Alloys - Refurb or upgrade (AMG or Replicas?)

[kkmfo]

I have slightly scuffed 16" 8 hole alloys and tyres that will shortly need replacing on my '97 SL320.

Am thinking about either refurbing the alloys, and have been quoted £45 per wheel, and getting new 16" tyres
OR
buying new 18" amg replica alloys with new tyres.

Quotes for replica wheels and tyres seem to vary enormously from about £850 to £1400 (for 4 inc tyres).

Questions - are any replica brands better than others, are replicas generally trustworthy, and.....
is it worth buying premium brand tyres (eg michelin, pirelli) or going cheaper?
I reckon if I went for new 18" replica wheels with budget tyres it wouldn't cost that much more than refurbing the 16" and getting top brand tyres. This would also, IMO, enhance the look of the car and improve the handling a bit - any thoughts?

Also - can anyone recommend a wheel/tyre supplier in NW London/S. Herts area?

 

[mike65]

If you go the replica route look at these -

http://www.tyresave.co.uk/alloymrc.html

Mike.

 

[Arnie]

MB did some really nice six-segment, 18" bolted alloys for the last production runs of the SL320. I think that you may find them around £300 from dealers. Take a look as I think they are nicer than the AMG style and of course original MB, not rrplica. From memory, they take 18" 275/35 rubber at the rear and 245/45 at the front.

 

[kkmfo]

For some reason I missed this reply until now.
I've actually bought some 2nd hand amg 18 inchers now which look great, but thanks for the reply