I'm looking at two almost identical styles of AMG 5-spoke rims at the TireRack. One set is sold in bright silver - the other is just silver, but is more expensive and has a "machined lip."

Both are lightweight and look the same, so the price difference of +$40 each front and +$90 rear must be in the machining.

What is this? Looks like it could be a highly polished lip, but it's hard to tell from the photo.

Anyone know if the price difference is worth it?

Ken Silver
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~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

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http://www.kensilver.com/newSLsig.jpg

(Drumming fingers impatiently)...

Well, I'll give it to the Wheel & Tire board.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

__________________
http://www.kensilver.com/newSLsig.jpg

MB offers some wheels in what it calls a "sterling silver" finish; others it offers in a standard silver finish with a "high-sheen rim flange". I expect that what you are seeing is the same wheel in each finish. The sterling silver finish is a more sparkly, reflective finish than the standard silver in which alloys have been painted for years; the entire wheel including rim is normally painted sterling silver. Wheels with a high-sheen rim flange have a machined rim with a laquered top coat. Which you prefer is a matter of taste; personally I prefer the high-sheen rim flange, but it is harder to maintain and will deteriorate quickly if you curb the rim.

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JJ Rodger
2013 G350 Bluetec
1999 SL 500
1993 E300 diesel T
1990 190

Yes, I prefer the high sheen too - gives it a modern hard-edged look.

Thanks for the info.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

__________________
http://www.kensilver.com/newSLsig.jpg