I've just traded in an E class that had the 19" AMG alloys and the fragility of the wheels was a contributory factor to em changing the car. In 18 months, I've had one new wheel and 5 or 6 weld repairs; almost everytime a wheel cracked it damaged the tyre in some way, resulting in a new tyre as well. Fortunately, I took out a two year wheel/tyre policy which has paid for all of the repairs & replacement tyres, but the total maximum benefit was £2,000 and I was getting close to that limit. Once a crack has been repaired, it appears to be a weak spot and is prone to go again.
Obviously, I could have changed the wheels, but I found the ride a bit hard due to the suspension as well as the wheels and the sports seats aren't designed for the wider gentleman, so I took the opportunity to change to an SE with 17" wheels (and therefore a lot more tyre profile) and softer suspension, with non-sport seats (and I love it!).
There are potholes on the roads around here, but not necessarily particularly deep ones, and I'm sure no more of them than anywhere else in the country. It got to the stage that if I hit a pothole, I was waiting for the tyre pressure monitor to flash up, signalling yet another claim. I think the 19"s are made of papier mache.
If my memory serves me well, the Honest John website makes the following general points about wheels and tyres.
If you like ride comfort and/or don't like paying out for pothole damage to wheels and tyres, try to choose something that comes with tyres of 50% or more aspect ratio.
My elderly C220 is much more comfortable on it's winter set up, 205 55 16, than on the summer AMG staggered wheels, 225 45 17 & 245 40 17
My previous car was the same, winters 185 55 15, summer 205 45 16.
It has been 30 years + since I damaged a wheel in a pothole, it was a steel wheel fitted with the old "standard" aspect ratio, 82%?, tyre. I did hit the hole VERY hard though!
Going back to the original question, if you are contemplating getting 19" C63 alloys, get some copies from eBay.
You'll get 4 for the price of one OEM and the chances are they will last longer.
Just make sure you get rims with the correct offsets (ET's)
My 19" aftermarket wheels are getting on for 3 years old now and have coped with many a pot holed surface. Several times I've thought "thats going to have done some damage", but nothing so far I think I paid £575 for 4.
Welwyn Merx Limited is a family run business with genuine passion, dedication and 25 years of experience dealing with Mercedes-Benz and AMG passenger cars. Tel: 01707 395999www.welwynmerx.uk
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