I needed to get a 2nd set of wheel for my '02 C32 for snow tires and to have the original AMG's repaired/refinished. I found a set of replicas on e-Bay for $600 new, the wheels appear to be of resonable quality and build. I had my summer tires mounted/balanced and mounted them on the car myself. Had only moved the car about 12 feet at 2-3 mph and new something wasn't right, there is a noticable "lump" and clicking sound from the rear...??? the wheels mounted just fine and appear to be just fine. Have yet to actually drive with the new wheels until I find the problem and resolve it, but nothing is hitting or rubbing, good clearance all the way around on the rears, the front had me a little concerned as the larger AMG brakes and calipers seem "close" but also clear the rim completely. I'm at a loss as to the problem, the car was fine before the wheel swap, and now the AMG's are out to be fixed, any ideas anyone??? Could there be an issue with lug bolt length, touching something out the back side...??? I dunno, like I said I'm at a loss. I do 99% of all my own maintenance to all my cars and fitting wheels is just never a problem...?? As always all help is appreciated, Thanks - Nick

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TIFOSI
1980 FERRARI 308 GTSi
2002 MERCEDES BENZ C32 AMG
2004 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BLACK - CAFE RACER

If the rims aren't exactly the same, you could have issues with the hub mounting depth. You lug bolts could be in too far and rubbing against the parking brake components in the rear wheels? Just a thought.

I try to always buy OEM Benz rims...if you are patient you can usually find some. I don't trust the aftermarket stuff - who knows what quality control is being done.

If you buy allows second-hand, always try and check for damage or repairs. Spin the wheel and look for wobbles in the rim from curbs, pot holes, etc.

Good luck!

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Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

Well it was just that simple... lug bolts were too long!!! Who'd have figured, had them turned down/shortened and all works now. Gotta say though I was leary of aftermarket, and now am convinced... Buyer Beware. While they are wheels and look good enough, just not quite right to go through this...

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TIFOSI
1980 FERRARI 308 GTSi
2002 MERCEDES BENZ C32 AMG
2004 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BLACK - CAFE RACER

I don't know the correct answer, but is it possible to TURN DOWN lug bolts and then have them back to original spec in terms of safety and failure rate?

There was an article in the latest issue of THE STAR magazine, Mercedes Benz Club of America's bi-monthly magazine, about lug bolts and the different taper and center hole mounting fits.

I still have a great # of threads of engagement, and can apply the proper torque to the lug bolt so I'm 99.999% sure that they are good. It's much better than having too long of bolts beating the snot out of the parking brake drum/mechanism I figure. Have ordered new bolts for when the real AMG wheels get back. Thanks

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TIFOSI
1980 FERRARI 308 GTSi
2002 MERCEDES BENZ C32 AMG
2004 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BLACK - CAFE RACER

lug bolts are too long .... contacting the parking brake mechanism

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