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Those are cast “knock offs” for lack of a better term, from China. Typically they don’t cast the AMG logo in them and they will not have a Mercedes part numbers cast on the inside of the wheel. Likely, they are more brittle than the factory wheels. But your mileage may vary, as there are a bunch of manufacturers of those look a like factory wheels.
Thanks, this car has been a bit of a mystery. I got it a couple months ago, 2013, 5,900 miles. Designo paint, all the options, etc. The Carfax shows it being shipped back and forth from New York to Beverly Hills. Got it in Florida at a high end "Candy Store" type dealer and was told it was traded on a Bentley. I wish I knew more of the car's history.
I was not crazy about the black wheels but was surprised that my wife actually likes them. Plus, I did not want to shell out the extra $$$ to replace them so soon after buying the car. Perhaps somewhere down the road...
I was not crazy about the black wheels but was surprised that my wife actually likes them. Plus, I did not want to shell out the extra $$$ to replace them so soon after buying the car. Perhaps somewhere down the road..
Haha drive it ‘till the wheels fall off!
If they spin and balance fine, you should be good for normal driving. Visually, 99% of people won’t even know the difference, and if you like them that’s all that matters.
If they crack worry about them then. 👍
CR, thanks for your input, on this and many other R231 threads. I checked the wheels and they do actually have the AMG stamp on them, it just didn't show in the picture. Does that change anything as far as whether they might be OEM or more/less prone to crack?
CR, thanks for your input, on this and many other R231 threads. I checked the wheels and they do actually have the AMG stamp on them, it just didn't show in the picture. Does that change anything as far as whether they might be OEM or more/less prone to crack?
That’s good news. If they have the AMG logo’s, and it’s the correct one, as even some of the knockoffs have logos. Then at least they are real. You shouldn’t face any of the QC and balance issues inherent with knockoffs. As far as cracking goes, castings by nature are brittle. So while a forged rim may be more likely to bend, a cast one would probably crack. You would at least hope that the metallurgy/machining in the OEM wheel would be more consistent and superior to the knock off.
look at the logo on the wheels carefully, the bars preceding the AMG logo should get thinner as they get to the A (like the bottom pic).
The best way to tell is when the wheels are off look at the back for correct part numbers and Mercedes logo.
Knockoff:
Authentic:
Last edited by crconsulting; 01-06-2022 at 12:42 PM.
That’s good news. If they have the AMG logo’s, and it’s the correct one, as even some of the knockoffs have logos. Then at least they are real. You shouldn’t face any of the QC and balance issues inherent with knockoffs. As far as cracking goes, castings by nature are brittle. So while a forged rim may be more likely to bend, a cast one would probably crack. You would at least hope that the metallurgy/machining in the OEM wheel would be more consistent and superior to the knock off.
look at the logo on the wheels carefully, the bars preceding the AMG logo should get thinner as they get to the A (like the bottom pic).
The best way to tell is when the wheels are off look at the back for correct part numbers and Mercedes logo.
Knockoff:
Authentic:
Again, thanks for the insights. These look to be okay. The are not as sharply defined as in your example but I may also have been a little close. Like most, I guess, I'm curious about my car's prior life. 5,955 miles on a 2013 suggests at least some kind of story. I did not have much to go on since I bought this from a dealer. Fortunately for me, there was an old title in the paperwork. I was able to look up the previous owner's home on Google Maps yesterday and it looks as if the car led a privileged life; Big home, big wooded lot butting up to a golf course, a clay tennis court, multi-car garage. Much more impressive than my little hovel.
Thankfully my new wheels already came in, but I haven’t had them mounted yet due to my work schedule, and also because it snowed a few days ago. It is supposed to snow again tonight. Excited to put the new shoes on, but might end up waiting until spring.
'17 SL450, '17 Volt, '17 Malibu Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
I still say the problem with these wheels is the diameter, not the brand. The whole wagon wheel craze has gotten out of hand. The SL is a relatively heavy car, and a 19" wheel (never mind 20s) just doesn't leave much cushion on hard bumps. If I do end up changing out my wheels, it'll be 18s all the way for me...
Originally Posted by Streamliner
Each time you post this photo, I can't help but think that I'd really like to see a set of these wheels (in 17" or 18") on a 231. I bet it would look awesome...
Last edited by Dr. Manhattan; 01-16-2022 at 04:04 PM.
12-28-2021 | 05:36 PM
