rgbyhkr

Ok, I have a question for those who know a lot more about this subject than I do. In an attempt to improve the S550 look a bit, I'm thinkng about doing a couple of minor aftermarket tweaks when I take delivery next year. One is tinting the windows and that seems straighforward enough. The other I wasn't as sure about and that is having the stock rims chromed. My configuration includes the AMG package so it would be the 5-spoke rims that come with it. Yes, I know I could get any number of aftermarket rims. However, it seems like a waste to buy a whole 2nd set of rims and I'd probably never be able to decide on one set given the sheer wealth of options available.

So, I was just thinking about adding a little extra "pop" to the rims by having them chromed. Anyone seen any pictures of the 5-spoke AMG rims chromed? Also, any idea what chroming costs? And, since I've never even looked into this before, is their any negative to chroming (beyond the likelihood that any scratches or scuffs show more readily)? Thanks for any and all info.

Jeff

MB Fanatic

I personally dont think it will look good, but it can be done. Chrome will be harder to clean and keep it shining.

Do it and let us know how it turns out.

stardoc

I know that some chromed rims have a tendency towards slow air leaks, so make sure you double check that with the wheel specialist. Personally I'm in the same boat as you as I think that it is a bit of a waste to upgrade already upgraded rims, but Maya 21's would be my choice.

azmike

I like the look of chromed wheels with the S550. Many wheel shops will trade your new wheels for the same wheels chromed for about $700-$800. That is the way to go.

Nevada Jack

I read somewhere that MB does not recommend chroming the alloy wheels. You will have to search for why but I do remember reading it.

AsianML

Chrome wheels are so last year.

azmike

Although I disagree, your comment was pretty funny.

phonetics

how come i have never heard anyone putting spinning wheels on a MB.... is it even more last year than chrome?

i think chrome wheels in general are not bad looking, but chroming the AMG rims on your S don't really look so good.. unless u wanna look like a drug dealer

TeutonicCarFan

I think you answered your spinning rims question when you answered why you shouldn't chrome AMG rims, "unless u wanna look like a drug dealer"

rgbyhkr

I was a drug dealer for 2 years after college so that fits me perfectly.

(pharmaceutical sales )

As for the comments about whether it can be done, I'll look into it a bit and search the boards here for Jack's reference. The trade idea is aninteresting one though as at least I wouldn't have a set of rims collecting dust.

Jeff

azmike

Exchanging the rims is pretty standard practice in southern CA. Newport Wheels does this for most of the MB car dealers in the area. There are also other companies that do the same thing. Some will do this through the mail for you but check out the shipping costs to see if this makes sense for you.

BTW, here in southern CA there are lots and lots of people who appear very unlike "drug dealers" riding on chrome wheels. This market is obviously somewhat different than the rest of the country but chrome wheels are still very popular here. Flether Jones MB dealer and others have S550's and S600's with chrome AMG wheels on their showroom and lot right now.

rgbyhkr

Thanks Mike. I'll definitely look into that. Since we're discussing it, I have one other question related to rims/wheels. Just as a good rule of thumb, I'm pretty sure I've read somewhere that changing the tire size changes the ride and possibly fuel economy. Of course, now I can't remember what the exact correlation is. I'm sure there's a post on this but of course a forum search turned up all kinds of threads (couldn't come up with the right search string) about tires and wheels that weren't what I was looking for. What's teh short answer on how tire size impacts ride and possibly MPGs?

Thanks.

Jeff

TeutonicCarFan

and the speedo?

Nevada Jack

I think someone posted a MB advisory of some kind...Konistiger may know.

Jack

azmike

As you know, the AMG Sport comes with 19" wheels. I don't think moving up to 20" would change the ride much but beyond that I think you would be able to detect a difference in the ride. Also, keep in mind that it would be pretty easy to exchange 19" wheels but if you go bigger you probably would have to purchase new wheels and tires=big $. I have also heard of owners going to 22" and having some problems with bent rims etc. I can't speak to the MPG question but I know larger wheels will affect your speedometer readings.