Not meaning to count my chickens before they hatch but if/when my car sells I'm looking at getting a 2007 CLS63 AMG in black, and I'm kind of thinking about how to create a stunning look for the car. Definitely going to tint my windows pretty dark, 15% or 10% probably, and I think I've narrowed it down to two wheel options in my tentative schedule on how I'd do it. Not going for the murdered out look per say as I'm kind of over that (probably won't tint the tail lights or black out trim) but what do you all think of the Forgestar F14s in Piano Black versus Vossen CV5s in Matte Gray with aluminum accenting?

Definitely want to go with a classy, clean, concave look that's high end but doesn't come across as too boy racer or high schooler in appearance.

 

So no more e63?? Out of the two I personally think the f14's are waaay sexier but Forgestar is such a PITA to work with. If you're thinking of tinting tail lights, get the lightest tint possible like mine. I get a lot of unexpected compliments about them.

 

Well I've been doing a lot of thinking and I figure that if I spend a few grand to get into a new car anyway, might as well get something that I know well (since it's the same chassis and mechanically similar) but a little sexier. Drove a CLS55 the other weekend at the dealership and I fell in love the cockpit feel and sleek lines. The E63 has a special place in my heart but the CLS in all of its variations is so unique around and I've always found it to be among the sexiest cars out on the road. We'll see

I'm really leaning towards the F14s in Piano Black, but I agree they look great and not like a high schooler took a can of VHT nightshades and went ham on them. What do you mean Forgestar is a pain to work with? Customer support wise?

 

Ordering seems to take 4x longer than expected, customer support seems nonexistent, replacing just 1 damaged wheel seems near impossible. If I were to ever get a set of f14's, I'd probably get a used set and hope they never fail on me.

 

Mine is murdered out. Tons of compliments if you do it properly. Don't forget to paint your headlights and chrome.

For wheels...Vossen in Matte. I am still looking for Black Series wheels from a CLK for mine.

 

Buy my winters? You loved those things!

 

I might consider it, there was a guy on the CLS W219 forums that had his headlights built by a company and had the inside color matched black to the body. It was really nice.

Quite the salesman Jason...

 

My HRE's. Done deal. No to black wheels. Just my $0.02.

 

F14's in piano black on a black CLS...talk about sexy and classy.

PS: I was looking forward to your E63 mate, but a CLS63...

 

@09W211, Not really my style. They look really great no doubt but the dished rim design I'm not really into. Unlike 5280CLS that constantly makes fun of me over text for liking concaves, you two would get along hahaha I'll consider looking at some HREs though. I also owe you a giant apology regarding the Carlsson style lip, I had everything ready to go and I was going to text you that weekend to pick it up along with my E63 but even though I had my flight and hotel room the buyer for my car never showed. I know you made the special effort to hold that for me and I should have been more communicative. Thank you for your kindness on that.

@beejay I agree think they would look super sexy. Not murdered out but a fairly dark colored theme with some carbon fiber accents would look incredible. Right now I just NEED NEED NEED to sell my car and figure out my next move but if I do end up selling it then a CLS is my top pick.

 

CLS63 would be a nice upgrade. I think on a black car all black wheels get lost, and personally prefer having a polished lip or something bright to break up the black on black on black.

HRE makes some of the best, but are priced accordingly; they also have the best customer service. There have been some interesting stories about orders from Forgestar, Vossen, and ADV over in the C63 forum.

Here are some HRE's.

On a black car...



And on a real car ...

 

yeah those HRE s101's are dope! would look real proper on a CLS, that's for sure.

@AMG: no worries dude, sorry to hear about the flaky seller but seems like it's playing out to your benefit now....cls...that's one helluva car bro. good luck!

 

Yep we'll see =) I'm sticking around either way on the forums so I'll keep everyone updated. And I do really like those HREs, very very sexy with a lip and a bit of central concavity. Man you guys are making this hard haha

 

What you really should do is get 21" stepped Work Meister's in Bronze on a black or white CLS.

JDM Euro Not for everyone



OR

Leon Hardiritt Orden

 

I just can't bring myself to truly love the studded/riveted design but those are definitely sexy wheels, love the deeep dish, but not really my style in the end I just don't know why.

 

Been doing some more reading about wheel companies and I've come to some conclusions that I think most will agree with:

HRE is one of the undeniable leaders in lightweight performance and luxury wheels because of excellent quality and customer support... I've been strongly considering their more affordable HRE FlowForm FF01 in a gloss black as a competitor to the two I originally posted.

Vossen is good and has had some sporadic ordering and customer service issues, I still really like their sporty yet dapper designs but I think they're a bit overpriced for what they offer since they are mostly cast, and I haven't seen any updates on their Precision series. I have to say though, excellent marketing and excellent videos. Overall a solid company.

Forgestar quality has been consistent from what I've read about customers but as Lemon said they can be a PITA to work with or get replacement wheels from. Still, they are sexy and high quality wheels for a pretty good price. Definitely a smaller lineup than some of these companies though.

ADV.1 I've come across nothing but mixed to negative reviews about, especially for the price they have come across as an extremely expensive and poor alternative to HREs, some of the guys over at the BMW forums laughed when a member asked about HRE vs ADV.1, the main complaints arising from issues with 360Forged that went so far as to paint them as a scam, so I'll probably steer clear of them.

MHT... can't quite figure them out but from what I've seen they seem to have a pretty wide range of product prices, but are generally entry level.

BBS is number 1 along with HRE, they make quality wheels obviously and have the heritage and community trust, but they are in the same price range as HRE and honestly aren't really my style. Same applies to VOLK.

I post this as a consumer referencing consumer reviews and even litigation issues with vendors, as well as internet-wide opinions on these companies. I have respect for each one of them especially if they are vendors on the forums, but I thought I'd just update this with some of my findings since I'm still relatively new to the high priced wheel segment - and looking to get as much correct info as possible. Are there any companies in addition to HRE that are ridiculously high end or make magnesium or carbon fiber wheels (I know HRE has one out right now)? Not that I can afford them but I just thought I should know


Another question I have is what people think of Vorsteiner, their VS-310 looks sexy but I've heard they have some quality control issues. Thoughts? What about Asanti? XO Luxury (the Milan line looks cool)?

 

What about Work Wheels? Their Gnosis line has some pretty nice wheels. OR VIPModular?

Be aware of anything from MHT. I believe Asanti, XO, Vorsteiner, 2Crave, ADV.1, 360Forged, and some other wheels are made by MHT. They make cheap truck wheels, and are notorious for cheap crappy wheels. Out of all the wheel companies you listed, I'd choose from BBS or HRE.

Forgestar is a sister company to iForged.

As far as Vorsteiner...I know people who lay CF products for full blown track & time attack cars and almost always speak ill of Vorsteiner products. Even the couple people I know that were hooked up with prototype parts from Vorstiner have never complimented the fitment of their parts. And from what I've seen, their fitment really isn't that great. I know I'm referring to their CF pieces but that's their bread and butter, so that may be worth researching as well.

Not trying to bash any companies here, just sharing knowledge and passing on first hand experience.

 

Bro, its a 7+ year old car. Not a new Lambo. Pick a style you like, determine a budget you don't want to exceed and just pull the trigger. You don't need to spend the coin on some super high dollar setup and the car will look sweet with anything in a 20". You're making it WAY more complicated than you need to. What you should really do is just keep your eyes open on the classifieds here and CL and pull the trigger on a sweet used set. You'll save a ton and most likely get exactly what you want. Take it from me, I've got 6 sets of wheels/tires in my garage. Everything from HRE to VIP to Rads to one piece concaves (the winters). You can always upgrade or change them down the road. Stop making it brain surgery.

 

^^^WOW

His car, his money, his time, his decision. Let him obsess as much as he wants. In the mean time I'm happy to spend my time suggesting ways to spend his money upgrading his car.

Whatever happend to. . .

 

I'm just saying he's nit picking. Since I know him personally I can give him all the grief I want to. Its as simple as a google search or texting me to get the answers he's looking for.


But I appreciate you cataloging all my posts!

 

@09W211 Thanks for the insight!

@5280CLS55 Thanks man, just trying to learn a little bit more about the market is all. You're right though, I probably shouldn't be so worried about it - probably just look for a nice used set like you said when the time comes. By the way I had kind of a rough weekend with some family related things come up, I'll have plenty of time to see the beast this summer - sorry I bugged you so much to be there and I didn't show up lol

 

Thank you for considering HRE Performance Wheels. You, along with other members here, may already know we are and what we do, so we won’t bore you with those details.

As you know, we do not claim to be the best or “claim the industry”. We’re simply a brand that’s focused on you and not so much on pretty pictures (although, that helps a bit too), raving about how amazing our products are or even posting on forums every day (however, we’re always vigilant).

We’re specialists in catering to your needs – whether that’d be a unique shade of gold, a sporty design or something that fits your budget. As such, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best of luck with the sale of your E550, we look forward to welcoming you to the #HREFamily in the near future.

Jorge
jorgem@HREWheels.com

 

Thank you very much! Your reputation speaks for itself!