I'm interested in buying a set of replica AMG Monoblock wheels from Bekkers. I love the real AMGs, but they're extremely expensive. While I'm sure they are excellent, I find it hard to believe they are worth 3x more than replicas. Has anyone had any experience with monoblock replicas? Any insights on quality, reliability, etc.? Any other sources for this type of wheel? Thanks for the advice!

The monoblock replicas sold by Bekkers are made by RH Alruad of Germany, who are apparently the OE supplier for Porsche. I have a set of 17x8 fronts and 17x10 rears on my E500, purchased from King Wheels at a better price.

I am very happy with the construction and finish of these wheels, which is outstanding for the price. John at King Wheels provided fantastic service as well.

Dean,

Was the offset correct on the rear wheels, and could you please provide contact info for King Wheels?

Thanks,
Eric

Hello EricH:

The rear offset was 22mm for the 17x10 rims. I did not like the tire sidewall extending past the fender arch by about 20mm, although the tread was covered. John at King Wheels faxed Germany and confirmed that was their most aggressive "tuner" application and was fully TUV approved. He suggested that I could go to their 17x9 ET 29mm rims, that would bring the rims in 19mm and mount the same 275/40YR17 tires. He has agreed to exchange them AT NO COST, which absolutely astounds me.

Anyway, you can reach King Wheels at 1-800-455-2755 in the USA or (503)648-4002 from Canada.

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Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

[This message has been edited by Dean Albrecht (edited 04-08-2000).]

I was wondering how much you paid for your wheels, I was also looking at those wheels for my c class in the 18 inch size, how much do you think a set of these from king wheels would cost for my c class. From bekkers they are 1000 bucks just for the 4 rims.
thanks for any info, I may just have to call them and ask
cavan

Be careful of the finish on the repica wheels. I've had a couple of customers who have had finish problems. While I'm sure they're ok for the money, they are defintely not AMG quality. allen

The replacement 9x17 ET 29 rear rims arrived and mounted up beautifully. The tires and rims are flush with the rear wheel arches and complete the very subtle look, while allowing for the widest tires possible. King Wheels provided me with their UPS account number and I've sent the original 10x17 rims back freight collect.

So, here are the lesson I've learned that may help other E500 owners:
- 10" rear rims, with a positive offset of 22mm, mounting 275/40 R 17 tires is the largest combination that will fit while maintaining correct overall diameter,
- this combination WILL result in some extension of the rim and sidewall outside of the wheel arch,
- the tire tread will still be covered and there is no tire rubbing, so it is up to individual taste as to how much of this protrusion you like,
- 9" rear rims with a positive offset of 29mm will present a flush profile with the wheel openings and will still mount the 275/40 R 17 tires,
- at the front, 8" to 9" rims with an offset of 34 or 35, and 245/45 R 17 tires, are the maximum that will fit nicely and maintain stock overall diameter.

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Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

[This message has been edited by Dean Albrecht (edited 04-15-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Dean Albrecht (edited 04-16-2000).]

RE: Wheel Finish

Allen:

Were you talking of replica wheels in GENERAL, or the RH Alruad (German) wheels in PARTICULAR as having finish problems?

Brian