Big Smokey gets a new set of shoes! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Rick Miley · #1 06-18-2003, 10:03 PM

The old, ugly, impossible to clean bottle cap wheels. Can't believe I've been living with these things for 4 years.

Rick Miley · #2 06-18-2003, 10:04 PM

The new, stylish, and oh so accessible 5 hole wheels.

edge · #3 06-18-2003, 10:13 PM

Nice wheels, Rick. Do those wheels dissapate the brake dust better and are easier to clean? They really do look great.

leathermang · #4 06-18-2003, 10:14 PM

Those look like the weapon the Klingons use to fight each other to the death in the mating ritual... in the First Generation...

Rick Miley · #5 06-18-2003, 10:47 PM

edge, I can't say whether or not they dissipate the dust better, because I just got them today. But I can say they are much easier to clean, since I wiped them down and put a coat of wax on them when I got home.

Greg, I knew you would come up with something wacky like that. I just called them 5 hole style, but maybe they should be named "Klingon Weapon Style."

Hey, The Warden, what's the name of that weapon?

leathermang · #6 06-19-2003, 02:44 PM

I am just glad you did not put any of those thin straight spoke wheels on it.. I saw a 190 the other day... and it made it look like a piece of tin up on its tip toes. Not like a real car . Like a cat walking on a sticky floor...trying to defy gravity....

Rick Miley · #7 06-19-2003, 02:58 PM

I agree. I looked at dozens of wheel styles trying to find something that would look "right" on the W210. Since you revived my thread, I want to mention that the new wheels are also sporting the new center caps that came from PartsShop at about 1/2 price. I really like those chrome stars. Thanks, Phil!

The Warden · #8 06-19-2003, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rick Miley
Hey, The Warden, what's the name of that weapon?

*lmao* I've got Trekkie blood in me, but not that much...in all honesty, I don't know. No, really!

The new wheels look nice! I would venture to say that the "bottlecap" wheels are still easier to clean than the bundt-cake wheels...I need some of those Kleen Wheels...

rickg · #9 06-19-2003, 03:27 PM

Sweet!!

Maxwell · #10 06-20-2003, 06:02 PM

You Mean A Batleth?

#11 06-21-2003, 04:04 PM

Rick, who makes/sells those wheels. I am a wuss about aftermarket stuff. Those are the only wheels I would honestly consider putting n my car. They look great!! I noticed you mention center caps from partshop--so I guessthey aren't oem?

Rick Miley · #12 06-21-2003, 08:16 PM

Thanks narwhal. I'm extremely happy with the new wheels. They are OE - from the dealer. They are the wheels that were standard on the E420 at the time and could have been ordered as optional equipement on the E300. Same size as the bottle caps - 16x7.5. The E420 sport had wheels that looked the same, but were 17x8.

It's kinda hard to tell in the picture, but the faces are painted and the lips are polished. So I guess if they get scratched from weights or minor curb rash, then they could be repolished. I thought it was interesting that the dealer put the weights on the inboard side and not both sides like Larry always says. But I'm not complaining, they ride very smooth. In fact, they fixed a vibration at 65 that the car has had since new. I always suspected, but now know for sure, that the car was delivered new with a bent wheel.

Continuing in the same tradition, they scratched one of the new ones during installation. I had to complain and they have another one on order. It should get replaced next week with no additional charge.

The center caps are also OE, but PartsShop had a better deal than the dealer. They're normally 11 each, but Phil had the whole set for $24. You have to call him and ask if they're still available at that price. I bought them several weeks ago.