Skibumtx

I have a 99 ML320 with the stock 16" rims. Over the years the finish on the rims has deteriorated and even started to peel off in many places.
Is there some way that I can make them presentable again?

I would assume that I'd need to strip the old finish off and then apply a new finish of some sort but would like to find out the best way to do it.

Thanks,
Ski

Stiggs

Probably cheaper to buy new rims?

Wragie

I've had/a few friends restore wheels and they each did the wheels a bit differant depending on how much cash they were spending. First stage was always cleaning and stripping. One Guy did a acid bath and the other a walnut blasting to clean them. You can buy stripper in cans at any place that sells auto body supplies if you want to do a DIY. You can get most of the stuff off with that and a wire brush. Hitting it with a blaster after will do a better job. The finish stage is either going to be paint or powder coat. I'd go with the powder coat as it is a bit better at hiding minor damage. Basically this is going to cost you maybe $50 a wheel if you drop them off (your cost will vary :-) ) at a shop but they will basically do some combination of those steps. If you can do some yourself you can save a bit. If you have the time all of it can be DIY including the powdercoat.

abcnus

These rims are painted with the MB brilliant silver paint. Can be done DIY or bodyshop.