FT Benz

I posted this under the Wheels and Tires Forum but got no responses. I thought I might try under my "home" forum for my E 550...

So here's the story.....I got a flat tire and when I brought the car into the dealer they showed me that two of my wheels were actually cracked. Doesn't surprise me as I've gotten a couple flats hitting some really bad potholes in the past. What I am surprised at is they didn't see them when they replaced all the tires just in December. (oh, and I went to the dealer for the tires because they offer road hazard guarantee....we'll see how that actually works out).

Anyway, they said they needed to order the wheels. The car has now been there for a week. I'm not that bothered by it because I'm actually enjoying the C300 they put me in as a loaner. But with all the time that is going by, my mind is starting to wonder how do I know that the wheels they are giving me are "New" and "OEM". I'm just imagining the parts manager in the back bidding on wheels off ebay and I'm getting a couple remanufactured wheels that I'm waiting for to be shipped from some guy's garage in New Jersey or something. Any way to know? If I did get remanufactured wheels is that bad? What does OEM remanufactured mean? I see a lot of those on ebay. Nice ones that actually if I'm going to get hit for $500+ a wheel I'd rather have other ones.

PlatinumPi4u

The part number should have a mercedes logo next to them, as I believe all oem parts from the factory have this next to the part number, whereas factory parts from the dealer do not have the stamp.

FT Benz

Thanks Platinum.

Does anyone know if there is there a value to my old cracked rims? Should I ask for them back when I pick up the car with my new wheels?

Edit - Almost forgot. The dealer called me, said the 2 new wheels would cost $1,100 and the tire was under warranty. I was expecting worse.

06e320cdi

I would make sure they are just not getting reman'd wheels. Insurance companies do this all the time. There are wheel companies that specialize in restoring wheels.

FT Benz

How do I make sure of that? I was planning on asking the question directly to my SA and maybe asking to see the part order / invoice.

Barry45RPM

I'm sure your dealer is going to sell those wheels to a wheel remanufacturer ("core return money") for whatever they will give him. So yes they do have some value either to him or you.

PlatinumPi4u

I know the wheel cracks are a huge problem which MBUSA has been trying to dodge.

I was so pissed to not have the amg sport rims on my e500 sport when I bought it, and I couldn't figure out why there were cheapy 20's on there.. now I know why.

You can prolly find replicas on ebay or craigslist for $800 or so for all 4.

FT Benz

Just picked up the car....wheels looked legit but who knows. I asked for my old wheels back but they said they had already scrapped them (yeah sure). Oh well.