Why Two Piece Wheels, Why Not Chrome? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

placo1 · #1 01-13-2003, 08:13 PM

Ok, so I'm still looking for a good set of wheels for my car and before I make any decisions I need to get educated. So here's a few questions.

1. What are the real advantages of having two piece wheels? I noticed these wheels cost twice as much as a one piece wheel but I want to know why. What are the benefits.

2. What is so bad about chrome plated wheels? I think they look great and really stand out. I know many feel that they are too flashy but is this the only reason why people don't like them. I also realize they're a pain in the ... to clean but I'm not concerned about that.

Let me know. Also please feel to ramble about other types of wheels and their advantages.....never hurts to learn.

dieseldude · #2 01-13-2003, 09:00 PM

Just posted on the chrome thing Placo1 on 300CEpimps thread, but I'll do it again to spread the love

1.)I'm not sure if there are now more modern means of applying chrome, but in the past, the heat needed to apply chrome to the alloy wheel is tremendous which could have a negative affect on the alloy in terms of temper (strength).

2.) Secondly chrome is stiff, and I didn't know this until recently: alloy wheels are designed to have some flex in them - chrome removes this flexing, again altering the balance and performance of the original alloy.

3.) Third, chrome is heavy - increasing the unsprung wieght of your car is not usually considered a good thing.

4.) Chrome plating typically will crack and flake-off (again maybe modern technology has improved in this area), with in a couple years. This may be partially due to the flexing mentioned in #2, but by the time it's cracked/flaking you've got an ugly wheel that doesn't perform well either.

For these reason MB does not chrome wheels. Anytime you see it done, it is an aftermarket or dealer applied 'option' done only for cosmetics. Even if I liked the look, I would avoid chroming for the performance detriment alone.

I would be curious to find out about the 2-piece deal though. Other than looking really cool and complex, I've not understood the performance benefits of 2-peice wheels. Seems like uneccessary complication to me?

Regards,
- Ryan

suginami · #3 01-13-2003, 11:02 PM

I agree with all of the above comments.

The only good thing about chrome is that it is easy to clean. Nothing, even brake dust, sticks to chrome.

Glen · #4 01-14-2003, 10:36 AM

Multi-piece wheels offer choice in widths and offsets. They are generally forged so tend to be stronger and lighter than conventional 1-piece cast wheels. I've often heard people say another benefit is the fact that a rim section can be replaced if damaged. I suppose this is true, but a forged rim will most likely bend rather than break and it would probably be cheaper to straighten rather than replace the section. Any impact that breaks the wheel would probably cause extensive damage to the car.

The process of putting chrome over aluminum physically weakens the aluminum. I don't know if it's enough to make a difference on a street driven car but I know the TUV does not certify chrome wheels. As far as looks, I think it depends on the car and specific wheel. The big drawback in my mind is that chrome wheels tend to leak air at the bead after several years.

placo1 · #5 01-14-2003, 11:01 AM

I totally forgot about the leaky bead problem with chrome rims. I remember when I bought my car the previous owner had mentioned that I will need to watch the tire pressure as the wheels get older, I haven't had a problem yet though.

Regarding the replacement of just half the wheel on a two piece wheel it doesn't really make financial sense either. The cost of a two piece wheel is generally double the cost of a one piece wheel.

I'm really curious about the strength and weight, does anyone have any direct comparisons of two and one piece wheel weights? Unsprung weight makes a drastic difference on vehicle handling so the added cost could be worthwile.

Chiragp · #6 01-15-2003, 10:32 AM

Until recently, multi-peice wheels provided a much lighter wheel. It allowed for a tight bond fromt he wheel surface to the wheel's actual flange which produces a wheel that is as light as today's modern forged wheels. Before wheels were forged, this was the only way to get wheels this light. Nothing use to beat the strength of single one peice casted wheels, except their weight of mid to upper 20s for a standard 17x8 was deemed a little heavy. For today's stadards though, its what you will find by many OEMs due to their strength.

Now fast forward to today, and you'll find most forged wheels are much stronger then before, with weight savings unheard of in the past. Even though these wheels were known to be soft, they have imporved drastically with such imporvements as Titanium Enriched alloys found on the OZ Supperlegerras. These wheels weigh 17 lbs in 17x8 form. Many manufacturer's still make 2-peice wheels as they are still unrivaled as far the the medium between strength, style, and weight. But with advances in technology, they aren't far behind.

Now thats my understanding, I'm sure Luke will correct me. Also try visiting Tirerack's site on the Wheel Tech. They have a nice write up too.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/construc.htm

Good Luck