Diamond Cut vs Powder Coating

[davemfox]

My alloys on the E63 are a bit rough looking due to the crap roads around Aberdeenshire.

I've been given an option to powder coat them rather than diamond re-cut them.

What's everyone's view on this?

Dave

 

[whitenemesis]

I prefer the look of diamond cut but recognise powder coating is more practical in the longer term.
That said I'd still go with diamond cut

 

[Gazwould]

Powder coat .

 

[such01]

i went from diamond cut to powder coat - much prefer the longevity of powder coat, saying that they need re-doing after nearly 2 and a half years

 

[Peter103]

What's the difference in price, if any?

 

[such01]

around £30 per rim

 

[Will]

Powder coating is quick and durable, but won’t give you the correct finish for these wheels.

Contrary to what some will tell you, properly finished diamond cut wheels on good quality metal (the pre facelift ‘63 wheels are forged) and finished properly should last a reasonable while - if you care for them properly too. Too many variables to give a definitive lifetime but if you look on this thread I’ve shown some factory wheels that were 6/7 years old that had never been refurbished before and the factory finish had lasted very well.

*Best* wheel refurbishment company for diamond cutting?

Trouble is, people kerb the factory wheels then have them refurbished often to a standard lower than the factory finish hence they don’t last as long. I’ve seen many refurbished diamond cut wheels where the edges are rough or the machining is too course hence gives a hard edge where the lacquer tends to be too thin and oxidisation begins to set in relatively soon.

I can 100% recommend Pristine of Milton Keynes for these wheels, they refurbished two sets for me and I could not fault the quality of their work or the service. I spent a good while looking into this and am pretty confident they’re about the closest to factory wheels you will find anywhere in the UK.

The quality of their diamond cutting/machining is the best I have seen bar none

 

[Merc220cls]

The diamond cut wheels on my CLS are already showing signs of corrosion and the cars done just 10k miles.
So much for Mercedes quality !

 

[Wolfie1]

How about a 3rd option, get them painted the same as a diamond coat finish, you get the best of both worlds

 

[248cmr]

I've been considering what to do with mine recently too. I'm not a fan of the diamond cut lip so I'll probably lose that.

I really don't like the finish on powder coated wheels and you have much more flexibility in colour, finish and depth with paint so it's really worth considering

 

[T5R+]

Powder coating is fine BUT diamond coat is just by far the nicest and best looking finish.

I went for powder coating as cost me £250/4 versus £120/each. Partly price, partly a 7 year old car, partly fancied an anthracite look, car is my commuter car and not garage-queen.

On your E63 £30/corner is a "tank of fuel" and diamond finish will restore it to splendour.

 

[Edd1968]

My alloys on the E63 are a bit rough looking due to the crap roads around Aberdeenshire.

I've been given an option to powder coat them rather than diamond re-cut them.

What's everyone's view on this?

Dave

Dave, you can have both!
Just had The Wheel Specialist in Inverness refinish mine. They are powder coated but the edges are also diamond cut. It's finished in a clear powder coat.....

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The diamond cut wheels on my CLS are already showing signs of corrosion and the cars done just 10k miles.
So much for Mercedes quality !

From the factory it’s not really a quality thing. A lacquered diamond cut finish is simply less durable than other finishes, and once damaged - or damaged/repaired to a poor quality - then the finish deteriorates. As Will suggests, avoiding damage and caring for them with the right products can extend their life considerably.

My diamond cut wheels tend to last around five years before refinishing, and they’re not in a state by that point, just showing some deterioration and so not as perfect as I’d like them.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Dave, you can have both!
Just had The Wheel Specialist in Inverness refinish mine. They are powder coated but the edges are also diamond cut. It's finished in a clear powder coat.....View attachment 85132 View attachment 85133 View attachment 85134

Edd, WT heck is happening with that disc ? looks rough.

 

[Edd1968]

Edd, WT heck is happening with that disc ? looks rough.

Was just in the process of repairing them and I hadn't at that point driven other than round the drive and I'd washed the car, hence the braking surface not clear

 

[Edd1968]

Edd, WT heck is happening with that disc ? looks rough.

Better...?

 

[stevemoir]

There’s a place in dyce doing mine platinum powder coatings

250 quid all in 19s gave went for a hyper silver will
Post up pics when there done

Steve

 

[davemfox]

Dave, you can have both!
Just had The Wheel Specialist in Inverness refinish mine. They are powder coated but the edges are also diamond cut. It's finished in a clear powder coat.....

That's interesting - I've been talking to The Wheel Specialist in Aberdeen and they didn't mention the ability of combining the two!

There’s a place in dyce doing mine platinum powder coatings

250 quid all in 19s gave went for a hyper silver will
Post up pics when there done

Steve

I've just had a look on their FB page - will send them the same a message and see what can be done.

Dave

 

[renault12ts]

I used The Wheel Specialist in Belfast for powder coating...did a 1st class job. They even repaired one wheel when I kerbed it recently...free.

 

[Will]

That’s how the early 212 ‘63 wheels should look, Titanium or Himalaya grey with diamond cut faces/lips.

The AMG logo is engraved into the lips, and needs the paint to bring out the detail IMHO. These were expensive (£5k+ a set) forged wheels and deserve a quality refurb IMHO

I’ve had plenty of wheels powder coated in the past, but these are tricky wheels and only the OE finish looks correct to me