Treating myself to new wheels - aftermarket or MB, that is the question

[Manc Rick]

I’ve been stuck in for 5 days suffering with Covid and it has made up my mind that I shall order new wheels (been toying with idea since April when I bought the car - it was perfect in spec but I didn’t like the A2134011200 stock wheels, so I figured I can change them).

Current setup is 225/55x17 and the choice on eBay (all German suppliers) is poor in 17’s, however my first priority is comfort, so I shall stick with the limited selection of 17’s (Shame as the selection is amazing in 18’s).

Question is a) has anybody bought from the eBay German suppliers and was everything ok? And b) if I stray towards aftermarket wheels, would they look silly with MB centre caps (if even possible)?

I think I already know the answer, I’m just putting it out there!

I found a stunning set on eBay (U.K. private seller) but they are 225/50x17 which I think is the C class stock. I could buy those and get the tires swapped but it’s a lot of messing.

Than

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I wouldn’t be too bothered about losing comfort with a W213, my son is running MB 20in turbine alloys on his and I’m astounded how well it rides which is most likely down to the front double wishbone suspension as opposed to the McPherson strut set-up on the W211/212. The 18in MB alloys should be ideal the only difference IMO will be slightly sharper handling which is a bonus

Oh, in response to your query about MB alloys or aftermarket - MB are the only alloys I will fit

 

[Mark A]

Fitted many sets of aftermarket over the years - never had an issue.

 

[SmartAmg]

Agree with the above, don't worry, about going to 18s, they will look miles better, and won't make much, if any difference to ride quality, as indeed will 19s and they'll look even better.

 

[Gazwould]

 

[Manc Rick]

Thanks everybody. Well I might veer towards 18s then if it won’t make much different to ride quality.

Still feel like I should stick to MB wheels though, as I don’t think aftermarket wheels will suit the w213, plus there’s then the TPMS issue.

Anybody used the German eBay wheel sellers?

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I bought a set of used MB 18in winter alloys from Germany through EBay with no problem, that was 5 years agp

 

[KennyN]

I went with a "branded" set for my CLS , they were FOX MS005 and were cheaper than a used (buckled + cracked) set of MB ones. Brand new guaranteed straight and perfectly finished so a no brainer really.

20170323_164827_zpsldptijjw by Kenny Niven, on Flickr

IICR they were around £550, for the set, a few years ago and i sold the original genuine AMG wheels for around £300.

K

 

[SmartAmg]

Still feel like I should stick to MB wheels though, as I don’t think aftermarket wheels will suit the w213, plus there’s then the TPMS issue.

19" Cades Apollo would suit the W213

Only my opinion of course.

 

[LostKiwi]

19" Cades Apollo would suit the W213
View attachment 73076 View attachment 73077
Only my opinion of course.

Not biased perhaps?

Actually they'd look stunning in Red!

 

[Dean Fletcher]

Not biased perhaps?

Actually they'd look stunning in Red!

I was thinking the same Alistair haha

 

[Manc Rick]

I wouldn’t be too bothered about losing comfort with a W213, my son is running MB 20in turbine alloys on his and I’m astounded how well it rides which is most likely down to the front double wishbone suspension as opposed to the McPherson strut set-up on the W211/212. The 18in MB alloys should be ideal the only difference IMO will be slightly sharper handling which is a bonus

Oh, in response to your query about MB alloys or aftermarket - MB are the only alloys I will fit

Interesting. Yes I noticed that this has a double wishbone suspension rather than the previous McPherson strut. Feels nicer to me.

 

[SmartAmg]

Not biased perhaps?

Actually they'd look stunning in Red!

Course I'm Biased but Red been there, done that but I genuinely think, they would look great on a W213.

 

[Manc Rick]

19" Cades Apollo would suit the W213
View attachment 73076 View attachment 73077
Only my opinion of course.

Very nice. Interesting as I was wondering about buying non mb wheels and putting the mb centre caps on to make them look more original. I assume I’d have to find wheels (if non mb) with the correct size centre orifice in order to fit the mb caps. Don’t suppose you know the size?

Am I right I’m thinking I’d have to buy 4 new TPMSs? Do they need coding or can I install them myself?

 

[mioba]

if you look at alloy wheels direct thwy have a good range and d even MB originals.

 

[AMGeed]

if you look at alloy wheels direct thwy have a good range and d even MB originals.

As above. But make sure you are sitting down when you see the prices.

Mercedes E-Class W213 Alloys (2016-2024) - Alloy Wheels Direct

Get Mercedes E-Class W213 alloy wheels for your 2016-2024 model. Manufacturer-approved, committed to excellence. Finance available.

www.alloywheelsdirect.net

Incidentally, if you go aftermarket, the Mercedes fitment is PCD 5 x 112 and the centre bore is 66.5mm. Make sure you get the correct ET (offset) or you could have fitment issues. Front/Rear ET is 43 if you get a square set up (same size alloys front and rear and the Rears are ET49 if you go for a staggered set up with wider rears. The tyre sizes you need can be checked on the above website when clicking on a wheel.

 

[SmartAmg]

You could go 8.5x19 all round or 8.5x19 front and 9.5 rear, would look stunning. What's your exact model and year?

 

[mioba]

and inform your insurance co

 

[Blobcat]

I’d stick with 17”s* and go to MyTyres website, many wheel options available and they provide the necessary fitting kit. I bought my winter wheels and tyres from them in 2018 and no issues with them at all.

*I’d ignore those above recommending cotton bobbins with elastic bands around the outside… they like to sit and look at their wheels rather than drive their car…

 

[Dean Fletcher]

Course I'm Biased but Red been there, done that but I genuinely think, they would look great on a W213.

The red ones were great. They kept us all going through lockdown