Bad Day - Bent Rim. Any Advice?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
Bad Day - Bent Rim. Any Advice?
I was driving home from work. Not only did I hit a cabinet drawer (yes!) on the freeway, but I later hit a pot hole and bent my rim.
Here are the pics, and I'm going to need your help.
As far as my rim, if I'm not losing any air from my tire, are there any negative things which could happen if I don't fix the rim?
If I do need to fix the rim, do you guys recommend any good shops (preferaby in northern California). Or do I need to replace the rim?
Thanks for your help...
[URL=http://imageshack.us]
[/URL
Here are the pics, and I'm going to need your help.
As far as my rim, if I'm not losing any air from my tire, are there any negative things which could happen if I don't fix the rim?
If I do need to fix the rim, do you guys recommend any good shops (preferaby in northern California). Or do I need to replace the rim?
Thanks for your help...
[URL=http://imageshack.us]
[/URL
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: West Coast, USA
2 SL with every Brabus mods available & Class A competition sound system
sorry the hear that......Rim can be fix.......do your tire bubble up on the sidewall.....?? if it is.... you need a new tire.......good luck..... 
Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 194
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From: Miami
BMW M6
it looks like your rims are mutli-piece rims, meaning you could probably replace the outer piece of the rim if too banged up, cheaper than replacing the whole rim. i have seen wheel repair shops do miracles, they are several here in miami
good luck!
good luck!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,907
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
Thanks for the quick reply, guys...
Coalman: What is dangerous about riding on a bent rim?
SL Brabus: My tire did not bubble up. Not on the outside, at least. I haven't checked the inner side of the tire yet.
c32: You have a good point. My rims are 3-piece. I could probably just replace the lip? What are the names of the shops in Miami you're referring to?
Medici: It's still early, but no detectable air loss yet. I drove 150 miles on this bent (from Fresno to the Bay Area. I already did not want to be in Fresno on business, and this capped it off
). To answer your question, I did not feel any vibration during my long trek back. I wouldn't use the term vibration. I can't quite describe it. It still felt balanced and smooth, but at times, I felt like my car was floating a bit? I'm sure my alignment is off.
Coalman: What is dangerous about riding on a bent rim?
SL Brabus: My tire did not bubble up. Not on the outside, at least. I haven't checked the inner side of the tire yet.
c32: You have a good point. My rims are 3-piece. I could probably just replace the lip? What are the names of the shops in Miami you're referring to?
Medici: It's still early, but no detectable air loss yet. I drove 150 miles on this bent (from Fresno to the Bay Area. I already did not want to be in Fresno on business, and this capped it off
). To answer your question, I did not feel any vibration during my long trek back. I wouldn't use the term vibration. I can't quite describe it. It still felt balanced and smooth, but at times, I felt like my car was floating a bit? I'm sure my alignment is off.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 601
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From: NorCal - SF
Mercedes-Benz
Originally Posted by tbone
Thanks for the quick reply, guys...
Coalman: What is dangerous about riding on a bent rim?
SL Brabus: My tire did not bubble up. Not on the outside, at least. I haven't checked the inner side of the tire yet.
c32: You have a good point. My rims are 3-piece. I could probably just replace the lip? What are the names of the shops in Miami you're referring to?
Medici: It's still early, but no detectable air loss yet. I drove 150 miles on this bent (from Fresno to the Bay Area. I already did not want to be in Fresno on business, and this capped it off ). To answer your question, I did not feel any vibration during my long trek back. I wouldn't use the term vibration. I can't quite describe it. It still felt balanced and smooth, but at times, I felt like my car was floating a bit? I'm sure my alignment is off.
Coalman: What is dangerous about riding on a bent rim?
SL Brabus: My tire did not bubble up. Not on the outside, at least. I haven't checked the inner side of the tire yet.
c32: You have a good point. My rims are 3-piece. I could probably just replace the lip? What are the names of the shops in Miami you're referring to?
Medici: It's still early, but no detectable air loss yet. I drove 150 miles on this bent (from Fresno to the Bay Area. I already did not want to be in Fresno on business, and this capped it off
). To answer your question, I did not feel any vibration during my long trek back. I wouldn't use the term vibration. I can't quite describe it. It still felt balanced and smooth, but at times, I felt like my car was floating a bit? I'm sure my alignment is off.
There are a couple of places here in the bay area. I think my brother had a set repaired here:Wheel Techniques
2885 South Winchester Blvd.
Campbell, California 95008
Phone: 408 / 866-5859
Fax: 408 / 866-2507
http://www.wheeltechniques.com
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,907
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
Originally Posted by aintME
FresNOOOOO. I don't blame you. heh. There are a couple of places here in the bay area. I think my brother had a set repaired here:
Wheel Techniques
2885 South Winchester Blvd.
Campbell, California 95008
Phone: 408 / 866-5859
Fax: 408 / 866-2507
http://www.wheeltechniques.com
There are a couple of places here in the bay area. I think my brother had a set repaired here:Wheel Techniques
2885 South Winchester Blvd.
Campbell, California 95008
Phone: 408 / 866-5859
Fax: 408 / 866-2507
http://www.wheeltechniques.com
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you might want to give them a call in the AM. 
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: orlando,fl.
2005 e55
Originally Posted by tbone
I was driving home from work. Not only did I hit a cabinet drawer (yes!) on the freeway, but I later hit a pot hole and bent my rim.
Here are the pics, and I'm going to need your help.
As far as my rim, if I'm not losing any air from my tire, are there any negative things which could happen if I don't fix the rim?
If I do need to fix the rim, do you guys recommend any good shops (preferaby in northern California). Or do I need to replace the rim?
Thanks for your help...
[URL=http://imageshack.us][/URL
Here are the pics, and I'm going to need your help.
As far as my rim, if I'm not losing any air from my tire, are there any negative things which could happen if I don't fix the rim?
If I do need to fix the rim, do you guys recommend any good shops (preferaby in northern California). Or do I need to replace the rim?
Thanks for your help...
[URL=http://imageshack.us]
[/URL
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: orlando,fl.
2005 e55
Originally Posted by aintME
FresNOOOOO. I don't blame you. heh. There are a couple of places here in the bay area. I think my brother had a set repaired here:
Wheel Techniques
2885 South Winchester Blvd.
Campbell, California 95008
Phone: 408 / 866-5859
Fax: 408 / 866-2507
http://www.wheeltechniques.com
There are a couple of places here in the bay area. I think my brother had a set repaired here:Wheel Techniques
2885 South Winchester Blvd.
Campbell, California 95008
Phone: 408 / 866-5859
Fax: 408 / 866-2507
http://www.wheeltechniques.com
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 3
From: Sydney, Australia
2017 S63 Coupe Iridium Silver
Originally Posted by tbone
Thanks for the quick reply, guys...
Coalman: What is dangerous about riding on a bent rim?
SL Brabus: My tire did not bubble up. Not on the outside, at least. I haven't checked the inner side of the tire yet.
c32: You have a good point. My rims are 3-piece. I could probably just replace the lip? What are the names of the shops in Miami you're referring to?
Medici: It's still early, but no detectable air loss yet. I drove 150 miles on this bent (from Fresno to the Bay Area. I already did not want to be in Fresno on business, and this capped it off ). To answer your question, I did not feel any vibration during my long trek back. I wouldn't use the term vibration. I can't quite describe it. It still felt balanced and smooth, but at times, I felt like my car was floating a bit? I'm sure my alignment is off.
Coalman: What is dangerous about riding on a bent rim?
SL Brabus: My tire did not bubble up. Not on the outside, at least. I haven't checked the inner side of the tire yet.
c32: You have a good point. My rims are 3-piece. I could probably just replace the lip? What are the names of the shops in Miami you're referring to?
Medici: It's still early, but no detectable air loss yet. I drove 150 miles on this bent (from Fresno to the Bay Area. I already did not want to be in Fresno on business, and this capped it off
). To answer your question, I did not feel any vibration during my long trek back. I wouldn't use the term vibration. I can't quite describe it. It still felt balanced and smooth, but at times, I felt like my car was floating a bit? I'm sure my alignment is off.I think you have a polished stainless overlay on the dish, and that can be replaced on the rolled rim, to hide any minor blemishes of repair. All this will be very time consuming and you will probably end up saving 10% off the price of a new wheel.
There is a very good chance that you suddenly lose all tire pressure on your next tight corner, as the rubber peels off the bent segment of your damaged rim, so I hope there are no trees where you live...
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
Safety: If you are an aggressive driver, or hit another hole, a crack (or weakness in the alloy) would show more immediately as a full out break and cause an accident. I have seen it happen on the track with rims that were "bent" back out and the part that breaks is always the part that was weakened during the bending. Again, you may have a crack now or it may get one during the "repair" it will ride fine at the beginning, but it just will not be able to hold up at some point. Be careful and it is a game of risk assessment. Personally, I'd pay.
Looks: as another memeber mentioned, they are 3 pieces, but that is actually a misnomer that you can have a single part replaced. If the rims are custom, you can send them back to the company and have them re-build a new set using your "good" components. The screws do need replacement. Also, the car will be down.
A few things to think on: Is the lip forged or cast? Can matter.
My personal recommendation is to have a wheel shop "fix" it temporarily and order a new one. An alternative (and even better) is to buy a set of cheap ones (yes they are pretty cheap compared to the cars) while you order a new rim.
The tire bubble won't necessarily show up on day one. It will be hard to balance and the metal will actually move around in the tire over time (if harmed). Typically, if the rim bend happened, then the tire is also shot, since the "hit" comes through the tire and to the rim.
Keep safe
Looks: as another memeber mentioned, they are 3 pieces, but that is actually a misnomer that you can have a single part replaced. If the rims are custom, you can send them back to the company and have them re-build a new set using your "good" components. The screws do need replacement. Also, the car will be down.
A few things to think on: Is the lip forged or cast? Can matter.
My personal recommendation is to have a wheel shop "fix" it temporarily and order a new one. An alternative (and even better) is to buy a set of cheap ones (yes they are pretty cheap compared to the cars) while you order a new rim.
The tire bubble won't necessarily show up on day one. It will be hard to balance and the metal will actually move around in the tire over time (if harmed). Typically, if the rim bend happened, then the tire is also shot, since the "hit" comes through the tire and to the rim.
Keep safe
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,907
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
Originally Posted by Kevin M.
Hey easy on the Fresno comments!! thats my town.. anyways there is a shop in Fresno that can fix it. Eagle Dynamic's, the owner is Terry.
Nothing against your town, itself...I was just annoyed with my situation. Down in Fresno for 3 weeks (work), and I don't have any family or friends down there. And, of course, I bend my rim my last day there, on my way back. It sure took away all the excitement of coming home.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,907
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
Thanks for all of your help, guys. It seems like I'll either have to fix the rim or replace it. From what some of you have said about repairing a rim, I'm a bit hesitant to go that route. Will probably order a new one.
As I've already sold my factory rims, I needed a spare to ride on. Luckily for me, my friend has an '03 E55 on HRE's. He's going to let me use his factory rims.
Do you know if they are a direct bolt-on to an '03 E500? Will the offset work on my lowered E500? What about the lugbolts? Are my aftermarket lugs the right length?
Thanks.
As I've already sold my factory rims, I needed a spare to ride on. Luckily for me, my friend has an '03 E55 on HRE's. He's going to let me use his factory rims.
Do you know if they are a direct bolt-on to an '03 E500? Will the offset work on my lowered E500? What about the lugbolts? Are my aftermarket lugs the right length?
Thanks.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Fresno, Cali
CLS 55
Originally Posted by tbone
My apologies, Kevin. No harm intended. Nothing against your town, itself...I was just annoyed with my situation. Down in Fresno for 3 weeks (work), and I don't have any family or friends down there.
And, of course, I bend my rim my last day there, on my way back. It sure took away all the excitement of coming home.
Nothing against your town, itself...I was just annoyed with my situation. Down in Fresno for 3 weeks (work), and I don't have any family or friends down there. And, of course, I bend my rim my last day there, on my way back. It sure took away all the excitement of coming home.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
Originally Posted by Kevin M.
No prob, i'm just giving you a hard time, do you recall what street you were on when it happened?
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From: El Paso, TX
'03 G500, '13 G63, '17 GLS63,
Originally Posted by Rafal
Most multipiece wheels are not meant to be taken apart. These torx titanium screws are factory tightened and once you undo them, they will snap when you re-tighten them.Even if you manage to save them, the wheel will wobble for ever. Unless the whole wheel can be rolled and polished, get a new rim.
I think you have a polished stainless overlay on the dish, and that can be replaced on the rolled rim, to hide any minor blemishes of repair. All this will be very time consuming and you will probably end up saving 10% off the price of a new wheel.
There is a very good chance that you suddenly lose all tire pressure on your next tight corner, as the rubber peels off the bent segment of your damaged rim, so I hope there are no trees where you live...
I think you have a polished stainless overlay on the dish, and that can be replaced on the rolled rim, to hide any minor blemishes of repair. All this will be very time consuming and you will probably end up saving 10% off the price of a new wheel.
There is a very good chance that you suddenly lose all tire pressure on your next tight corner, as the rubber peels off the bent segment of your damaged rim, so I hope there are no trees where you live...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,907
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
I'm getting different answers in regards to the safety involved in changing just the outer lip vs. buying a new rim.
Does anyone know if it's safe to replace just the outer lip on Work Wheels?
Does anyone know if it's safe to replace just the outer lip on Work Wheels?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 507
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W208 CLK55K, GTR, RS5
First off I would like to apologize for my Fresno comment, sorry if I offended anyone.
As for the wheels, it really boils down to howmuch the wheels are worth. If the wheels are custom made then you should have them repaired. I've had a few sets repaired and haven't had any problems. Wheel repair can range from $150 - $250 each. If a new wheel is around the same price range I would just get a new wheel. Or, you can go for a whole new look and get a new set of rims and sell your current set.
As for the wheels, it really boils down to howmuch the wheels are worth. If the wheels are custom made then you should have them repaired. I've had a few sets repaired and haven't had any problems. Wheel repair can range from $150 - $250 each. If a new wheel is around the same price range I would just get a new wheel. Or, you can go for a whole new look and get a new set of rims and sell your current set.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,907
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
Originally Posted by 55 ON IT
First off I would like to apologize for my Fresno comment, sorry if I offended anyone.
As for the wheels, it really boils down to howmuch the wheels are worth. If the wheels are custom made then you should have them repaired. I've had a few sets repaired and haven't had any problems. Wheel repair can range from $150 - $250 each. If a new wheel is around the same price range I would just get a new wheel. Or, you can go for a whole new look and get a new set of rims and sell your current set.
As for the wheels, it really boils down to howmuch the wheels are worth. If the wheels are custom made then you should have them repaired. I've had a few sets repaired and haven't had any problems. Wheel repair can range from $150 - $250 each. If a new wheel is around the same price range I would just get a new wheel. Or, you can go for a whole new look and get a new set of rims and sell your current set.
At this point, based on the advice I've received, I will either get the rim repaired or have the outer lip and bolts replaced.
I'm being told that metal has "memory", so if I repair it, that section of the rim will be more prone to being bent again, at softer impact.
Any truth to this?
Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Miami
BMW M6
Originally Posted by Rafal
Most multipiece wheels are not meant to be taken apart. These torx titanium screws are factory tightened and once you undo them, they will snap when you re-tighten them.Even if you manage to save them, the wheel will wobble for ever. Unless the whole wheel can be rolled and polished, get a new rim.
I think you have a polished stainless overlay on the dish, and that can be replaced on the rolled rim, to hide any minor blemishes of repair. All this will be very time consuming and you will probably end up saving 10% off the price of a new wheel.
There is a very good chance that you suddenly lose all tire pressure on your next tight corner, as the rubber peels off the bent segment of your damaged rim, so I hope there are no trees where you live...
I think you have a polished stainless overlay on the dish, and that can be replaced on the rolled rim, to hide any minor blemishes of repair. All this will be very time consuming and you will probably end up saving 10% off the price of a new wheel.
There is a very good chance that you suddenly lose all tire pressure on your next tight corner, as the rubber peels off the bent segment of your damaged rim, so I hope there are no trees where you live...
