Considering the amount of brake dust that tends to accumulate on these cars, and how hard it is to completely clean the style of wheels I am assuming you have on your 300SD - 14" "bundt" wheels, Id be hesitant to have them chromed, or to buy chrome replicas. I will say a set of chrome bundts can look reallly quite gorgeous, but in terms of maintenance and not to mention longevity (chrome plating tends to flake and tarnish over time) id think it through and weigh the options before chroming.

A re-paint by a body shop will give you factory quality results in terms of looks, but will inevitbaly age and need to be re-painted again in some time.

Powder coating will last very well, and hold up against the elements forcefully. However, the finish wont be quite as glossy and factory like in terms of aesthetics... but only the most observant and educated eye will be able to tell the difference between a powder coat finish and a paint finish on these wheels.

In sum-
Chroming looks great, finish is hard to maintain, and will weather and age the quickest.
Powder coating tends to be more expensive than a traditional re-paint, and deosnt look as glossy as a painted finish. However, its finish is very durable, and still looks good.
Re-painting is most often the cheapest rout to go of thhese 3 choices, offers great gloss, shine, and color, and will look great for a while as long as the finish is properly maintained. But alas, the finish will wear out sooner than a powder coat finish.

For myself, a local MB restoration specialist quoted me $150.00 to strip, re-finish, and clearcoat all 4 of my wheels in the OE finish. They can powder coat for $375.00.
I figure I'll have them repaint them, and when they start looking shoddy again in a few years I'll just go back and have em re-done once again.

naturally, chroming wiill add weight to the wheels, whhich i have heard can make the car handle heavier.. and feel less controlled simply from this increased weight. But I will say chrome bundts sure are gorgeous.

Whatever finish you choose, Im sure it will look great.

__________________
Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


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