20 inch alloys

[Rogerb]

I have just returned from Mercedes Hertford after having my E220 serviced to be told again that both front alloys are cracked. The same thing happened last year and I had them welded by an alloy wheel repairer. The company that welded my wheels stated that he had repaired 12 Mercedes’ 20 inch wheels that month. Today I was given a quote of £2100 to replace my cracked wheels. I then questioned whether Mercedes were aware of this recurring problem and whether the new wheels were strengthened as there must be a fault in the previous alloys and they could not or did not want to confirm. Why would I spend £2100 on new wheels with an obvious weak spot when I can get them welded for a fraction of the price.
Anyone had the same problem .

 

[alexanderfoti]

No they are the same rubbish unfortunately. We have replaced a a few, as once they are covered in welds they are unsafe, so you cannot just keep welding them.

They are not fit for purpose on UK roads.

 

[NJS5]

Welcome RogerB

I think the problem is over large wheels with low aspect tyres.

I would consider changing the wheel size down an inch or two with higher aspect ratio tyres which will give you a better ride, and hardly influence handling.

If you go to a non-MB wheel, or size of wheel you must of course advise your insurers.

NJSS

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

My son has only had one 20in wheel welded so far and his W213 is on 60k miles so either he’s being careful or just lucky - the one that cracked was front near side which you’d expect on our third world roads. He was adamant that he wanted 20in wheels when the car was bought and I did mention they are prone to cracking but have to admit they do suit the car.

Regarding the OPs dilemma if it comes to new wheels I’d go with 19in replacements. A lot depends where you live and what roads you use my son’s car lives on the M1 mostly and reasonable A roads

 

[NJS5]

I think one could go down to 7Jx16 ET32 with 205/65R16 tyres; but that might be a tad small.

7.5Jx17 ET40 with 225/55R17 tyres would be my preference.

NJSS

 

[Rogerb]

thanks for your comments guys, I have had two C class Mercedes with 17 and 19 inch wheels with no problem so that is the way forward, BUT I love the look of the 20inch wheels on my car so it’s another trip to the alloy repairer.

 

[NJS5]

Once they are covered in welds they are unsafe, so you cannot just keep welding them.

I would heed what Alexander has to say, and would not take the chance of using welded wheels. If you must then I think you should probably advise your insurer, it would be frustrating to have an insurance claim refused because of welded wheels.

 

[DSK]

IIRC I read somewhere that a maximum of 2 repairs per wheel were permitted for MOTs.

The larger wheels will be capable of somewhat heavier loads but, this doesn’t mean they won’t damage just as easily.

The problem is such wheels are not compatible with our crap roads and the way people drive over poor surfaces without a second thought.


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[JBell]

thanks for your comments guys, I have had two C class Mercedes with 17 and 19 inch wheels with no problem so that is the way forward, BUT I love the look of the 20inch wheels on my car so it’s another trip to the alloy repairer.

I would bin the Run Flat tyres, put normal tyres on and a can of goop in the boot as well.

RFT's have massively stiff side walls so more shock loads are transmitted directly through the wheel

 

[Rogerb]

It would seem to be a bit of a grey area with this topic. Speaking to welders that repair the wheels they are adamant that a professionally repaired wheel is as strong as a new one. When you think about Alloys are all around us in planes, trains and cars that are welded together. I did consider changing to normal tyres instead of run flats, much cheaper and quieter apparently but changed like for like.

 

[alexanderfoti]

It would seem to be a bit of a grey area with this topic. Speaking to welders that repair the wheels they are adamant that a professionally repaired wheel is as strong as a new one. When you think about Alloys are all around us in planes, trains and cars that are welded together. I did consider changing to normal tyres instead of run flats, much cheaper and quieter apparently but changed like for like.

Most planes are riveted and glued together, and also have much more thourough quality control (xray etc) when welding is done.

 

[Blobcat]

The problem is the fashion for huge alloys, the lack of road maintenance and the penchant for traffic calming. Driving fast over speed bumps and hitting potholes just means the wheels and suspension fail.

 

[Ron240]

The problem is such wheels are not compatible with our crap roads and the way people drive over poor surfaces without a second thought.

Even the most attentive of us can be caught out now and again on unfamiliar roads, but this is absolutely the truth!
It never fails to amaze me the complete disregard some drivers have for speed humps/cushions and clearly visible potholes.

 

[JBell]

It would seem to be a bit of a grey area with this topic. Speaking to welders that repair the wheels they are adamant that a professionally repaired wheel is as strong as a new one.

They are

I did consider changing to normal tyres instead of run flats, much cheaper and quieter apparently but changed like for like.

School boy error

 

[anyweb]

20" wheels are common here in Sweden and (so far) I haven't had any issues with Alloys cracking either on my previous E220d (W213) or my existing E400 (C238), do you have serious pothole issues or what is the overall problem ?

 

[DSK]

20" wheels are common here in Sweden and (so far) I haven't had any issues with Alloys cracking either on my previous E220d (W213) or my existing E400 (C238), do you have serious pothole issues or what is the overall problem ?

If we had pot holes I’d be grateful!

It’s more like mini craters and sink holes! Seems to be worse around the winter months.

I’d say it’s anything that’s about 40 or less profile is at risk regardless of diameter. I’m as cautious with my S70R on 205/40/17 as I am with my CLS and S class on low profile alloys. I drive like my wheels are genuinely egg shells


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[brandwooddixon]

I'm running 35 profile on my summer tyres, without issue but it does mean that I have to drive like a ballerina dances on some roads and avoid others totally.
I also make an issue of driving one wheel over speed bumps squarely rather than straddling them.

I wouldn't go for a lower profile myself, indeed I've walked away from a car that I was going to purchase when I realised that it had 22" rims rather than 20"!

 

[alexanderfoti]

If we had pot holes I’d be grateful!

It’s more like mini craters and sink holes! Seems to be worse around the winter months.

I’d say it’s anything that’s about 40 or less profile is at risk regardless of diameter. I’m as cautious with my S70R on 205/40/17 as I am with my CLS and S class on low profile alloys. I drive like my wheels are genuinely egg shells


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Yes, the roads here are crap.

In addition to large sink holes, chunks of tarmac coming loose and general crappyness, we seem to have a large number of manhole covers that sink compared to the surrounding road.

Very common for THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP, on fast rural roads here. Very tiring.

A section of the A21 was resurfaced recently. The drain covers on the nearside are sunken in 20CM compared to the new road surface. I asked somebody in the know, and they said "drains are south east water's remit and we are only resurfacing the road, so are not allowed to bring them up to meet the new surface."

Ridiculous.

 

[Monday]

A section of the A21 was resurfaced recently. The drain covers on the nearside are sunken in 20CM compared to the new road surface. I asked somebody in the know, and they said "drains are south east water's remit and we are only resurfacing the road, so are not allowed to bring them up to meet the new surface."

20cm??!! That's 8 inches in old money! Did you mean 2cm?

 

[alexanderfoti]

No they are literally sunken 20cm, with the surrounding tarmac making a gradiented drop to meet the lower level, for the surrounding 3 feet.