Alloy Rims

[jlennon3]

I just received an alloy rim I purchased off ebay. The seller claims it is OEM 14" MERCEDES BENZ  FACTORY ALLOY. Now that I've looked at it I'm kind of suspiciuos. Aren't OEM rims supposed to have a 10 digit MB part # somewhere on the back side??? Thanks for any advice

John

[ja17]

Hello John,
Another easy way to identify originals is the original Mercedes alloy rims have raised steel inserts around each lug bolt hole. The non originals have just a hole in the aluminum for lug bolts.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[jlennon3]

This wheel does appear to have steel inserts thru the lug bolt holes. But I don't see a MB part # anywhere. So can it be an OEM wheel without the part number?
Thanks
John

[George Davis]

I have 3 original MB alloys and 1 Ronal aftermarket copy of the originals.  Nearly identical, differences are that the steel insert is raised on the originals but flush on the Ronal (or is it the other way around???), and the Ronal is slightly nicer overall, but hard tot tell apart if you don't look closely.  Anyways, it also has Ronal on it somewhere, and no MB number.  The MB wheels have MB numbers.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[mdsalemi]

I believe Rodd Masteller has had issues with aftermarket alloy rims sold as OEM on eBay.  Contact him directly for what to look out for.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[George Des]

Several years ago, when Potomac Motors of Frederick, Md used to run an open yard on Saturdays, I was able to pick up four decent, used alloys for, believe it or not, $10.00 a piece. As I recall, the ones that fit the W113 have a red stripe on the innner part of the rim--part covered by the tire when it is mounted. I bead blasted these, painted with base/clear silver PPG acrylic poly urethane, bought new plastic hub caps and lug bolts--they came out great. Point is, you may be able to pick these up very cheaply at a salvage yard and can come out way ahead if you're willing to spend some time cleaning them up and "accessorizing"--these same rims that fit 113s were used on many styles of MBs for many years.

[Naj ✝︎]

Is this the wheel being discussed?

Download Attachment: alloy.jpg
9.3 KB

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[George Des]

Naj,

That's the wheel I've got--George

[jlennon3]

Thanks everyone for your helpful infomation on alloy wheels. The alloy I purchased off ebay does look identical to the OEM, but no MB part # so must be a knock-off. My problem with this is I undoubtedly paid more for what was supposed to be OEM. I don't know if this was the seller's intent, or if he honestly just didn't know the difference... In any case I'm going to contact the seller and set him straight. Probably ask him to take back the wheel and refund my money (it's a principal thing for me).

John

[n/a]

John,
The original Mercedes alloy wheels where made by Fuchs.
The 6 J x 14 H wheels had part Nr 108 400 09 02.

alain

[n/a]

My 70 280SL was purchased with alloy wheels installed.  The previous owner just had them refinished before he sold me the car and they look great

While I like the look of them very much, I also like the steel wheels with wheelcovers, as I think it makes the car look more "period".  I have it on good authority that the alloy wheels were an option.  Can anyone advise what years that they were available as such?

Thanks

Jim Hunter, Ottawa Canada

JLHunter

[jlennon3]

Here's an interesting excerpt I found from an old "Star" magazine that gives some history on these "old style" alloy wheels.

The old style alloy wheels were initially a dealer installed option in the fall of 1969 on 1970 models. The part # 108 400 0902 is stamped on the inside of the rim. These wheels were painted silver, but not treated with a clear coat. After July 1970 cars ordered with the alloys were delivered direct from the factory with five alloy wheels.

When the new R107 350SL appeared in 1971, the wheel design changed slightly and they were given a new part #. The silver paint was also clear coated for better durability and easier cleaning. This version of the "old style" alloy wheel continued as a factory option through 1975, then was made standard on many models up thru 1984.

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by mdsalemi

I believe Rodd Masteller has had issues with aftermarket alloy rims sold as OEM on eBay.

Yes, I got ripped off.  I was trying to buy 16" wheels for my E420 and in e-mail messages the "kid" said "OEM" and "originaly came off W210 E430" and a bunch of other lies.  He also said the Kuhmo tires were good.  :x  I believed him.  I should have asked for pictures of the MB part number on the wheel, but I didn't think of it.  I ended up sending them back, but could only get part of my money returned.  I was very upset because that was the second time I got taken on eBay.  I don't think I'll ever use them again unless someone teaches me how to find or recognize a genuine and honest seller.  Not easy!

Sorry for rambing on.  The key is, all MB wheels have MB part numbers.

quote:Originally posted by jlennon3

it's a principal thing for me.

Yes, John, I'm sure it is, but probably not for the seller!

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[hauser]

Rodd, when it comes to road wheels for a Mercedes there's are quite a bit of look-a-likes.  If you really want the REAL DEAL check out Ernie's Alloys here in Florida.  Not the best prices but he's certainly carries quite a few authentic wheels.  Most of these are take offs.  Customers opt for aftermarket, especially in Miami trying to add some bling bling to their cars.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Ben]

Guys I have these wheels on my 64, I have the originals too but started using the alloys as I was afraid my daily driver would lose its beaty rings and hub caps !

Anyway I actually have two exactly the same and then another two which are both slightly different !

I believe these were introduced some time late in 1968 and were carried until 1985 although there were at least 4 different subtle changes to them, mainly to thr outer rim edge and to the actual holes !
Also the centre caps were originally metal !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[Jonny B]

On the MB concours judging sheet, it calls out the alloy wheels were acceptable in mid-69, June I think.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[Bob G ✝︎]

These alloy wheels are referred to as bunt Cake wheels . When I first saw them in an article in 1969 on the C111 expermental Rotory engine sports car. I understand that the icing on the cake is having the metal center caps and a spare hub in the trunk designed to carry this wheel and spare tire.
I would like to know ,as it has been discussed in the passed on yahoo forum to see a picture of the carrier for this alloy wheel & tire set up in 250SL-280SL . You may also notice that the steering wheel on the C111 ended up in the 350SL.
Bob Geco