wheel offsets/wheelbolts

[freighter]

Is there anyone out there who can help? I just bought a new set of alloy wheels for my MB C240 Estate (W203) only to discover they are for the new C Class (W204). My MB dealer who services the car refused to fit them saying they were unsuitable for a variety of unspecified reasons.

Took them to a local wheel/tyre specialist who said the the hub sizes were the same for both old and new C Class but the wheelbolts were far too long, but the wheelbolts for the new C Class were a different diameter so they could not be used. He said I needed shorter bolts but there is clearly more to it than that.

The wheels as fitted from new are 7J x 16 H2 ET37

The new wheels are also 7J x 16 H2 but the offset is ET43

Other markings on the inside of wheel are:

AS10
62

A204
401
1107

25765
XO6

O8W 13

I apparantly require Radius type wheelbolts which on MB C Class is normally 12mm dia. Can anyone clarify what I need in the way of new wheelbolts?

 

[Chrishazle]

Have you read the sticky at the start of this forum? Chris Murray of alloywheelsdirect.net - have a look at his website, really helpful. W203 saloon uses M12x1.5 bolts, W204 uses M14x1.5 bolts, but I think the 203's are 60mm overall length whereas the 204's are somewhat shorter.

 

[freighter]

Thanks for the info, have visited the website which is very useful but doesn't contain the info on the length of wheel bolt I would need for W204 wheels onto a W203 Estate, and as is stressed on the site,why buy wheels that don't even fit your specific car?

I had hoped to speak to someone but the only customer contact is after you place an order. At least from the website I have been able to identify exactly the wheel part number, so thanks again. I will just keep trying I guess.

Many thanks

 

[Chris Murray]

Bolt Pack 4L

 

[rf065]

My MB dealer who services the car refused to fit them saying they were unsuitable for a variety of unspecified reasons.

The dealer will not fit them because the offset is wrong for your car & may affect the handling of the car, and not in a good way either.

Russ

 

[freighter]

The dealer will not fit them because the offset is wrong for your car & may affect the handling of the car, and not in a good way either.

Russ

Thanks, I can of course understand that. But a specialist wheel/tyre dealer locally says that other than the offset the wheels are a straight swop, both centre bore 66.5 and stud pattern (PCD) 5 x 112. New wheels and old are both 7J x 16 H2.

Only problem seems to be the existing bolts are too long because the W.203 has offset ET37 and W.204's have ET43. I won't fit them until I'm 100% sure they're ok though.

 

[freighter]

Bolt Pack 4L

Thanks, that's brilliant. Is it against the rules to ask if I can get these from you on line?

New member so do not want to upset the applecart, saw someone getting heated about not advertising on the site etc.on one of the posts.

These wheels look nice in my study but would look much nicer on the car! thanks again.

 

[rf065]

Only problem seems to be the existing bolts are too long because the W.203 has offset ET37 and W.204's have ET43. I won't fit them until I'm 100% sure they're ok though.

The offset has nothing to do with the length of the bolts, only the design of the wheel & hub dictate the type of bolts.

The offset is the distance from the centre line of the wheel to the hub face. If you are changing the offset, you are widening or narrowing the track of the vehicle. I have driven cars that had a mind of their own after putting wheels of the wrong offset on.

Straying too far from the original offset can cause the tyres to foul the suspension and bodywork, as well as putting excess strain on wheel bolts or studs, the handling may also be compromised.

Russ

 

[jaymanek]

Bolt pack 4L on the site is M12?

 

[freighter]

The offset has nothing to do with the length of the bolts, only the design of the wheel & hub dictate the type of bolts.

The offset is the distance from the centre line of the wheel to the hub face. If you are changing the offset, you are widening or narrowing the track of the vehicle. I have driven cars that had a mind of their own after putting wheels of the wrong offset on.

Straying too far from the original offset can cause the tyres to foul the suspension and bodywork, as well as putting excess strain on wheel bolts or studs, the handling may also be compromised.

Russ

Thanks Russ. I have decided to accept a refund on these wheels, it's just not worth the hassle. I have to say I now know a lot more about wheels, tyres and offsets than I ever did before.

 

[BTB 500]

If you are looking for another set of wheels that are actually going to fit I can recommend alloywheelsdirect.net. I bought the 2-piece AMGs on my SL from them - very helpful.

 

[rf065]

E-Bay occasionally has some good wheels, I got a brand new set of 4 genuine Mercedes 17" wheels for my CLK for £350

Russ

 

[jeffjeffjeff]

Thanks Russ. I have decided to accept a refund on these wheels, it's just not worth the hassle. I have to say I now know a lot more about wheels, tyres and offsets than I ever did before.

was fascinated to read this thread.
so, did you manage to buy another set of wheels, if so which ones are suited to the W203.

Im assuming you wanted to 'jump' from a 15'' to a 16''?

my W203 is 7J x 16 H2 ET37

have you ANY idea what 16'' are a perfect match, to NOT compromise safety, handling and stability, geometry etc?

thanks and again im more aware and educated in regards to offset and ET.

Regards

Jeff

 

[Chrishazle]

Go to Mercedes AMG BMW alloy wheels & tyres, UK wheel alloys, Mercedes, W203 - you'll see loads of different rims suitable for your car. 15", 16", 17", maybe even 18" - take your pick, dependant on how much softness or hardness you want in the ride (larger rims = harder ride.)

 

[sspeed]

Jeff..

Here is the link to the page for the 203...
Select wheel dia from drop down box..
Then select Mercedes / AMG and have fun..

Mercedes C Class Saloon W203 alloys | Alloy Wheels Direct Ltd

 

[jeffjeffjeff]

Go to Mercedes AMG BMW alloy wheels & tyres, UK wheel alloys, Mercedes, W203 - you'll see loads of different rims suitable for your car. 15", 16", 17", maybe even 18" - take your pick, dependant on how much softness or hardness you want in the ride (larger rims = harder ride.)

they are a good site, just overpriced. Seen many other sites which are cheaper