Folks,

For my 450 SEL, 1978 I am upgrading my rims to 16” from the original 14”. Tirerack sells AMG Aero 1pc for $325.00 and ATP type 8 for $129.00 I like the looks of both. Why such price difference? Am I missing something? Also I am going for Yokohama Avid V4 225/60VR 16.

A friend told me to install “Kleen Wheels” and spray the rims with clear coat. Do these things really work? And if they do who sells them? Thanks

Reza

The AMG are original Mercedes-Benz quality rims. They are more expensive while ATP uses cheaper means of producing rims. Also, since they are replicas, they do not have to create a new design, they can just make a replica. The ATPs are a good choice though and I would go with them.
For the wheel, if you put a clearcoat and add the kleenwheels, you will not get the brake dust coverage you normally get. They will be much more powdery and easier to clean then normal.

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99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6
2001 C240 V6 - maybe

I would be careful about using Kleenwheel covers. Although they do a good job keeping the wheels clean, they may not cool the brakes efficiently. Just a thought.

Eric

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'00 E430 w/ Solaris H-7's
Brabus 19'' Monoblock V, 2 piece
H&R Sport Springs

'99 SLK230 Sport

Both the AMG and ATP wheels are clear coated from the factories. All you have to do to wax them, inside and outside, to make cleaning/washing easier. I would not use brake shields because it may cause rotors warpage from excessive heat. Also 225/55-16 is closer to your original tire diameter than the 225/60-16.

True, but what some people do is add another layer of clear coat, it does make more sense to wax them. The Kleen wheel brake dust shields are pretty good, becuase they are vented to provide the brakes enough air to cool down. I use them, and they actually keep them cooler then before. That is why the dealer recommends Only kleen wheels and no other ones. Other non-ventilated brake dust shields can cause major heat build up. Hope this helps.

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99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6
2001 C240 V6 - maybe

As for rims,both are nice choice. AS for the Kleenwheel, I am with Jeneric21 here as those Kleenwheel tend to keep the brake dust in(that's why your wheel will be cleaner), and there is a high possibility of brake fade and rotor warpage(uneven wear caused by brake dust).

Just clean and wax the wheels regulary, and you should be fine....

Good Luck
Andy Kuo

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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Moonstone Grey/Black Leather
</UL>

ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
http://drive.to/akry
http://akry.homestead.com

The AMG wheels are deigned and built exclusively for mercedes benz while the ATP wheels are replicas that are mass produced with cost being the main concern. We do offer the Kleen Wheel dust covers also

Thanks, Luke@tirerack.com

I had ATP replica 8 holes on my 1990 300E, which I replaced with AMG monoblock 17" wheels (the 8 holes were 16") and the differnce in quality is amazing...you'd think a wheel is a wheel is a wheel, but it feels like the ride actually got SMOOTHER with the AMG wheels...just running your hands over them and examining them prior to mounting them, you can see the differences in engineering and production...just my two cents.

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Chris Singh
1983 300D 200k+ (stopped odometer)
1990 300E 123k
1999 E430 12k

http://benz.mp3car.com
http://stormworks.max3d.com

I've got Mille Miglia E430 Sport lookalike rims on my Wagen, and AMG 5 spokes on my 500E. The AMG wheels are of considerably higher quality, but I think it's a case of diminishing returns...they're not THAT much nicer than the MMs, but cost almost 3X more! Undeniably nice, though, but as long as the wheel's TUV approved you'll be fine.

Speaking of high quality wheels, BBS is another brand worth looking at...I recently checked out a set of 19" $1,000 per AMG 3 piece wheels, and they were manufactured by BBS!

And unless you are a VERY mellow driver, forget the Kleen Wheels. F'rinstance, if used on a new(er) car many MBZ dealers will void brake related warranty repairs and that is a fact.

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 02-25-2000).]