Hi Everyone,

I hit a curb today (see attached), so pissed, I did so well for over a year.
Anyway, I used to work at a body shop and tow cars years ago so I reached out to them and they had me bring my car down and I took the wheel off, and they sent it out to be refinished and will be back tomorrow. Does anyone know how much torque the e350 needs?

 

The lug nuts?

 

It should be 115 ft-lbs based on the data at https://www.discounttire.com/learn/wheel-torque for a 2024 E350 regardless of wheel size.

 

So

Sorry, how is this?

 

Yeah, I'm assuming you are asking about the wheel bolts. This information is in the owner's manual:

https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/manu...a-wheel-change

It's two step. First tighten to 59 lb-ft, then 111 lb-ft.

 

Or, tighten a little then give it a little more, but not too much. 🤔

 

If you are talking about the lug nuts, one reply has specified 115 foot pounds.
I have never torqued my lug nuts to specification.
But the way I torque the lug nuts, would probably come very close to that spec.
I use a lug nut wrench that is probably about a foot long, and then use half of my body weight, I estimate that would result in about 100-110 ft lbs.
It’s best to snug the lug nuts while the wheel is off the ground.
Make sure they are all snug before lowering wheel and putting the car’s weight on it.
Of course, the parking brake should be set, and at least 1 wheel chocked front and back.
Tighten the lugs about arm tight in an alternating pattern, skipping a lug each time.
Make 2 cycles to make sure all the lugs are well seated, before using your half body weight(or a torque wrench)on the last tightening.
Lug nuts are harder to loosen, after time and miles, than they were to tighten.
So avoid over tightening.
On your test drive, you will discover that you have forgotten to tighten the lugs properly, if you sense a wobble or vibration.

 

No lug nuts on these cars. Bolts only.

 

My technique has worked on both lug nuts and lug bolts.

 

How much did it cost you to refinish the rim? Is the damage only cosmetic?

 

Back in the day I always did finger tight plus 1 turn with a wrench. One time I checked the torque values and they were very close to spec.

 

Well everyone, I'm furious!!!! I got the wheel back, it looked fine, and I went to put the center cap in, and it doesn't go all the way in, not flush. And the top of the center cap was slammed off (which I didn't know it's just plastic), and you see black under it. So I went to the dealer, and got a new center cap, and the same thing is occurring. I have a center cap that is in, but it slightly protruded out and not flush like the other 3 wheels. I'm gonna bring it to Mercedes on Tuesday, and see if they can refinish the wheel properly. I'm disgusted.

 

It is sickening to have to look at something that was previously pleasing, to now blemished and degraded.
I definitely empathize with you.

 

Thanks. I'm sure they can scrape off the excess clear coat, and refinish themselves, but it's ridiculous. My service adviser is very good. He said mercedes would've charged me $150, as opposed to the $120 I paid at the independent body shop who sends them out. Does anyone know if they do them in house? I hope I do not need a new wheel because on the mbparts site it said discontinued, which I think is nuts for a car that is a year old and still being produced with the exact wheel.

 

It's unlikely that the wheel is discontinued. I have purchased several "discontinued" parts for my W214 E53. You just need to find a dealer who will "turn on" access to the part number in the online catalog.

 

Agreed. See attached photos. You can see the center cap is protruding out, unlike flush with the rim in the other one. My guess is when it was fixed, they put too much clear coat or paint in the middle circle, and it prohibits it from going in all the way and clicking. I'm sure the dealer should be able to shave down the center and make it flush. Or at minimum, glue the center cap in. What do you think?

 

They certainly wouldn't glue it in. They need to be removable. Why not take it to where you had it done to have them make it right? Or. Get some sand paper and sand down the center where there is too much clear coat? Seems like a 5 minute fix to me.

 

No you're right, I just want it done correctly, and I don't have the patience to do it myself lol. I'd rather have Mercedes do it and than risk me damaging the wheel more ya know? It seems to me like they will be able to fix it. Going tomorrow during lunch to drop it off. But it appears that it could be fixed ya know?

 

I for one appreciate your logic.
When troubleshooting, consideration should be given a high priority to not misdiagnose a problem.
If a correction is pursued after a misdiagnosis, another problem will inevitably be produced, in addition to the first problem.

 

Exactly. I just want to make sure the dealership handles it. They probably will refinish it themselves and sand down the center so the cap slips in. It is what it is lol. But it's just cosmetic so shouldn't be a big thing.

 

UPDATE!!! Brought the car to the dealer on Monday late morning. The service advisor called over a guy who handles the wheels and said it looks like there was too much paint or clear coat preventing the center cap from going in. He said that they will get the wheel specialist over and he should be able to fix it in a day or two.

Service advisor called yesterday, and said that the people who fixed the wheel really "F'd it up." He said a personal favor to him, the wheel tech will take the wheel back to his wheel shop, and try to fix it. However, he has to tell me a disclaimer that the wheel integrity "could" get damaged at which I would have to buy a new wheel for about $1,500. He said, let's not cross that bridge unless we have to, but he said that the wheel guy is very good, and he thinks he can fix it. I will know more on Friday when they call me back.

So upset and should've brought the wheel to Mercedes first!

 

I love the weasel words the Service Advisor is using.
And by “love” I mean hate.

 

Right?! lol. I thought the same thing. It makes me think he's fishing for a tip, should they be able to fix it. So, we will see. I'm hoping it can be repaired but if not, at least it will be resolved either way. I wonder if they could be it through warranty lol.

 

Warranties don't cover self inflicted damage or accidental damage though insurance might depending on the deductible.

 

Yup my exact thought. Is what it is lol. Hopefully it won't even come to that! Thank you!