I've got the original hubcaps for my 83 240D. They're in really great shape, have the matching paint color in the center, around the "star", and look awesome.
My question: They don't seem to be restrained/mounted with much force. Doesn't seem to take much to pop 'em off. I'm concerned they may fall off during everyday driving, especially in Pgh with our horrible, pothole laden rough roads.
Does anyone have any experience of losing one, or more of these, "on the road"? Wondered if there was a simple way to "tighten 'em up" so they were a little more secure? Or, am I worrying needlessly? I'd sure hate to lose one.
And, no, moving out of Pgh is NOT an option....lol

Can’t you bend the tabs a bit?

If you have the correct light alloy disc wheels the hub caps and retaining springs are different and I've never lost one on a pot hole but I *did* loose one when a tire went flat on the freeway, I had to run across several unlit lanes late at night .

It scared me 1/2 to death as it was just around a blind corner....

Last time I checked the correct slips were still available new, maybe adding one or two per hub cap might hold them tighter ? .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

Thanks Nate, appreciate your response. Not sure I follow what you're saying....
I do have the original, light alloy black rims, with the 4 silver dashes around the hub portion. I'm thinking what you're referring to, as "slips", is the rubber/plastic (for lack of a better word) piece that cover the metal clips around the circumference of the hub cap? Mine are all present and accounted for but I guess your saying new ones would hold the hubcap a little tighter and more secure, right? Is that an MB only part or have you seen them elsewhere?

As "Popeye" would say...."well blow me down" hahaha (showin my age , again). Probably THE #1 greatest feature about these cars is how many of the parts and systems are "serviceable". Rebuildable, in other words. Would never have thought in a million years the clips that hold the hub caps on are not only replaceable, but readily available! And easily swapped out, as well.
My first gut reaction is to jump on this forum for info. With so much knowledge and help, you can't go wrong. The members experience and willingness to assist is second to none. I didn't even look at the hubcap clips before I asked. If I had, I'd have seen what a simple/elegant setup it actually was. Once again, the engineering of these vehicles is amazing.....all the way down to the hubcaps!! Also, once again, many thanks to all.

The hub caps for light alloy wheels are stainless steel, anti magnetic, easy to check with a magnet .

The other, almost identical looking hub caps are chromed steel and use clips without the plastic nubs .

I was suggesting maybe add one or more clip to each hub cap .

FWIW, yes you can use the wrong clips in wither hub cap but it's one helluva push both the get the clips into the edge of the hub cap and then to get the chromed steel hub caps onto light alloy disc wheels .

? Why not post up the plastic tipped clip part number for those who might need some ? .


FWIW, I have a full ste of 5 light alloy 14" wheels for sale in VGC in So. Cal.

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

You're right about the possibility of losing a hubcap to a pothole. I hit one a few months back and it sent one of my hubcaps flying (and I was on a surface street in morning traffic...wasn't driving faster than 25 or 30). I had to circle around twice before I finally saw where the hubcap had come to rest. I certainly wasn't going to keep driving until I found that beauty.

I hear you ! .

I'm old and have always preferred stock hub caps, I managed to loose a few of my 1959 Sports Coupe way up in the canyons where I heard it going 'ding ding ding' as it rolled down the road and flew off a cliff..... .

You can bet I looked hard to see if I should clamber down the precipice....

I lost one off my 1959 VW Beetle when first I bought it, it came with no hub caps and few clips so I hunted in my piles 'O junk and fund 5 good wheels with clips and four perfect original hub caps, de rusted and painted, polished etc. and the first time I took SWMBO for a ride one flew off.... GRrrrrrrr .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better