Spacers and lug bolts for 500E

I have replaced the Factory wheels of my 500E (1992), for an 18/8
Front and 18/10 rears and I'm still using the original factory Lug bolts, (100 mm lug bolts).

To feet the new 18"wheels, I had to use 15mm spacers for each wheel in order to keep the factory (wheel) settings.

As far as I understand, the 15mm spacers were needed only for the front wheels, in order to fit the massive front break calipers of the 500E.

On the other hand, the 18/10 would feet perfect on the rear without spacers, using a set of shorter lug bolts. In fact, we did try it, and worked. The only problem was that the lug bolts were from other MB (without the space that the 500E’s original bolts have on the top part) so; the head of the bolt went to dip in to the wheel, to the point that it was very difficult to screw and the lug bolt would disappear from the face of the wheel.

Now, I would like to get a set of 85mm lug bolts, same style as the ones I'm using on the front wheels (500E Original Type of Lug bolts) for the rear wheels, so I can get read of the 15mm rear spacers, that I don't need and have the same lock (lug bolts) on the face of each wheel.

I was given a part number 203 401 03 70 by the parts shop, but does not work for what I need. Since, the 15mm difference on the lug bolt is on the top part of the lug, not on the bottom, which is what I need.

Please, could anyone give me advice?

Ricardo

suggest calling Luke at tire rack & let us know how this turned out for you.

good luck
-fad

The other option is to take the longer bolts, and trim them down to the length you need

Alon

__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Hi Ricardo!

I am going through the process of wheel upgrading. the Dealer (if the wheels are new) was supposed to supply the appropriate lugs for both the rear 18X10 which should not require spacer kit but depending on wheel config/face depth may require different llugs. The front 18X8 would most likely require a spacer kit. The spacer kit consists of two spacers and 10 lugs.

If you purchased the wheels used and no lugs were supplied, email the original manufacturer of the wheel and tell them the wheels are to be mounted on a 500E and they will tell you which lugs and spacers are needed and where to get them. The mfgr. seems to know more than the end distributors as I am in the middle of a spacer debate between the OZ folks and their distributors on an 18" front wheel. OZ says spacer kit and lugs neccy on the front to get the filled "wheelwell look" - Dealers say no - will bolt on direct just as the rear 18X10s will with factory lugs. OZ says will need the lugs supplied by OZ for rear wheels or I will run into the same problem that you are experiencing.

Tom

Curiosity- What kind of wheels are they?

Thanks for your replies!!

Alon

The option to take the longer bolts (which are the ones I have) and trim them down to the length I need is not recommended by Mercedes Benz.

Believe me, your suggestion is what I would do if the MB people would give me the OK.

Thanks!!

Ricardo


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Tom

WHEELS are 15-SPOKE FORGED 3-PIECE. Made to order by Desmond of Japan.

The wheels have forged center and spun rim. Therefore are lightweights (18x8 aprox.20.5 Lbs. and 18x10 aprox.22.8 Lbs.) while still maintaining superior strength.

This wheel is custom tailored and is not available in the USA.

I don’t know how to post pictures here, so if you send me your personal e-mail address. I can send you a side (wheel) view of my car and other picture with the lug bolt that I have and the one that I need, Just for you in case you can mention my case, on your conversation with OZ.

Good Luck and please keep me posted!!

Thanks

Ricardo

OZ will not be able to answer a custom made Desmond question.

OZ of Florida (USA Wholesaler) was able to answer very specific E500 questions and concerns re the Opera Modular wheel offsets and appropriate lugs/spacer kits.

OZ of Italy did not seem to know the E500 even existed(The closest they came was an E42 Saloon(Known Stateside as an E420) and told me a certain wheel size would fit that I knew would not.

If Desmond knew the application they were custom making the wheel for (ET 35MM), they should also know what spacer kit and associated lugs would be neccy to effect the appearance that you desire.(stay away from the 275MM width tires unless you plan on a fender roll) Italianbenz is experiencing scraping on his rear Silver Arrows with 275/35X18s on his 10X18 wheels. {I had a feeling he would but was not about to tell a Mercedes Tech that he may have a problem-especially an Italian Mercedes Tech;^}

Email the Factory CSR folks and query them. Then email the USA Representative and compare the answers.

Tom

if i'm not mistaken, any wheel/tire combo that will fit onto an R129 SL is compatible with a 500E/E500. So, if you're inquiring somewhere about rims/tires and they don't know what a 500E/E500 is. as about the application onto an R129 500 or 600SL

__________________
'94 W124.036 249/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'93 W124.036 199/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs, up in flames...LITERALLY!
'93 W124.036 481/040 leder; euro delivery; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'88 R107.048 441/409 leder; Euro lights
'87 W201.034 199/040 leder; Euro lights; EvoII brakes; 8x16 EvoIs - soon: 500E rear brakes
'70 R113.044 050/526; factory alloys; Euro lights

Boy, if these wheels were custom made, you should NOT have to use any spacers (IMHO they cause undue stress to the axle), and the offset should of been right on, as well has having a backpad long enough to clear the width of the 500E calipers.

Somone did not do their homework before building your wheels.

Best of luck,
:-) neil

Neil

You are right, my mistake!!

I’m not too knowledgeable about such a Technical matters, In fact I still learning!!

Thank you for your post

Ricardo