolling diameter for your new wheels, PM me and i'll send you the formula. You also want to try buying wheels that are hubcentric, meaning that the wheel is made for your car and your car only. This means that the wheel will sit perfectly on the hub of your car. Alot of times replicas are "universal" and require hubcentric adapters and spacers for it to fit your car. If its going to happen, this is what will cause vibration in your steering wheel. good luck 
Super Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 528
Likes: 5
E500 4matic, 2014 GL320, 2013 C300, 2015 Stingray
Replica vs. the real thing...
I dunno, i'm one who would be buying the replicas. At $ 600 for the set, how can you go wrong? Lets say worst case you bend one because you hit a pothole - so what, at that point get a new one for another 150 bucks...and keep going because i think you probably won't have the car by the time your into $ 4400 worth of a decent replica wheel. Plus, after a couple of years, you could buy a different set if you like a different look, and probably still not at $ 4400. I don't think alluminum alloys from a reputable replica maker will bend that easily in everyday driving so long as you stay away from hitting pot holes/curbs at high speeds.
Just my 2 cents... Your looking at a price differential of almost 90% for the same look... that's a lot of scratch!
Aceman
Just my 2 cents... Your looking at a price differential of almost 90% for the same look... that's a lot of scratch!
Aceman
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 947
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
04E55AMG, 05Dodge RAM 1500 Quad Cab, 02Montero Limited
Originally Posted by Burners_Banshee
I am interested in changing my wheels and tires to the size of the E55, which are:
Front: 245/40 R18 and Rear: 265/35 R18
The real AMG Wheels, are very expensive (around $1100) and I've read that they are also easy to bend, this is the real AMG from tirerack.com :
I found the following wheel and would like your opinion, if someone used them or what do you think about the quality and durability of them:
This is the Replica Wheel found in www.tires.com, at $147 a piece:
Is this wheel any good of will I suffer from steering problems or something like that? Anyone put this type in their W211?
Thanks.
Front: 245/40 R18 and Rear: 265/35 R18
The real AMG Wheels, are very expensive (around $1100) and I've read that they are also easy to bend, this is the real AMG from tirerack.com :
I found the following wheel and would like your opinion, if someone used them or what do you think about the quality and durability of them:
This is the Replica Wheel found in www.tires.com, at $147 a piece:
Is this wheel any good of will I suffer from steering problems or something like that? Anyone put this type in their W211?
Thanks.
