Which bolts ?

[Clkrichard]

I recenly bought from another member a set of Ronal Carlsson wheels for my 2004 W209 CLK 320 cabriolet ( thanks matey they are in great condition).
Today I finally had time to start to fit them and I seem to have a bolt issue.
The standard MB bolts on the front do not go far enough in to hold the wheels. They just go super tight before gripping the wheel and I am reluctant to try to tighten more - even if that was possible !
The seller kindly sent me shortened bolts for the back (they don't look much shorter !) but I haven't tried the rears as the shank is a smaller diameter than the original MB bolts and looks like a very loose fit in the wheel holes.
So I have 2 problems ..... Help !

 

[silver_star]

I beleve older Merc bolts are M12 and newer ones are M14. You should be able to get some compatible bolts from alloywheels direct.

 

[Clkrichard]

Thanks Silver Star I have already e mailed them and am waiting for their reply. I just thought I would also tap the fountain of knowledge that exists on here !

 

[Clkrichard]

Now I really thought one of you clever MB gurus would have an answer for me !
Nothing back from Alloy Wheels Direct yet so can anyone help me ?

 

[grober]

this help?
http://ronal001.mx-live.com/default.aspx

gives bolt data 5x112 [ BCD]x 66.5

see also

Wheel sizing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The wheel hub casting offset might also be wrong?- often different front to back

There was also a change in bolt length from 40mm to 28 mm around 2004.

 

[Clkrichard]

Thanks Graeme.
I have looked at the Ronal site but haven't yet found my wheels there. I will keep looking. They are multi spoke with a flat centre cap held on by a small allen key headed bolt.
Meanwhile these are the castings on the wheels :
Carlsson Ronal
36 60 O 050 1
8.5J x 18 H2
ET 35


The offset is right as is the PCD so I guess I just need shorter bolts.
Looks like I need to wait for a reply from Alloy Wheels Direct.

 

[Clkrichard]

these are the wheels :
Carlsson 1/15 Wheels 18x8.5" ET35 MERCEDES/VW/AUDI | eBay UK

 

[grober]

Further wheel stud data from EPC gives radius seat bolt of M12X1.5X40mm or M14X1.5X21mm for your car

 

[Clkrichard]

Graeme I now going to reveal how non technical I am so feel free to sniffer !
Presumably the 12 or 14 refers to the diameter of the threaded part of the bolt so I can try measuring the existing bolts - 2 mm is a pretty small difference as don't have a micrometer ...
If the other measurement is length then that is a significant difference.
I read on here once a reference to the amount of the bolt that needs to show from the inner edge of the wheel when it is inserted. Even if I knew what that should be I still need to find a supplier of the correct bolts.
I really didn't expect it to be this complicated !

 

[grober]

the measurements are diameter of threaded section in mm x thread pitch x length in mm -- so yes quite a difference in length ---your problem is that your car production date is around the time the bolt specs were changed unfortunately. See if you can borrow /get a hold of a couple of 12M AND 14M nuts and bolts [ with the correct thread pitch!!!!!] at your local ironmonger/machine shop-- cheaper than a micrometer/vernier caliper altho these can be had quite cheaply now http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_530639_langId_-1_categoryId_165469

 

[Chris Murray]

a bit strange that the seller described them as "1/15" when they are 16 spoke .

Wheels are as fitted to the Carlsson C36/C37RS: Carlsson C36 (1994) | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
They are called C-3-1-S and have part number 38181100
M12x1.5x34R12 bolts required
or Carlsson adapter kit 36301330 per wheel (centering ring & 5 bolts)

 

[Clkrichard]

Thanks Chris.
So I am now looking for 12 x 1.5 radius head bolts ..... Is the length 34mm ?
Do I have any latitude on the length ? Will 35mm give me handbrake clearance problems ?
Any suggestions on reputable suppliers ?

 

[Clkrichard]

Thanks Chris.
So I am now looking for 12 x 1.5 radius head bolts ..... Is the length 34mm ?
Do I have any latitude on the length ? Will 35mm give me handbrake clearance problems ?
Any suggestions on reputable suppliers ?

 

[Clkrichard]

Wow this has been an interesting journey !
I have had an amazing amount of free advice from Chris at Alloy Wheels Direct and now know exactly which bolts I need - finding them is an entirely different matter but it looks like I can buy ones that are too long and cut them down.
Chris you are a star - many thanks.