dgiturbo

Any one has a DIY fix for this issue yet? My second set now looks horrible, and I was thinking of either painting or powder coating them at the next tire rotation.
Any other clever ideas out there? Or an aftermarket source that sells some that will last?

mikekuriger

you can get them cadmium plated.

Benzo 003

take a look at this company...bought some for a previous car...great quality.

Huge sales on eBay....http://stores.ebay.com/L-A-Wheel-And...Factory-Wheels

L.A. Wheel and Tire
Showroom / installation facility
21021 Osborne Street
Canoga Park, CA 91304

tel: 800-584-2832 (USA)
tel: 818-626-8867

email: eBay@lawheel.com
live chat: AIM (lawheelandtire)
live chat: Live Person (lawheel)

Business hours (PST):
Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm
Saturday: by appointment
Sunday: closed

lkchris

Have your dealer replace them under warranty.

Floobydust

Been there, done that. MB considers "rusted" lug bolt heads to be a cosmetic issue as opposed to a warranty issue, although the dealer may replace them on a "goodwill" basis (like they did for me). I was told that MB went to the current light coating (as opposed to the chrome capped/plated bolts of the past) because it was "more environmentally friendly", but if you ask me, I think it's good old value engineering. The bean counters (from Chrysler?) stepped in and viola, rusty bolt heads.

Just my 2¢ worth.

- FD

lkchris

Nothing to do with Chrysler---which never ever exerted even a nanopartical of influence on Daimler.

Yes, it's German environmental regs--BMWs have same problem now, too.

dgiturbo

Warranty is long over with. Have 75K miles now. They did replace the original set under warranty or "goodwill" at 30K miles.
So far aftermarket or plating a new set looks like the way to go.

lkchris

I recently purchased a whole new set of lug bolts for my newly-acquired SLK. It was < $100 and sure seems like a lot less trouble and expense than plating.

If this cosmetic problem is considered serious, treat it as normal maintenance to just replace them.

Benzo 003

After a 200 mile trip to Michigan and back, I puked a front wheel bearing. My 2010 ML350 4M Loaner has a brand new lug type on it that I thought were chrome caps. They were not. It is a one piece lug that extends out passed the wheel and appears to have a high quality chromed finish. But it is July and the vehicle has not seen a chicago salt bath yet.
I will inquire upon the thread size and compatability with older models when I return it.
I will attempt a photo too...

Benzo 003

good news and bad news....the new lugs will fit 09, 08, 07, 06 with 19 inch wheels....
the bad news....they are "zinc-like" caps....not chrome. The parts guy is already replacing them because of the caps coming off....