wheel locks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 22
Likes: 10
2022 S580
wheel locks
My new GLE 450 came with wheel locks, a $150 option. Does anyone still use these? I'd rather not have them even if free. Can't remember hearing about anyone whose wheels were stolen. And where to keep the "key"? If the thieves wanted to steal only the wheels, they'd break the window and take the key out of the glove compartment, right?
I have this image of me trying to change a tire at night and unable to figure out how to use the wheel lock.
I have this image of me trying to change a tire at night and unable to figure out how to use the wheel lock.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 691
Likes: 173
From: CT, USA
2024 AMG GLE 53
You are correct. Wheel locks are only preventing the owner from taking off the wheel, not the thief. Wheel locks do nothing to prevent theft.
if they want your wheels they are getting them. Personally I have not used wheel locks on any of my cars which have expensive forged wheels and no wheel locks.
Years ago it was a theft deterrent, and dealers or special wheel shops only had your key code type. Now its $5 online for a universal set.
if they want your wheels they are getting them. Personally I have not used wheel locks on any of my cars which have expensive forged wheels and no wheel locks.
Years ago it was a theft deterrent, and dealers or special wheel shops only had your key code type. Now its $5 online for a universal set.
Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 189
Likes: 40
From: Northeast
2025 AMG GLE 53
My new GLE 450 came with wheel locks, a $150 option. Does anyone still use these? I'd rather not have them even if free. Can't remember hearing about anyone whose wheels were stolen. And where to keep the "key"? If the thieves wanted to steal only the wheels, they'd break the window and take the key out of the glove compartment, right?
I have this image of me trying to change a tire at night and unable to figure out how to use the wheel lock.
I have this image of me trying to change a tire at night and unable to figure out how to use the wheel lock.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 2,199
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Mixed emotions on MB wheel locks.
I share the opposing thoughts on their usefulness, but my key (!) objection is how hard they are to use.
They don't engage easily, so they take extra force to use, and mine are starting to get "rounded" after 6 seasonal changes and 3 new sets of tires.
I don't want to get stuck without a usable wheel lock.
Considering removing them, but not quite yet.
The peace of mind they gave me is less peaceful than I like.
I share the opposing thoughts on their usefulness, but my key (!) objection is how hard they are to use.
They don't engage easily, so they take extra force to use, and mine are starting to get "rounded" after 6 seasonal changes and 3 new sets of tires.
I don't want to get stuck without a usable wheel lock.
Considering removing them, but not quite yet.
The peace of mind they gave me is less peaceful than I like.
