Well, its time to go shopping for new wheeels for the E-500 and I found something new. Erebuni in NY is carrying a patented Italian made (TUV approved) wheel with a Formula 1 style center locking hub system. I like the uniqueness of the approach and the rareity on the street matches up with my car. They look great, and Jerry at Erebuni was a great help - their poster isn't bad either!! http://www.toora.com/monotoora.htm

The questions:

1. He has stated that the adaptors will preserve the offset at ET35, but an 8.5 inch wide wheel will only accomodate 225 wide rubber at the front. I thought there were Mercedesshop 500E's with 245 on the front and 9 inch rims - do they have a different offset or is Jerry's data book wrong?

2. He claimed that the process used to manufacture these wheels is the best, the same one used by BBS and OZ. The wheels are "wet painted" not powder coated which he claimed is harder and more durable. Any thoughts out there?

3. He suggested contacting the Tire Rack (at least he knows where the best rubber comes from) and that if I order a set of 245/45/17 rubber and they rub up front that they would allow me to return them for correct size rubber. Only problem is I wanted RE730 tires and there are no smaller sizes in 17 that will have the correct overall diameter. Is this too risky?

I would sure appreciate any thoughts or input on these specific questions or any other ideas (like what a lame brain I am for not getting AMG or EVO rims).

Thanks

Steve

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94 E500 (Silver/Black)

If the wheels look good and you like them, by all means go for it!!!

hehe

Me I personally love the AMG 5 stars from the New C class or the CLK on my car, or even the new E430 Sport wheels.

I also like the new C class sport wheels which look like evoII's but in 5 spokes.

I still love the EVO II's as well.

Have you thought about going with some renntech or carlsson wheels or maybe lorinser's or brabus wheels?

I think they all have beautiful looking wheels too, some of which are very unique and cool looking.

You could also look into HRE or Lowenhart as well as other choices, all of which have some nice looking wheels for benzes.

You could also go BBS which would create an interesting look on a 500E if you ask me.

Lets see some pics of the 500e, maybe someone can do some creative photoshop work on yur car with a side shot to superimpose the wheels on it.

Alon

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

Alon,

Thanks for the idea's, you have given me a great homwork assignment. I had stayred away from BBS, as they remind me of BMW's look and like a more distinctive differentiator. I'll do a web search for the HRE's, any idea's where to look for the Brabus wheels?

Thanks

Steve

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94 E500 (Silver/Black)

I believe that powder coating is usually considered more durable - it is usually done on items like metal siding and patio furniture where a lot of exposure to the elements is expected. I could be wrong on this, as I am by no means a paint expert.

http://www.wheeltech.com/Wheels/Wheels.html

for HRE, Lorinser, etc.


http://www.brabus.com/homee.htm

For Brabus

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John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

John,

Thanks for the url's. BTW - I am absolutely not a paint expert, but there is a contrary arguement to your powder coating comment. I was told that powder coating is another result of a need to address environmental issues. Wet paint is obviously not very effecient in this regard, on the other hand it goes on thicker and will dry much harder than powder coating (I always thought powedr coating was pretty hard!). Makes sense, but this came from a sale person trying to get me into an expensive set of wheels.

Any thoughts on the tire size issue? My thought was that if the wheel has the same offset, then the extra width (in this case and 8.5") moves towards the center of the vehicle. The salesman stated that his data book states that only 235/45/17 will fit, whereas I see other mercedesshop members talking about 9" rims with 245/45/17 rubber. Are they using a different offest?

Any further help is greatly appreciated.

Steve

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94 E500 (Silver/Black)