Hello,

I just recently purchased a 2003 Black SL55. On it where 19" Aftermarket Brabus Replicas wheels. Which I love the way they look, which is why I purchased this specific SL55.

However, I live in NJ very close to NYC. One night I went into NYC & came home (towed) with 2 front flats & 2 bent front rims (supposedly unrepairable).

I didn't hit any major pot holes & was driving extremely slow. NYC roads have to be some of the worst in the country so I guess that is why it happened. Now that I got the rims replaced with new ones, I am scared to drive into NYC again for fear the same will happen. But I need/like to go into NYC from time to time so I dont want to be limited by the wheels & I dont want to have to get a second car.

I am hoping there is a solution to my problem.

So I have been researching (I am not too knowledgeable about wheels/cars) to try & find a different set to replace too.

Now from what I heard, my best option would be to replace back to the Factory 18" AMG wheels. But here is my delimma... I think the are ugly. For me the wheels on a car make or break it. The 19" Factory AMG are nice but too expensive I heard about 2000 per wheel & plus still 19"

From some research it seems like my best option (although here is what I need help on) is to go down to 18", get Forged wheels or Low cast, as they said they are made stronger & get Run Flat Tires. Probelm is not many in Forged 18", very expensive, & most I dont not like the way they look.

So I am trying to find a set that are very strong, that I can drive in NYC, something I like, & something I can afford...up to 2500.00 range for 4.

Here are some that I like BUT...

1) 18" Forged, but too expensive
http://superbuytires.com/Asanti/AF+1...p1=&p2=&finish=

2) 18", cheap, but I would think quality is too bad
http://www.usarim.com/mercedes-wheel...ms-p-1124.html

http://www.mercedesbenzwheel.com/c-c...pe-mbz-71.html


3) 18", cheap, but I would think quality is too bad
http://www.finishlinewheels.com/spec...5%29+Gunmetal/

4) ** This is simialr to what is on my car now
18", cheap, but I would think quality is too bad
http://www.mercedesbenzwheel.com/c-c...pe-mbz-29.html

5) Cheap, Low cast, but 19"
http://www.carid.com/avant-garde-wheels/m328-92812.html


Is their any hope for me ?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Jeff

 

its not the wheel, its the tire. you need to get tires that are 35 or 40 or 45 height and that will guard the wheel from getting damaged.

 

Sometimes it IS the wheel. My last set of rims.. 19inch lorinsers on my clk was horrible. seemed like the rim bent and tire flat for every bump in rd. . now i have 20s on my sl ,a good quality rim and haven't had any major problems. just minor dents in rim(no flats) after major holes that i simply knock out with a rubber mallet. I think it is a combination of good quality rim and tire height.
oh word of advice.. stay off the FDR! pothole central

 

Look in the classifieds man. There are always good deals to be had, especially some refurbished forged wheels you can steal that are in great shape.