New to the forum ... as you can see by my personal info, not very mechanically inclined; if I were, probably wouldn't have listened to the fellow who assured my wife the aftermarket rims he sold her would work just fine on her '99 E320. They don't ... we needed spacers on rear wheels; but the front wheels, because they wouldn't take the spacers withough running into resistance, are apparently rubbing away some exposed threads on the MB factory-provided lug bolts. (Nope, no new bolts came with the new wheels ... so we used the ones already on the car.)
Here's the question(s): (1) our local MB repair shop, who spotted the problem during a routine brake job, says the original lugs would work fine if the thread continued up the shaft 1/4" or so. It would allow us to turn the bolt deeper into the hub and make a snugger fit. A machine shop owner tells me on phone he can do job, but only if MB lug isn't harder than "36 Rockwells." Anyone know how hard the MB lugs are? (2) assuming we can't do that, anyone have a source for different lugs that will fit the E320s? I called a supplier named "German Star" who had the very wheel we bought (top flat aftermarket wheel pictured at www.germanstar.net/wheels.htm) ... but he says lug bolts come with his wheels, and he was (understandably) reluctant to give me any more info since we hadn't purchased from him. Thanks to any and all who reply.

Hi. Try this place... they sell all sorts of lug bolts of varying configurations, lengths and threads. Measure, and measure again, then order the right ones.

http://www.prestigewheel.com/

Hope this helps, KenP