Hello wheel buffs, I need a little help from you. I just purchased my first MBZ, a 2002 C320. I bought a set of 2012 C300 wheels that I had installed on it, but I'm not sure they've been installed properly, so I want to see if you can help me out with a few questions.


The rears installed no problem - they put some 12mm spacers and (I later found out) they ground off a little off the tips of the lug bolts because it was making a ticking sound after installation. This doesn't appear to affect anything.


After I got home, I noticed that they did not put the center caps on any of the wheels. The rears went on just fine.


The fronts, the center caps would not go on all the way. I installed 5mm spacers (H&R). When I pulled the wheels off, I noticed they used generic lug bolts, not the OEMs that were on the vehicle (I assume the OEMs were too long?). To my shock though, I noticed they mixed some cone seat bolts with accord seat. After installing the spacers, I was able to fit the center caps. However, I now have a slight vibration at ~60-65mph.


Now my questions:


1) I'm going to replace at least some of the lug bolts they used. However, I'm not sure what I need. After reading many threads, I found conflicting information as to whether I need different size bolts or not. Some threads say my stock bolts are fine, others say I need bolts with "14mm head and 12mm shank." Which is accurate? If I do need different sized bolts, how would I order them & from where? I'm in Southern California by the way.


With regard to the spacers, I read plenty on that as well. I know the "new" wheels have huge offsets compared to my stock rims, so would I run into any problems (rubbing, herting bearnings, etc) if I go with 10mm spacers up front & 20mm in rear? Any recommendations on good spacers with a hub "lip" for proper centering? Otherwise I might pull the spacers completely, grind the tabs off the center caps and fix them with adhesive.


Thanks in advance for any advice. See images above for the wheel types.

 

Ok, I went to a different tire shop who took care of everything. They moved the 12mm rear spacers to the front (they machined them to perfection to fit the front hub) and installed 20mm spacers in the rear. All spacers have a hub lip. They used the rear bolts in front and installed new, longer bolts in the rear. It rolls smooth as silk now. Final result in the pic.

 

Just convert to wheel studs and save yourself the hassle if you plan on keeping those wheels with spacers. Also doesn't hurt that it makes the removal and installation of the wheels that much easier for future use.

Edit: I somehow missed your last post where you got the issue fixed. Good to hear.

 

Trying the same thing here. Have stock w204 alloys and my W203 2006 C200. Were to i get
studs M14 with M12 shanks?