BR34K3R

Hi guys,

I put on these Giovanna Mecca's on my CL55 and noticed noise the second I left the wheel shop which was Thursday night (had stereo off, to check if my tires are rubbing since the car is lowered). The noise (very faint) sounded like glue or something sticky on one of the tires. On my way home from the rim shop I stopped and checked to see what it was but I couldn't see anything.

I figured its probably the sticker that they took off of the brand new tires.

The next day (Friday) I went to the Wheel Shop and picked up my wheel locks but I didn't notice anything since I always turn on my stereo when I get in the car.

The following two days the car sat (I didn't drive it Sat. and Sun.) On Monday day I went to work but I could hear that the noise was getting louder. So on Tuesday, I went to the Wheel shop and said my tire/wheel is making noise, they said "the tires are new and they are wearing in/settling in" so I said ok, picked up my OEM wheels and left.

On Wednesday I drove the car again, heard the noise was getting even louder (sounded like bearings) So I said something is wrong and drove to my buddies shop which was the closest place to where I was at. As I pull in I notice a SL55 on his jack with the exact same wheels as mine. While I was pulling up to his bay he comes laughing and says "the noise is your wheels, they're plastic". I was like WTF you mean its plastic?

Basically the SL55 there was also having the same issue, the outer chrome section of these wheels is made of plastic (it is like an insert) and is making a crackling, clicking-sticky sound every time that portion of the wheel touches the ground.

I was so pissed, if I had known these wheels had plastic on them I would not have bought them. I am sure Giovanna will do the right thing and replace that wheel, since its only NOW 7 days old.

It's funny and sad at the same time. I can't drive my car now because its embarrassing, it sounds horrible driving down the street with your wheel clicking.

The wheel shop has been very nice and helpful about it and said that they have had this problem one time before (so that makes it at least 3 times, Mine the SL55 and the one the rim shop knows about) they said they will take off the wheel and take it to Giovanna for a replacement on Monday (means I won't be driving the car till Monday).

So do a lot of research about wheels before you buy them, especially if your considering Giovanna wheels. And if you've had a similar problem please chime in. I would like to know what the outcome was.

CharlestonN

A plastic insert? Wow, that's a new one on me

Might be a blessing in disguise, i think you can find much better looking wheels for the W215 chassis

I personally like a more full-hubed 7-10 spoke design

Sorry that you had such a bad experience though

By the way, what was the size and offset for those wheels? The fitment looks great

radride

LOL. What did you think was going to happen buying cheap made in China wheels?

R.K.

radride

First post here:

https://mbworld.org/forums/cl55-amg-...se-wheels.html

R.K.

BR34K3R

China made is one thing, but plastic? I mean come on that's gotta be disclosed to the buyer.

radride

No it doesn't. Its always buyer beware. Did you ask what they were made of? No. You assumed. I've been burned tooooo many times assuming things. Now I get all of the info before I make my decision. Another example of this was when I was shopping for a new truck. I looked at the new Ram's and I was admiring the wheels on how shiny they were. I touched them and realized the chrome part was a plastic cover. They did this so its easier for the buyer to repair their wheels when they wreck them. I asked the salesman and he confirmed my suspicions. That turned me off and I didn't end up buying the truck.

R.K.

BR34K3R

Yeah your right I assumed, I still can't believe they used a plastic ring as as insert.

BR34K3R

At least they did a good enough job of making it look like metal chrome, I think it might just be my bad luck ( I have a lot of that).

I checked all over the net but couldn't find anyone else with the same problem but the weird thing is I know someone locally with this problem.

I'm sure they are a good company, I'll definitely find out on Monday.

CONCAVO

Car looks GREAT. Its not that its a plastic insert , the lip thats on the wheels is a stainless steel lip and there pressed on or rolled on to the wheels in production. Some time the stainless steel lip doesnt hold on to the outter edge of the wheel. If you tap or flick the lip with your finger, it will sound like a coke can. Most of the cast wheels now with a lip come stainless steel.

BR34K3R

Thanks for clearing that up concavo, that explains why it still looks like metal. I can definitely hear the crackling noise even if I press hard on the lip while the car is stationary.

I am not the type to talk crap about a company...things happen and that why I said I'm sure they are a good company. I hope they take care of it and I don't have future problems. I like the wheels and they get great compliments from others.

Happy Thanksgiving

CONCAVO

Have a GREAT night. Happy Thanksgiving you also .

BR34K3R

Thanks I will definitely hit you up to test out your wheels as well my cars get a lot of exposure.

CONCAVO

You let me know when your ready.

We have :

hyperion667

wow.....the whole wheel?
I must have missed something.....

BR34K3R

No just the outer rim. Well according to concavo ( I'm sure he knows what he's saying) the outer portion ( chrome ring in the.pics) is actually stainless steel that is press fitted on to the wheels during production.

So basically the chrome ring on the wheels is actually a thin piece of stainless steel that is fitted to the wheel to make itappear as if there is a polished chrome lip. Sort of like a crown for a tooth...lol

platinumsc

There are several wheel companies using the thin stainless steel lip these days. They may not be the first but the first company I knew to do it was Vossen. But Vossen doesn't use paper thin stainless steel. Some other companies do.
Giovanna is known for high quality products so this is probably an aberration.

I wouldn't be too happy about it either but regardless of how much you spend, there will be issues with wheels. Mainly because the aftermarkets are not regulated and have no standards to obey like tire companies do.
Most wheels are fine because too many problems would cause a serious catastrophe...but the few issues that occur are still more than it would be if there were regulatory bodies keeping track.
Just exchange the wheel and save up for something better but take your time and get wheels you'll keep for years.

elijah

Wow chief Im really sorry to hear this. And I kind of pushed you to buy these wheels. If I had known I wouldve said something.
I hope they replace the wheels for you