Bundt wheels

[cadurning]

I just scored 3 14" Bundt wheels while at the bone yard. They were lying in the BMW row. 2 of the wheels have the same finish and one has a yellowish tinge. The odd wheel also has a piece of thin sheet meta on the inside that looks like an attempt to keep brake dust off of the wheels. There were 3 different tires on the wheels so I have no idea if they came off of the same car. In doing a search I learned that they are OEM MB wheels. I was unable to find any markings on the wheels.

My questions are; Is there a difference in OEM Bundt wheels such as width and offset that I need to look out for? Were the wheels offered in colors other than silver/gray or polished? Where should I look for markings?

I'm amazed at how light the wheels are compared to my 108 steel wheels. I would also like to get rid if the yellowish tinge if it's a discoloration and not an optional paint color.

[Takernz_30]

original bundt wheels offered in silver color only, they are many companies are making bundt wheels, the originals was the FUCHS then others were ATS,CENTRA,INTRA,and I forgot the last one, all of them made in Germany. My '73 280S bundts were CENTRA(6JX14). Sizes are mostly 14s with widths 6, 6.5 and 7, the rare ones are 15X7 FUCHS and ATS were the ones making that wheel, FUCHS ones are much rarer. ET's also vary, mine I had was 23, I've seen 11. You can find it at the back bit above the holes for lug bolts but you have to clean it thoroughly(use a used toothbrush, soap and water) to reveal the markings.

got only 3? you better find 1 more. Powder coat them is best to resist chipping and easy cleaning and in my opinion, don't polish them, leave 'em stock. Where are you going to put those wheels man?

[cadurning]

Takerz_30,

I plan on putting them on my '72 W108 barn find. The wheels are in great shape. No curb rash, dings or bangs. At $10.00 bucks each I couldn't resist. The guy wanted to get rid of those "commie" parts.

I'm sure that I'll run across more before I wear out the tires on the car. When I do I just want to know where to look for markings so I'll have a matched set.

[Yak]

There are slight differences between manufacturers, even with the same M-B p/n. There's a photo spead somewhere that more/less successfully shows and describes the differences.

I think the manufacturer is identified by a letter or symbol in addition to the p/n; A, F, etc. ET = "einpresstiefe" = offset (literal translation is 'pressed in depth') and should also be listed. It's a good number to have handy if you're looking to get a matched set.

Mine had a yellowish tint that I attributed to discolored lacquer. I used aircraft stripper to get them down to metal, then had them painted and clear coated. Messy work but the end product was worth it. Cheaper than powder coating, but less durable.

Did they have the end caps? If so, that's a huge bonus.

[Takernz_30]

Originally Posted by cadurning

Takerz_30,

I plan on putting them on my '72 W108 barn find. The wheels are in great shape. No curb rash, dings or bangs. At $10.00 bucks each I couldn't resist. The guy wanted to get rid of those "commie" parts.

I'm sure that I'll run across more before I wear out the tires on the car. When I do I just want to know where to look for markings so I'll have a matched set.

you'll find the markings at the back side of the wheel a little above the holes for lug bolts, as I said clean it with used toothbrush,soap and water. The back side of these wheels are covered with mud and brake dust it's a bit tough to clean it, clean the mentioned areas thoroughly around and you'll find the manufacturer,MB part no.,ET and the rim size

What model is your W108? Bundt wheels on W108 looks better! wider 6.5JX14 is much better aside from looks, improved handling as well

[meltedpanda]

PINOY is correct, scrub the back, and the MB numbers will be there

[Pooka]

I once helped a fellow change the brakes on his 240D and noticed that one of his alloy wheels was 'yellow' in color. When I removed the wheel I found out why.

Long story short... His brakes had needed changing for a long time and that wheel had overheated to the point it had just burned the paint off of it. We wound up replacing a lot more than brake pads in that area.

The good news is that besides changing the color of the wheel there seemed to be no adverse effect on it. Without seeing it, and perhaps even with seeing it, I can't say for sure if that is what happend to yours, but you might want to take that wheel to a tire shop and have them put it on a spin balance machine and check to see if it is still true before you have it painted or powder coated.

[sd300td]

Originally Posted by Takernz_30

got only 3? you better find 1 more. Powder coat them is best to resist chipping and easy cleaning and in my opinion, don't polish them, leave 'em stock. Where are you going to put those wheels man?

I think paint is a better option for wheels. It might chip a little easier, but repairing those chips is much much easier than with powder coat. You'll basically need to repowdercoat the wheel when it gets chipped. It will get chipped eventually.

[Pooka]

The paint vs. power coating comment sd300td made is very valid. If done right the paint will last for 20 years.

I have seen these wheels with chrome on them, too, and Mercedes advises against this. The only reason I can see for this is that after about ten years it will start to flake off and need to be redone.

Anybody know of any other reason why these wheels should not be chromed? I don't think I have ever read of an 'offical' reason from Mercedes although I am sure they must have issued one in the past. Or could it be that this is just some old story I have heard over the years?

[cadurning]

Success. The yellowish tinge came right off with ArmorAll wheel cleaner & a stiff brush. Found the marking once the goo was removed from the inside. They are all 6x14 and have a MB part number. As I recall the steel wheels on my '72 W108 280SE are 6.5 x 14. There are some small paint blemishes that should be fixed with some touchup paint.

So where do I find some touchup paint and what size tires? This thing is geared so low I wouldn't mind getting some tires that are a little taller.

[JimFreeh]

Don't forget to get the correct lug bolts. The steel wheel bolts are too short.

Jim

[cadurning]

Jim,

While I was at the bone yard getting the wheels I scored 20 2" (50mm) long x 12mm lug bolts. Does that sound right? They were lying next to an '84 300TD wagon. The bolts for the steel wheels are 1 9/16 (40mm) long x 12mm. The bolts that I found are ugly but I'll keep them around until I find some shiny ones.

[Takernz_30]

Originally Posted by cadurning

Success. The yellowish tinge came right off with ArmorAll wheel cleaner & a stiff brush. Found the marking once the goo was removed from the inside. They are all 6x14 and have a MB part number. As I recall the steel wheels on my '72 W108 280SE are 6.5 x 14. There are some small paint blemishes that should be fixed with some touchup paint.

So where do I find some touchup paint and what size tires? This thing is geared so low I wouldn't mind getting some tires that are a little taller.

That's good! Are all 6JX14s? did you find the ET(offset)? that is very important, you have to know the ET b/c the ET of bundt wheels will vary or you'll ended up different ET's and will affect handling of your precious 280SE, so make sure all of the wheels have exact ET's on them.

I have 1 INTRA bundt wheel and had 6.5JX14(the rest are 6JX14 CENTRA's, all have the same ET's though) and used it as a spare in my '73 280S.

btw, did you also find the manufacturer? INTRA bundts are marked at front near it's beads while ATS, FUCHS and CENTRA are marked at the back side. I'll send photos of my INTRA bundts.

[cadurning]

Tankernz 30,

All of the wheels are ET30. I'll look them over for a manufacturer name tomorrow.

And YES post pics. I'll post a pic of what I found tomorrow. The camera should be charged up by then.