wheel lock nuts
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 21
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From: Canberra australia
w213 e220d
wheel lock nuts
does anyone know of an attractive (looks wise) option for wheel lock nuts available on the web? most of the stuff i find is cheaper chinese made rubbish..garishly fake anodised, or outright cheap and nasty. looking for something that wont stand out like dogs clangers, but wont break after being undone a few times..
cheers lads.
cheers lads.
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: CT, USA
2024 AMG GLE 53
does anyone know of an attractive (looks wise) option for wheel lock nuts available on the web? most of the stuff i find is cheaper chinese made rubbish..garishly fake anodised, or outright cheap and nasty. looking for something that wont stand out like dogs clangers, but wont break after being undone a few times..
cheers lads.
cheers lads.
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2016 E350 Sport
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From: CT, USA
2024 AMG GLE 53
Okay yes lug bolts. I will use the correct name from now on. I think OP was clearly not interested in a Chinese market .99 cent shipped lug bolts, hence the post about lug bolts. There are many very reputable lug bolt manufacturers, that may meet or even exceed MB OEM specifications for lug bolt options. Believe it or not there are lug bolts that are even stronger and lighter than the OEM MB lug bolts. Saying that someone should only put OEM lug bolts on their MB is incorrect, it may be personal preference for sure, but not a requirement by any means especially when someone is genuinely interested in a non OEM lug bolt option. Lug bolts.
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
Usually they put one locking lug bolt on each wheel and they are undistinguishable from the regular bolts standing a few feet away from the car. Just buy a set from your dealer and no one will see the difference.
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
Okay yes lug bolts. I will use the correct name from now on. I think OP was clearly not interested in a Chinese market .99 cent shipped lug bolts, hence the post about lug bolts. There are many very reputable lug bolt manufacturers, that may meet or even exceed MB OEM specifications for lug bolt options. Believe it or not there are lug bolts that are even stronger and lighter than the OEM MB lug bolts. Saying that someone should only put OEM lug bolts on their MB is incorrect, it may be personal preference for sure, but not a requirement by any means especially when someone is genuinely interested in a non OEM lug bolt option. Lug bolts.
I really love the wheels that came on my car, so I'm not remotely distracted by the lug bolts that came with them... They are so recessed in their sockets they are barely visible. In fact, they are a challenge to scrub them clean while washing the car, even with my specialized recess brush. I wouldn't change them to some other brand, because they are so unnoticable. Only I would know if I changed them. Consequently, lug bolt choices mean absolutely nothing to me. Were I to change wheels at all, I would reuse the OEM lugs without thinking about it, and can't really imagine someone shopping for wheel bolts (at all), either.
I suppose if one can't do without Gucci wheels on their car, they probably need the Gucci lug bolts that go with them, too.
As a shade tree metal machinist, I deal with various metal types, My experience with Chinese metals has not been good, particularly with Chinese BOLTs of any claimed hardness. I would not have a leg to stand on in court if my cheap lug bolts sheared on the highway, throwing my wheel and car across the median into the path of other vehicles.
So within the context of the OP referencing garish chinese "dog clangers" -- that no one will likely see in any event -- my opinion was to stick with the (invisible) lug bolts that come with the car. That's all.
Last edited by DFWdude; Jul 9, 2019 at 12:15 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Canberra australia
w213 e220d
Secondly. What I want, is to LOCK the wheels. I live in an area where a nice set of AMG 20" wheels are a very attractive target. I don't want them stolen.
I haven't looked at OEM because lets face it, $250 AUD or so, for 4 bolts, is simply obscene. There are many manufacturers out there who make wheel "lug bolts) as has been corrected, and of those, I was wondering if any are better than the others? all seem to be great value compared with OEM. The ones ive looked at so far, made in UK, or GER. Most ebay available are as mentioned , sourced from china or other untrustworthy avenues.
not looking to start a argument, and I also am respectful that not everyone has any mechanical nous, I was part of a landrover forum where most of the great unwashed were of the opinion if it wasn't OEM, it was rubbish. Good luck to those types and their wallets. didn't have the heart to remind them a lot of their parts are ford, and made in SAF or Vietnam or other places.. besides, the LR 3.0 Diesel engine has a massive design flaw and breaks crankshafts for seemingly no reason. they simply accept it as normal
For the record, I have pitcrewed for a title winning rally team and have built many engines amongst my automotive endeavours. I wont assume anything, so was asking the MB faithful for the voice of experience. .nothing more. Sorry if I upset anyone.
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MY17 S63AMG - MBUSA Buyback. MY16 SL63 - Sold MY19 W213 E63s. 2020 W213 E63s Wagon
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
Firstly, to all who responded, thanks, I don't know how I missed the replies.. been busy I guess.
Secondly. What I want, is to LOCK the wheels. I live in an area where a nice set of AMG 20" wheels are a very attractive target. I don't want them stolen.
I haven't looked at OEM because lets face it, $250 AUD or so, for 4 bolts, is simply obscene. There are many manufacturers out there who make wheel "lug bolts) as has been corrected, and of those, I was wondering if any are better than the others? all seem to be great value compared with OEM. The ones ive looked at so far, made in UK, or GER. Most ebay available are as mentioned , sourced from china or other untrustworthy avenues.
not looking to start a argument, and I also am respectful that not everyone has any mechanical nous,
Secondly. What I want, is to LOCK the wheels. I live in an area where a nice set of AMG 20" wheels are a very attractive target. I don't want them stolen.
I haven't looked at OEM because lets face it, $250 AUD or so, for 4 bolts, is simply obscene. There are many manufacturers out there who make wheel "lug bolts) as has been corrected, and of those, I was wondering if any are better than the others? all seem to be great value compared with OEM. The ones ive looked at so far, made in UK, or GER. Most ebay available are as mentioned , sourced from china or other untrustworthy avenues.
not looking to start a argument, and I also am respectful that not everyone has any mechanical nous,
If you bought your W213 used and the previous owner installed replacement wheels and lug bolts, or didn't pass along the locking lug bolts, then this is another kettle of fish. You can buy aftermarket locking bolts from the many sources as already discussed. The question for me is the number of key combinations from each source.
Presumably, Mercedes-Benz has several dozen key combinations, partly accounting for the ghastly cost. While the lesser expensive alternatives may offer only a dozen different key combinations. Or they may offer only 5 combinations... or only one. Not very secure I suspect. Which would prompt me to do some research for each alternative source.
Last edited by DFWdude; Jul 17, 2019 at 09:51 AM.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
Also, Mercedes does not have many dozens of different lock combinations, as a matter of fact only a few (personally got same "lock" combination on two different vehicles). Dealers have "master keys" for those occasions when an owner looses a key. Mercedes dealers often report wheels stolen from brand new cars on their lots equipped with wheel locks. Nothing is secured, it just gives an owner a piece of mind of hoping that a perk would move to a "next" Mb not equipped with wheel locks.
$150, when installed on the vehicle, is a ridiculous price. MSRP at their parts department is just above $100. Same wheel locks, but used, can be purchased on eBay for as little $30.
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
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Absolutely not. It is a $150 option. If specified in the build sheet, it is one of the "port installed" options (rear spoiler is an other example).
Also, Mercedes does not have many dozens of different lock combinations, as a matter of fact only a few (personally got same "lock" combination on two different vehicles). Dealers have "master keys" for those occasions when an owner looses a key. Mercedes dealers often report wheels stolen from brand new cars on their lots equipped with wheel locks. Nothing is secured, it just gives an owner a piece of mind of hoping that a perk would move to a "next" Mb not equipped with wheel locks.
$150, when installed on the vehicle, is a ridiculous price. MSRP at their parts department is just above $100. Same wheel locks, but used, can be purchased on eBay for as little $30.
Also, Mercedes does not have many dozens of different lock combinations, as a matter of fact only a few (personally got same "lock" combination on two different vehicles). Dealers have "master keys" for those occasions when an owner looses a key. Mercedes dealers often report wheels stolen from brand new cars on their lots equipped with wheel locks. Nothing is secured, it just gives an owner a piece of mind of hoping that a perk would move to a "next" Mb not equipped with wheel locks.
$150, when installed on the vehicle, is a ridiculous price. MSRP at their parts department is just above $100. Same wheel locks, but used, can be purchased on eBay for as little $30.
I do know that I paid nothing extra for locking lug bolts on my "lowly" 2001 C-Class, bought as new, 18 years ago. And that car has standard steel wheels. Nothing special at all to need lock bolts. And yet, they are there.
I just went out to my 2016 W212 to check. And just like my 2001, there is a small box in the tool tray holding the lock key, and 4 additional lug bolts... in this case the locks are on the wheels, and the standard bolts replaced are stored in the box, as might be expected.
With all the changes to run-flats, and donut spare tires, etc. maybe the tool tray in the W213 is not stocked the same as the W212 model. Regardless...
OP should run -- not walk -- to his trunk and check to see if the bolts he seeks are actually there, making his quest moot. Given the success of the many "Road Warrior" movies filmed in Australia, one might think that locking lug bolts are equally popular as a common MB accessory in Australia.
Last edited by DFWdude; Jul 17, 2019 at 09:56 AM.
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2024 EQE 500
Just a point of clarification. OP drives a W213, not a W212. The W213 has no spare tire (wish it did!) and I'm curious if the bolts would be in the tiny storage area in the trunk.
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
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If your W213 visibly has locking lug bolts in place, the key has to be stored somewhere. Who knows what else is stored with it...
Just think about how these cars are built on the assembly line. I'd wager that all wheels are installed with conventional lug bolts, for simplicity and speed (the way my 2001 was built). Any locking bolt kit (where ordered or not) is probably placed in the trunk as an accessory, to be installed at the port of entry, at the dealer, or by the first owner, if desired.
Last edited by DFWdude; Jul 17, 2019 at 10:53 AM.
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05 W211 E500, 03 C215 CL55 AMG
Locking lug bolts/nuts are a waste of time IMO.
It takes 2 seconds to remove a keyed bolt/nut without the key.
If someone really wants your wheels they will only be a mild deterrent.
It takes 2 seconds to remove a keyed bolt/nut without the key.
If someone really wants your wheels they will only be a mild deterrent.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
That said, the build sheet for my 2016 W212 does not specify the locking bolts as an "option." I don't have the window sticker to clairfy whether the locking bolts are a "port installed option."
I do know that I paid nothing extra
I do know that I paid nothing extra
Last edited by threeMBs; Jul 17, 2019 at 11:15 AM.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
Yes this is absolutely true. I do not know how exactly they remove MB OEM locks, but it seems that "standard" "socket method" that is used, for example, to remove Mcgard (or the like) locks may not be applicable to MB OEM locks because of their unique diameter which leaves (almost) no room for a socket to be hammered on it. Having said that, as per several MB dealers I know, they are removed just as easily.
Last edited by threeMBs; Jul 17, 2019 at 01:26 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2019
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From: Canberra australia
w213 e220d
BTW.brand new car from dealer, no locking bolts, all are standard type hex bolts . fit 17mm impact socket
Last edited by meeso; Jul 18, 2019 at 08:20 AM.
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
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Meeso, I know how the car is delivered. I've already stated that the wheels are mounted at the factory without locking bolts in place. Cars delivered to customers with locking bolts in place had them swapped out somewhere during the shipping/delivery/prep process chain.
Further, I've done all I can to show you the box of locking bolts and key. If your car includes them in Australia, the box will be found in the glovebox or trunk, or somewhere else in the interior.
Unless you've already done so (you don't say), your next steps are to: 1) look for them in your car (post #18), and if not found, 2) call the dealer to ask if your car was supposed to have them provided. Show them the picture I provided if necessary. Your dealer may have skipped their installation in dealer prep by mistake.
If the dealer says they are not included with any of the cars they sell, and that you have to pay the additional $250 AUD or so to get them, then you're back to square one.
I AM trying to help here with simple precautionary steps to save you the expense and stress...
Further, I've done all I can to show you the box of locking bolts and key. If your car includes them in Australia, the box will be found in the glovebox or trunk, or somewhere else in the interior.
Unless you've already done so (you don't say), your next steps are to: 1) look for them in your car (post #18), and if not found, 2) call the dealer to ask if your car was supposed to have them provided. Show them the picture I provided if necessary. Your dealer may have skipped their installation in dealer prep by mistake.
If the dealer says they are not included with any of the cars they sell, and that you have to pay the additional $250 AUD or so to get them, then you're back to square one.
I AM trying to help here with simple precautionary steps to save you the expense and stress...
Last edited by DFWdude; Jul 18, 2019 at 08:50 AM.
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From: Canberra australia
w213 e220d
My friend, You just did. Ill be calling the dealer tomorrow.. Weve looked through the car, Nothing present. due to varyine state regulations, we had to meet the dealer on the border of our state (NSW) he was in VIC. he had to drive up to register the car. we didnt buy locally, had to drive 450klms to get a better deal.. long story. but thanks, ill be checking tomorrow..
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
My friend, You just did. Ill be calling the dealer tomorrow.. Weve looked through the car, Nothing present. due to varyine state regulations, we had to meet the dealer on the border of our state (NSW) he was in VIC. he had to drive up to register the car. we didnt buy locally, had to drive 450klms to get a better deal.. long story. but thanks, ill be checking tomorrow..
