Stevie Wildey

hi guys,

I have just bought some new wheels for my 03 sl 500, they have come from a 2017 s class, the et etc should be fine as its close to my originals, however upon testing out a bolt prior to fitting they are too short (see pic) i clearly need new ones but which ones? Will ones from a newer s class be too long and damage my hub? The dealer was awful and knew nothing

kbob999

Check your stock bolt protrusion on your stock wheels, like your 2nd photo shows, then get bolts with the additional length. I'd say you need 5-10mm longer.
If the bolts are too long, they will hit the E brake hardware in the rear wheels. Not good. Spin the wheel gently after bolting on the rear and listen for a clicking.
They also need to be the 'ball' seat, not just tapered.
FYI - They are not cheap bolts! Good luck.

Stevie Wildey

Thank you for your advise, yes thats what i will do, i have a alloy wheel company also looking into it, so i shall measure the stock protrusion of the bolt With my current set up, and take the measurement, then buy appropriately, that should be a accurate enough way shouldnt it? Also what do you mean by ball seat? Thanks again great help

kbob999

Google 'Mercedes Ball Seat' and you will get an image like this:
http://www.ezaccessory.com/Lug_Bolt_...es_p/959PG.htm

Note the seating area is round, like a ball, not tapered.

imtheking

I have the same issue- taking wheels from a CL with a +44 offset and putting them on my 2003 SL500.

Which bolt did you end up going with? I want to go with the 14x1.5 40mm length bolt...thinking these will work

tonylinc

I once was given some super nice wheels for my 300E, years ago, I took them to a local professional tire shop and asked them to put the wheels on the car. They knew the factory wheel bolts were wrong for the car. Measured lengths with a ruler, knew what shape bolt head was needed, ball shape, etc., and said they would order them (20 total) cost about $75-80 but this was ten years ago, maybe longer. But they were professional and knew what they were doing and all worked out fine. If I were to get different wheels for a car today and needed lug bolts I would go right back there. The store was a Les Schwab tire center. Also, if they screw up and get it wrong, they have insurance to pay to fix everything in the event anything goes wrong. I think most any professional tire center should be capable of this. No guesswork at all this way either! Most likely may have to wait a few days for the bolts to arrive.

imtheking

We tried putting the wheels on today-The 45mm shank worked right- the problem now is that the rear tire hits the inside fender so now we need spacers. I think a 20mm spacer will work- which now means that I will need new lug bolts AGAIN with a 60-65mm shank