jwbrizuela

So apparently 3 of my stock 19" AMG rims are bent slightly, with one pretty noticeable seem from a truing machine. Has some curb rash, and I'm just debating between repairing them or replacing. I found these one eBay, and I must say they are pretty. Looking over reviews, all positive. I'll let you guys know how they turn out, just staggers me on how cheap they are. Any commentary from my more seasoned 550 brethren?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/331195093465

Jason B

Killer deal. Remember, those are not OEM real AMG wheels, but a replica. I'm sure you knew that. Mike has had great experience with these. I say try it. It'll be like you stole them

Jason B

Now, this is sweet!



Mike, is this similar to your wheel?

Mike5215

Generally the replica wheels are made in China. I've had one set that was wobbly on the car but also had the wrong offset, and one set that had the correct offset and was fine. The 35mm offset on those is a lower offset than OEM, They'll look better because they'll sit further out toward the fender lips but (based on my limited experiences ) you may have vibration issues. Other than that, finish and workmanship on my replicas were very good.

Remember to order the correct lug bolts. The replicas tend to take an Audi ball bolt, which is different than a Mercedes ball although they look similar.

Mike5215

Yeah, very close to the replicas I ran on my last W220. Mine didn't have the black diamond cut, more of a dark gray in those areas. They're based on an S65 replica. They look aggressive as hell on the car and they'd look great on your pearl white. Your size or no?

jwbrizuela

Thanks Mike! I definitely wouldn't want to have vibration; that currently is the issue that is caused by the warped rim. Did you get rims with the correct offset from this specific eBay seller? What happened with the vibration you had from the wrong offset, is it correctable at all? Or did you return to seller minus shipping costs? Sorry for the gaggle of questions.

Mike5215

I think my last set was from Aspec wheels on EBay, but I've discovered that everyone on EBay is pretty much selling the same selection of wheels from Asia. Rims with the right offset are harder to find since the S takes an unusually high offset. Look for replica wheels with an offset of 45mm. I had better luck searching for wheels for a 2008 and up C Class. It's a more common car with the same offsets as the S. Look for "C Class AMG 19 inch wheels c63" and you'll get a decent selection.

These look close to the ones in your post but have the correct offset. OEMWHEELSPLUS is a trusted vendor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/19-GREY-SPORT-WHEELS-FITS-MERCEDES-BENZ-AMG-W204-C204-C300-C350-C63-COUPE-RIMS-/271210818571?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item3f256cac0b&vxp=mtr
Vendors will accept returns if the wheels are not ever mounted. Shipping cost is a couple hundred. Have you already bought the wheels in your post?

jwbrizuela

I haven't purchased, you my friend are a lifesaver. Thank you so so much! And there isnt anyway to fix if the offset is lower than specs correct, spacers only work if higher? Sorry, obviously a novice.

Mike5215

Right. Spacers effectively lower the offset. It's a strange concept to get a handle on because you're adding something to reduce something. What I like about starting with a higher offset wheel like the 45mm is that once they're on the car and behaving themselves you can then experiment with relatively inexpensive spacers to push the wheels out for a more aggressive look, and if they don't ride right just ditch the spacers.

On the other hand if you start with a low offset you're stuck.

I'm not typically a fan of spacers but I'm running 20mm rears and 15mm fronts on my OEM 44mm offset wheels with zero trouble.

Mike5215

Jason, your 20s are here...





Also in matte silver. I may give these a go.

Jason B

Nice! And these are sweet too.

Jason B

Are these stock on some base models?

Jason B

Ok. These are clean.

wilassasin

Try to find a cheap oem set of takeoffs from ebay or craigslist.

Mike5215

A full set of high demand OEM take-offs will run you around $2000-$2500 on Ebay, and there's no guarantee they haven't been reconditioned at some point either. A full set of new replicas run around $700. I've owned OEM take offs, AMG replicas and OEM refurbs.

The take-offs are fairly risk free. The quality is a given and fitment is of course perfect (presuming you get the right offsets). The downside is low availability and high price.

The replicas are more of a gamble, but I've had excellent luck with the ones I've owned. No issues with fitment, balancing or durability of the finish. At only $700 a set you could go through three sets and not spend what you would on OEM take offs.

Reconditioned wheels have some potential to have hidden damage (welded cracks, etc) They are cost effective and since they're OEM, fitment is always correct. If you bend one of your existing OEM wheels and want one replacement wheel, recon'd may be your best bet. Probably not a great idea to buy a whole set for cosmetic reasons. Wheels that are painted and clear-coated are much easier to conceal damage on then machined wheels.

It's really a question of finding a design you like, then deciding how much you're willing to spend to get that look.