eddieo45

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".....

TennesseeZ4

Digging those wheels! Very nice choice! May you have many many miles of crack-less enjoyment!

Streamliner

Those wheels look very nice! Enjoy them!

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.

hyperion667

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

eddieo45

they also came with new lug bolts, which I hope will work with the space-savor spare I bought.

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.

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!

eddieo45

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.




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.

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

tx170754

Also bought a set from Amazon, the silver one, a while ago and they're in my garage, they wouldn't fit....

eddieo45

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.

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. .

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





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eddieo45

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.

They list so many part numbers some must be old style; I emailed Tony to ask which ones fit Mandrus Stirling.

ZCARGUY

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.

iridium18

Very Sharp !

Streamliner

Beautiful car!