Anyone dealt with "thewheelexchange.com". Your experience??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jrmd01 · #1 03-25-2003, 06:58 PM

Sorry Luke and the folks at tire rack for this post. Luke told me that tire rack doesn't sell AMG monoblock II replicas.

Anyway, I was looking around ebay and saw that the wheelexchange.com was selling AMG monoblock II replicas (made by alutec) pretty cheap. They also have used orginal AMG and others.

Before I contact them, does anyone have any good or bad experience with this company?

jrmd01@yahoo.com

Bob I · #2 03-25-2003, 11:42 PM

I ordered 4 wheels from them last fall - 17" Monoblock II replicas by a different manufacturer. They know their products so call them direct with any questions. I think they sell a lot of wheels and I would buy from them again.

nikki · #3 03-26-2003, 09:50 PM

I purchased these same Monoblock II replicas from them in Dec 2001. So far they have held up well, just remember they are cheap so expectations should not be for OEM type equipment. They are installed on my daughters car and IF she would have taken more time to wax and clean them regularly they would look brand new today.

I did have an issue with a replacement that I purchased due to damage, it had some pits become visible about a tow months afterwards. But did not address getting a replacement. Even though they are only 15 miles from where I live.

The staff is competent and helpful, just ask the questions. I would purchase form them again.

I think mine where made by the Aussie's.

Chiragp · #4 03-26-2003, 11:13 PM

I purchased my OZ Superleggera Lieghtweight alloys from um for my 99 M3. Great price and service. Sorry Luke, I didn't want you to take a beating for the price I got. $1050 for 2 18x8 up front and 2 18x9 in the rear shipped.

RickM · #5 03-27-2003, 09:20 AM

I've also dealt with them for BMW wheels. They are very knowledgable and willing to help. Nice bunch of guys.

Chiragp · #6 03-27-2003, 10:24 AM

Just to let you know, i've dealt with replica wheels even from tirerack and bekkers....I'll never do it again.

I would rather buy used monoblocks with a few curbs on them...its like driving a Lambo Diablo replica and the real thing...all though the replica can get pricey, its still nothing like the real thing...

And wheels and tires matter to me especially after a nice wheel look up with the replica because I hit a pot hole and bent it instantly....but I barely had clearance behind my SL600 calipers in the back, so that slight bend was enough to bend the wheel in about 3-4mm and lock up against my caliper...which then tore off and got lodged between my rotor and wheel....

Lets say I'm glad I was driving the car, and I almost lost it as it wouldn't to just go off the road (was approaching a bend on I-95)

Now granted...pot holes happen, but the impact my MB wheels take are much nicer then the replicas...and these are 17s...not 16s. I don't have to be worried about bends anymore, and am not always wondering why I can't get them to balance out perfectly.

I'm done with replicas...buy used AMG monos if you can't afford um, but no replicas unless your willing to avoid pot holes and scan the road.

The 16" setup was Replica 8-holes with 215/50/16s
the 17" setup is MTB E430 Sport 5-hole with 215/40/17s.

Just so you can compare the strength of replicas to originals.

Glen · #7 03-27-2003, 12:46 PM

I bought my OZ's from them. Everyone I spoke with on the phone/email from the owner to his employees was professional and knowledgable. Highly recommended!