SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: new Mandrus Stirling wheels installed, center caps don't fit....

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Aug 22, 2019 | 04:54 PM
  #1  
eddieo45's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
new Mandrus Stirling wheels installed, center caps don't fit....

I swear it said in the Mandrus catalogue that MB senter caps would fit, but they didn't. Tire dealer is working with Mandrus to see if they have a solution. Not digging the "M".....




Reply
Old Aug 22, 2019 | 05:25 PM
  #2  
TennesseeZ4's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Digging those wheels! Very nice choice! May you have many many miles of crack-less enjoyment!
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2019 | 06:33 PM
  #3  
Streamliner's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,154
Likes: 4,381
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Those wheels look very nice! Enjoy them!
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2019 | 07:48 PM
  #4  
eddieo45's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
Thanks guys, I really wanted the old school silver star caps but if I have to live with the M I will. New Porterfield pads too and they painted my calipers for me as well, no charge. Feels better already.
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2019 | 07:58 PM
  #5  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,277
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Hmmmm, weird.....I've had some mandrus too and I recall the center caps fitting. That's odd considering they make wheels for MB cars. They DO look nice though! Nice choice
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2019 | 08:02 AM
  #6  
eddieo45's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
they also came with new lug bolts, which I hope will work with the space-savor spare I bought.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2019 | 10:46 AM
  #7  
bob55's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 334
From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
Originally Posted by eddieo45
Thanks guys, I really wanted the old school silver star caps but if I have to live with the M I will. New Porterfield pads too and they painted my calipers for me as well, no charge. Feels better already.
Eddie....2 Questions for you!

1- Have you tried the new black MB center caps that were introduced with the 2017+ (facelift) 231's to see if those fit those great looking Mandrus 'Stirling' Wheels that you you bought? I think the new center caps may be slightly different in size than the 'old school' silver star caps that you mentioned.

2- Did you choose to go with 18" or 19" for your new Mandrus 'Stirling' 231 Wheels?

Those wheels are indeed very nice looking! Great Choice!


Last edited by bob55; Aug 23, 2019 at 10:54 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2019 | 12:59 PM
  #8  
eddieo45's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
Originally Posted by bob55
Eddie....2 Questions for you!

1- Have you tried the new black MB center caps that were introduced with the 2017+ (facelift) 231's to see if those fit those great looking Mandrus 'Stirling' Wheels that you you bought? I think the new center caps may be slightly different in size than the 'old school' silver star caps that you mentioned.
I actually bought two sets of caps, one black, one silver. While I waited for them to get my old wheels off the car and into the loaner (so I could get them home) I had intended to ask them to show me both in the new wheels, but I decided not to bother and just left them the silver ones. To be fair, I bought both sets on Amazon but can't imagine why they won't fit. When I get around to cleaning the old wheels for sale I'll try them in those.




Originally Posted by bob55
2- Did you choose to go with 18" or 19" for your new Mandrus 'Stirling' 231 Wheels?
18". I want as much protection from horrible New England roads as I can get. I marveled in another thread that two members recently opted for 19" wheels when one is often talking about the 18" better ride and the other has complaints like mine about road quality.

Originally Posted by bob55
Those wheels are indeed very nice looking! Great Choice!

Thanks Bob; it occurs tto me that they look a lot like a set of OEM 18" that you recommended in another thread:


Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 23, 2019 | 02:49 PM
  #9  
tx170754's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 697
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
Also bought a set from Amazon, the silver one, a while ago and they're in my garage, they wouldn't fit....
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2019 | 08:14 AM
  #10  
eddieo45's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
Originally Posted by tx170754
Also bought a set from Amazon, the silver one, a while ago and they're in my garage, they wouldn't fit....
Were you trying them in MOE wheels or aftermarket?
Update: I was cleaning my original wheels yesterday to photograph them for sale so I tried my Amazon black stars and some old OEM silver stars in them. First of all, the blue laurel caps that were in them originally have no metal rings on them, just three plastic tabs. That's different than I've seen in the past. The old OEM silver stars (with metal rings) went in tight, requiring a bit of care lining it up and a good whack. Popped it out from behind with a long bolt I had laying around and tried the black Amazon star. While it did seem slightly (less than 1mm) larger it also went in with some careful lining up and a good whack, plus another tap to get it truly seated. Couple of whacks from behind with the bolt and it came out intact.

I believe the silver stars (which I left with the tire dealer) will fit with enough "English" applied. They had said they were afraid they'b break them, but at $12 for the set I say give it a shot.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2019 | 11:59 AM
  #11  
bob55's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 334
From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
The center caps with the metal ring are the 'old style' center caps and were not intended to fit wheels of a 231. You need the new style center caps with the 3 plastic tabs as mentioned in the post above if you own genuine MB 231 wheels.

I think there is a chance the newer style 3-tab center caps for the 231 will also fit into the Mandrus 'Stirling' Wheels that Eddieo45, (The OP), just purchased.. Should that turn out to be the case, I hope Eddie will let us know. .

The good news is there are plenty of center cap choices to select from for a 231 with MB wheels, and it's a nice way to give your 231's wheels a 'custom look'.

Available styles include the Silver Star type, the traditional wreath design in blue, grey, or black as well as the stock center cap that comes on the newest face lifted 231 models. (black). There are some other new designs as well, including AMG center caps and new 'raised cap' designs in multiple bright colors. All these are genuine MB center caps, not aftermarket parts. (You can verify the fitment for your year/model 231 with the site's experts before placing an order).

To view all available genuine MB center cap styles click on the website link below. I think you'll be amazed at just how many different center cap styles are available now! Take a look by clicking the link below!

https://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/op..._caps_mercedes





,

Last edited by bob55; Aug 24, 2019 at 07:33 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2019 | 03:29 PM
  #12  
eddieo45's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
Originally Posted by bob55
The center caps with the metal ring are the 'old style' center caps and were not intended to fit wheels of a 231. You need the new style center caps with the 3 plastic tabs as mentioned in the post above if you own genuine MB 231 wheels.

I think there is a chance the newer style 3-tab center caps for the 231 will also fit into the Mandrus 'Stirling' Wheels that Eddieo45, (The OP), just purchased.. Should that turn out to be the case, I hope Eddie will let us know.
As I stated above, I was able to force into my OEM wheels (and remove) my old MB silver star center caps, saved from a 2002 model I once owned. The Amazon aftermarket ones were slightly larger but with slightly more effort I got those in (and out) as well.

Originally Posted by bob55
The good news is there are plenty of center cap choices to select from for a 231 with MB wheels, and it's a nice way to give your 231's wheels a 'custom look'.

Available styles include the Silver Star type, the traditional wreath design in blue, grey, or black as well as the stock center cap that comes on the newest face lifted 231 models. (black). There are some other new designs as well, including AMG center caps and new 'raised cap' designs in multiple bright colors. All these are genuine MB center caps, not aftermarket parts. (You can verify the fitment for your year/model 231 with the site's experts before placing an order).

To view all available genuine MB center cap styles click on the website link below. I think you'll be amazed at just how many different center cap styles are available now! Take a look by clicking the link below!

https://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/op..._caps_mercedes


They list so many part numbers some must be old style; I emailed Tony to ask which ones fit Mandrus Stirling.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2021 | 09:24 AM
  #13  
ZCARGUY's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 123
Likes: 61
From: Nashville, TN
2019 SL450
I know this is an old thread, but I recently purchased Mandrus Millenium wheels for my 2019 SL450. The OEM center caps fit as did two sets I bought on ebay for about $15-$20 a set.
I went with these raised center caps out of my three choices. Really like the look over OEM wheels.




Reply
Old Jan 19, 2021 | 10:46 AM
  #14  
iridium18's Avatar
Super Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 541
Likes: 158
From: Houston Texas
2023 AMG GLE63s, 2017 AMG SL63, 2024 Sprinter, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette
Very Sharp !
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2021 | 11:05 AM
  #15  
Streamliner's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,154
Likes: 4,381
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Beautiful car!
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:52 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE