GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

GL 550 21" CHROME Wheels

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Old 12-06-2007, 09:30 PM
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Originally Posted by Wigwam
I have the 320 CDI and have two questions and would like the forum's opinion:

1. I heard the chrome 'could' affect wheel performance - make the wheels wobbly or even degrade the structural integrity of the wheel.

2. I have the stock 19'' wheels on the 320 - should I try to chrome these or go with a larger wheel - not sure what a smaller chrome wheel would look like.

Thanks!
Yes, it's called hydrogen embrittlement and can cause structural failure in aluminum.
Old 12-06-2007, 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
Yes, it's called hydrogen embrittlement and can cause structural failure in aluminum.
It know for sure it makes steel brittle. This was a reoccurring problem with boat racing. Chrome plating is no longer allowed on the rudders of race boats because they become brittle and break off, resulting in catastrophic crashes. I don't know how it reacts with aluminum.
Old 12-07-2007, 01:29 AM
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E320 & GL450
Originally Posted by Wigwam
I have the 320 CDI and have two questions and would like the forum's opinion:

1. I heard the chrome 'could' affect wheel performance - make the wheels wobbly or even degrade the structural integrity of the wheel.

2. I have the stock 19'' wheels on the 320 - should I try to chrome these or go with a larger wheel - not sure what a smaller chrome wheel would look like.

Thanks!
Cal Chrome also has 19's for change out. I had my MB wheels on my E320 chromed at delivery. they still look spiffy after 10 years and 121K miles. Chroming the aluminum wheels does not change the warranty so as dicussed elswhere on the forum, these wheels are still covered by MB. If you want more info on the process, the Cal Chrome website has some excellent info.

PS, they also do mail order on your rims by sending you a chromed set and then crediting your account when you return your unchromed rims.
Old 12-07-2007, 05:43 PM
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GL550
Originally Posted by anmhi
Its like Christmas morning with the anticipation of what they look like.
Cal Chrome will have their pictures of the 550 wheels posted by wednesday.
Old 12-08-2007, 01:25 PM
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E320 & GL450
Originally Posted by oknish
Looks great, tm. Might have to come to Danish town in CA to see them in person
Welcome anytime! I think there are only 3 GLs in town. Lots of RR and big Detroit SUVs
Old 12-17-2007, 05:54 PM
  #56  
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GL550
Originally Posted by anmhi
Its like Christmas morning with the anticipation of what they look like.
Here are the photos Cal Chrome took.
Attached Thumbnails GL 550 21" CHROME Wheels-gl_21in_01.jpg   GL 550 21" CHROME Wheels-gl_21in_02.jpg   GL 550 21" CHROME Wheels-gl_21in_03.jpg   GL 550 21" CHROME Wheels-gl_21in_04.jpg  
Old 12-17-2007, 06:19 PM
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2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Originally Posted by LEOSOPHIE
Here are the photos Cal Chrome took.
Quite striking LEO. They look a lot better than I thought they might...they go great with the black GL. You made a good decision. Not fully tempted yet but they really look good!
Old 12-17-2007, 06:23 PM
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GL550
Originally Posted by Nevada Jack
Quite striking LEO. They look a lot better than I thought they might...they go great with the black GL. You made a good decision. Not fully tempted yet but they really look good!
Thanks, the morning sun was too bright for good pictures. The shine of the wheels and paint is overstated.
Old 12-17-2007, 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by LEOSOPHIE
Here are the photos Cal Chrome took.
They look great on the Black GL, Leo.

I'm not sure I'd like the look on my Pewter GL, though. I was tempted by the deal the dealer was offering to chrome mine on Delivery, and if I had bought the Black/Black flavor, I'm sure I would've bit (we did with our S550 and they look great).

As NJ said, the Chrome on Black is striking. It's a natural look on Black.
Old 12-17-2007, 07:37 PM
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'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by LEOSOPHIE
Here are the photos Cal Chrome took.
They do look sharp, Leo. Cal Chrome should have paid you for the honor of chroming your 550 wheels
Old 12-19-2007, 06:56 PM
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GL550
Originally Posted by LEOSOPHIE
Here are the photos Cal Chrome took.
Those look great Leo!

Thanks for posting pics!

I'm still waiting for mine. The place my dealer uses is backlogged.
Old 12-20-2007, 07:03 PM
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GL550
Originally Posted by Chicky Monkey
Those look great Leo!

Thanks for posting pics!

I'm still waiting for mine. The place my dealer uses is backlogged.
Thanks Chicky, if you like chrome wheels I'm sure you will be happy. About 3 times a night I go to the garage and just look at the truck under flourescent light. Cal Chrome said to wax the wheels and the brake dust would clean up easier.
Old 12-22-2007, 07:27 PM
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GL550
Originally Posted by Carl Lassiter
Chrome wheels are vulgar, in my opinion,
Carl I have been preparred for your comments. Where are you?
Old 12-24-2007, 01:19 AM
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Originally Posted by LEOSOPHIE
Picked up wheels today from Cal Chrome. Like everything else on the 550 they look very classy as opposed to "vulgar". My camera crashed so I will borrow or buy a new one. The chrome AMG wheels complement the other chrome features on the truck.

Show us some pics plz
Old 12-24-2007, 01:43 PM
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2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Originally Posted by 03LX470
Show us some pics plz
Ahem...see post #56...:-)
Old 12-26-2007, 08:08 PM
  #66  
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GL550
Originally Posted by 03LX470
Show us some pics plz
You can also go to the Cal Chrome website, they have all GL wheels pictured.

Last edited by LEOSOPHIE; 12-26-2007 at 08:23 PM.
Old 12-31-2007, 01:24 AM
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'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Here is a closeup of the 21" AMG wheel chromed. This is from when me and LeoSophie met in Met last week and he was gracious enough to let me snap a few pics of his beauty. The pic does not do justice to the wheel, IMO. It looked really sharp in person.
Attached Thumbnails GL 550 21" CHROME Wheels-img_0097.jpg  
Old 03-15-2010, 01:03 AM
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14 GL550; 14 E63s
I'm kind of resurrecting an old thread, but I'm looking into this for my 550. The stock AMG wheels are peeling in some areas. Not sure why as they were like this when I purchased it pre-owned.

My question is where do you get this done? At the dealer? Local wheel shop?

I really like the look of the stock AMG wheels. Other than the selection of tires for a 21 inch wheel in the stock ratio, I'm happy with them. I think it would be more cost effective to try and salvage these rims by chroming or even re-finishing them as opposed to a brand new set of aftermarket wheels.

Anyone else done this for their stock rims?
Old 03-15-2010, 11:55 AM
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GL550
Check out calchrome.com and you con see my black 550 with chrome amg wheels. They have an exchange program so there is no down time.
Old 03-15-2010, 05:39 PM
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2009 GL550
I couldnt tell from the pics - does Calchrome also "chrome" the interior wheel well that is so transparent on the 550 rims? every time I clean my rims, I always have to clean the inside part of the rim too because it's also caked in brake dust and easily visible since these rims are so open-designed
Old 03-15-2010, 05:41 PM
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2009 GL550
Originally Posted by LEOSOPHIE
They have an exchange program so there is no down time.
I dont see the yellow asterik next to the Gl550 wheels, so doesnt look like the 21" AMG wheels are currently available for the online exchange program.

(website says " If this yellow asterisk is present in the wheel description, as illustrated in the example at left, the wheel is available for the Chrome Wheel Exchange Program.")
Old 03-15-2010, 08:21 PM
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GL550
Originally Posted by Franman
I couldnt tell from the pics - does Calchrome also "chrome" the interior wheel well that is so transparent on the 550 rims? every time I clean my rims, I always have to clean the inside part of the rim too because it's also caked in brake dust and easily visible since these rims are so open-designed
I had the inside chromed for an extra charge.
Old 03-15-2010, 11:46 PM
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14 GL550; 14 E63s
LESO, I saw your pics on their website. Very nice!

I called a shop in Dallas that I know does high end wheels and the owner told me that he uses a shop in California and they are the best. He said they sometimes have a replacement/swap policy, so it might be calchrome!

Franman, I didn't think about the interior. Good question to ask.

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