adityab

Hey all

I picked up a CPO E43 about a month ago, and found that I have a cracked rim. I suspect it was sold to me this way, but have no proof and must handle it on my own. Has anyone had luck welding these? Or must I get a new rim?

Frank Rizzo

What city do you live in?
If you have the optional 20" wheels they list for $1800, but my local dealer sold me one for $1k plus the refundable $100 deposit. I bent one (not cracked) but had I have to do it all over again, I would have taken it to the local wheel guy to get it trued. I found a guy in L.A. with good reviews...
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adityab

Thanks! I'm in NJ. Will have this welded before shelling out lots of cash for a replacement.

SirJulian

I cracked my rim a couple weeks ago and had it welded by my own personal tire people. It's has good as new.

adityab

That's really good to know. Thanks!

Frank Rizzo

Post back when you get it done - for everyone's FYI please.

2012 merc amg

Yes I had many cracked rims welded when I had my 212 amg and was driving it in new england. No issues doing it, although the rim will never be the same as new or as true.

adityab

Meaning you’ll always have some vibration/other symptoms? Or just the knowledge that the rim has been doctored?

2012 merc amg

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Depends on the repair, how thick the weld bead is etc. Worth a shot trying first as sure is a lot cheaper to do this than replace the rim. I've had it where I've had vibrations after rim repair and also where the wheel feels as good as new. I had a lot of Rims repaired on my AMG as the roads in the state I use to live were horrible.

adityab

Roger that. Thanks for always being so helpful!

adityab

Had the rim welded and it appears to be good as new--it's holding air and there's zero vibration. Highly recommend the Wheel Rim Group in Hanover NJ for quality of workmanship, speedy service, and fair prices--I walked in and left in 1 hr and it cost $130 for welding, straightening, and balancing.

Camaroguy72

did you consider replacing with a used wheel off ebay?

adityab

I did, but this felt like a much better solution--I know it's OEM, I know its history, and finding a used one for less than $130 shipped would have been tough

cetialpha5

The part number is on the back of the rim. You could just keep an eye out for the next time. Usually new rims cost a lot more than for an older car, but over time the price drops. I got rim for $145 for my 2008 that was a brand new one, the local shop charges $105 to bend a rim back, but mine were scratched up so it was a no brainer to get a new one rather than get the old one bent back. My 2011 rims are over $200 though so I just get those bent back. Seem to be averaging a bent rim every year or two.

2012 merc amg

Wheels are welded all the time, it generally turns out good, the only times I've seen it not is if the job is rushed or the tech does not know how to weld. Yep in MA and RI your gonna bend rims. I was bent all four rims in Foxboro just down the road from where the patriots play on my AMG wagon, they were repaving and there was a 3 inch lip that the cop was directing everyone to speed up and hit it really good

adityab

Ouch! Yeah, similar situation in NJ. I weave like a drunk to avoid potholes, but something tells me I'll need to make friends with the local wheel guy...

EnigmaAW

I cracked a rim and had it welded. Was on the inside lip. Cost $150 OTD. Welded the crack, then remount and road force balanced the tire. It’s not pretty, but it holds. Plus you can’t see it on the inside lip. 👍🏻