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+K buying new wheels, need help choosing!

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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
hola brews,

Well I'm the proud new owner of an 02 Mercedes C240 sedan. The previous owner (family friend) just moved to Germany and had no use for the car. It was horribly dirty and in need of some TLC, but I couldn't pass it up at such a good price.

I've fully detailed the car inside and out, fixed dents and chips/scratches, and it's looking really nice. The suspension was shot, so I just ordered a new one which should be here by the end of the week.

Here's where I need your help…


Picking wheels:

-I go to school in saratoga springs, NY so it will be driven in snow (gonna be mounted with high performance all seasons)

-stocks are 16", I want 18" but dad recommends 17" for potholes/northern roads

-I have paid for everything thus far, but my dad is willing to throw down $800 towards wheels and tires…anything more I'll cover myself

Here's what I have been looking at. Feel free to pick your favorite or share another wheel that you like better


1. Sport Edition 17". These are my dad's favorite b/c of price (with tires is 800) and extra sidewall for bumps on northern roads

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2. Bremmer Kraft Br09 18"

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3. Bremmer Kraft Br10 18"

Click for larger image



+K to all helpful responses. either pick your favorite or contribute another idea. **Also keep in mind the center cap will be a silver mercedes logo that I already have


Jul 28 2013 10:25PM
35 6
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
first
Jul 28 2013 10:28PM
3 2
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
i didn't like them at first, but I'm starting to warm up to them. thanks for the input +K
Jul 28 2013 10:31PM
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d.mcknight
Posts: 778 - Karma: 1,539
I say go with the ones that your dad wants to get, that way you aren't putting out any of your own money toward it and can use your money for something else
Jul 28 2013 10:32PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
true, thanks man +K
Jul 28 2013 10:34PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
If you are going for something that's function over form then the first ones are the way to go. From a stylized standpoint I'd have to say I like #2 the best. Their silver colour will look good with your silver center caps (I'm assuming options #1 and #3 are that off grey colour) and the wheel itself has that typical ALMS/Touring car look.
Jul 28 2013 10:35PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
this is what i'm having a hard time deciding. I agree the first are the best for function (price/size) and i'd have to agree that the others look better stylistically.'

already had you at 10/10, but thanks for the advice
Jul 28 2013 10:36PM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
which will probably be expensive services. German cars are great but they are expensive to maintain fair warning.
Jul 28 2013 10:40PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Personally I think the first look the best. I don't like busy rims, so I think the second two are lame. Just me though.
Jul 28 2013 10:41PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
+k thanks
Jul 28 2013 10:43PM
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KimJong-Illest
Posts: 883 - Karma: 3,110
I like the second ones the best style wise but I think realisticly it would be better to get the first ones.
Jul 28 2013 10:57PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
everyone is loving the first ones! i guess dad knows best
Jul 28 2013 11:00PM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
For me:

Style: #3
Functionality: Obviously #1
Jul 28 2013 11:07PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Do you need wheels, or just want something new? With a budget of $800 for both wheels and tires, you're basically limiting yourself to shit tier, garbage quality in both departments
Jul 28 2013 11:08PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
totally agree +k
Jul 28 2013 11:08PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
yes both are a necessity in the current state. iI can go more than 800, dad is just willing to contribute that much.

#1 is on sale so it comes out to just over 800.

#2,3 come out to around $1300 and are made by ASA which is made by BBS
Jul 28 2013 11:11PM
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Wolfgang.
Posts: 807 - Karma: 866
I find the first one looks really sick.
Jul 28 2013 11:38PM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
Your dad is right about going with the 17s over the 18s. After you blow out two tires in a summer enjoying backroads and twistys, you will be wanting more sidewall. Now if you plan on getting winter tires for the stock 16s, go with the 18s and use your eyes in the summer. The second set looks money, esp if you were to get them in black/grey/plasti dip them.
Jul 28 2013 11:40PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
The first one looks the most sturdy and would probably be easier to clean.

The third is kinda interesting too. I guess I would do what is either cheapest/most functional. Unless you have loads of money, and then I would buy both. Haha
Jul 28 2013 11:44PM
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Phil-X-
Posts: 7205 - Karma: 14,399
I would go #1, because 2 and 3 look a little to BMWish to put on a Mercedes. Plus I think they look the best with the best practicality
Jul 28 2013 11:48PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
true i think #2 looks especially Beemer-esque

Solid answers guys, +K to all…i'm leaning heavily towards #1 at this point. Probably will order them tmrw
Jul 28 2013 11:52PM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
Explain the importance of a good tire to your dad. It is a serious safety concern in both stopping and handling (aka makes it so you can avoid accidents). Play it off as a safety concern and he may get on board with more. If you buy a shit tire it is going to make it harder for you to stop and you could lose control of the vehicle much more easily (especially in rain or snow). Just a thought
Jul 29 2013 2:02AM
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daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
First set would look the best in my mind.


Also, because you're on the topic of owning this car, what are you planning to do with it down the road? Are you going to put more money into it?
Jul 29 2013 3:20AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
All-season tires are crap.

Buy dedicated "winter" and "summer" tires.
Jul 29 2013 5:20AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7147 - Karma: 17,498
Yeah go for the first. They look the best and it saves you having to spend an extra 500 bucks of your own money. That's a new set of skis or boots right there, or a shit load of gas.
Jul 29 2013 6:55AM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
.
Jul 29 2013 6:56AM
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daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
not all of them are crap, but I would agree that you would have a way better time if you got dedicated tires.
Jul 29 2013 7:51AM
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tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
How many kids from Saratoga are on NS now? 500?

Jul 29 2013 9:28AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
this for sure. #2 & #3 would be an absolute BITCH to keep clean. have fun wiping all of the break dust, etc. off of each one of the spokes.
Jul 29 2013 9:32AM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,298
I'd go with 2 or 3. 1 is alright, I have sport edition wheels on my car, but they aren't that great. ASA and BBS are names you can stand behind and I would spend the extra bucks just for that.
Jul 29 2013 9:56AM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
maybe, it's basically my dedicated college car and beyond that i don't know.

I'll probably eventually do nicer brakes when it needs them and maybe some other like an exhaust, intake and chip


And I don't have enough cash flow at this point to buy dedicated summer and winter wheels. High performance all seasons aren't that bad, and tire rack is having some great deals. Yes, they aren't as responsive as a high performance street tire only used in the summer, but I don't have enough money for that at this point.

In the future, I'll probably buy a dedicated set for summer and keep the Sport Editions as my winter set (fit them with winter tires)
Jul 29 2013 10:09AM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
>15,000 dollar car
>can't afford $800 wheels

amazing
Jul 29 2013 2:38PM
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dmski
Posts: 328 - Karma: 360
I see what you did there...
Jul 29 2013 2:55PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
nice dewd.


im a poor college student, working hard to buy a car and ski and do whatever else. thanks though
Jul 29 2013 3:57PM
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KennyD
Posts: 264 - Karma: 537
i like the first ones best
Jul 29 2013 4:26PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
never thought of it but i may try that eventually!

Jul 29 2013 7:13PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
Update: I ordered H&R Touring Cup Kit suspension which will be really nice….lower it about 1.5"


When that's installed and I have the wheels, I'm going to order the H&R TRAK wheel spacer and new bolts so that the wheels sit flush with the body. May need to adjust camber, but I think proper alignment will take care of that.

STOKED! I'll post pics as things move along
Jul 29 2013 10:23PM
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James.May
Posts: 494 - Karma: 321
also keep in mind sure the 18" rims with a skin of tire looks awesome but if its your daily driver and the roads arnt the greatest that extra 1" of tire will make a world of difference in comfort especially if you plan on putting sport suspension in it. haha trust me the enjoyment of stiff suspension and thin tires on a daily really wears off quickly.

Id go with option 1 since they are cheaper put more money into the tires aswell
Jul 29 2013 10:34PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
i definitely think option one will be better at this point because of the stiffer suspension. The extra tire will help for sure on northern roads
Jul 29 2013 10:47PM
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daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
Ah, sound system if you have some spare cash as well. If you're into listening to loud music doing everything you do, like I am.
Jul 29 2013 11:06PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,298
just curious why you would go spring kit over coilovers. you are clearly going for the "flush" look but lowering springs are gay as aids. H&R makes some very high quality coilovers which are great because you can raise for winter and lower for summer with ease. And that's just the top end coils too...
Jul 29 2013 11:11PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Are the rims warped so badly that you need new rims or dose the car straight up not have rims? I'd stick with stock until you eventually warp the shit out of them from driving on shitty northeast roads. I would rather take the $500 you would spend in rims for new skis, a season pass, or save it so you can fix something else that will go wrong with your car.
Jul 29 2013 11:23PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
to be honest, i just read great reviews about the touring cup kit and my whole suspension is shot. Plus the coil over kit the h&r offers for my car is 300ish more and another inch lower.

Im not into "stancing" cars and don't want to look like some swag-ass wannabe…just want it to perform nicely and to look flush like you said. nothing too crazy



And to kayng- definitely am going to upgrade the sound system as soon as possible. It's doable for now, nothing is shot (yet). Do you have any suggestions?


and to last poster i forget your name-- tires are shot, wheels are dented some, and are just really old and ugly. 16" too
Jul 29 2013 11:38PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
H&R Suspension is in..installing tonight/tmrw.


JUST FOUND THESE WHEELS ON SALE….OPINIONS???

They're Sparco's, really light, made by OZ racing i believe.


Click for larger image
Aug 1 2013 2:38PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
Go with these, I think black looks sick
Aug 13 2013 1:20PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
You have a Mercedes. Don't get the same thing every 17 year old has on his Civic. Go on craigslist or a Mercedes forum and find yourself some used AMG wheels. You can probably find a pretty decent deal and they will look better than the ones you are looking at.
Aug 13 2013 2:29PM
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SamtheHoe
Posts: 33 - Karma: 12
dont know if anyone suggested this but maybe check out some rotas or xxrs
Aug 13 2013 3:28PM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
I've been thinking about this route actually.

I wanna save some money before school for skiing so I've been looking into used AMGS.

the problem is the fucking offsets are a bitch….gotta do my homework
Aug 14 2013 8:27AM
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manzear
Posts: 843 - Karma: 849
I think this is a good call. The more stock type looking AMG wheels fit the car so well and look sick. As well, just some more food for thought...multi spoke wheels are harder to clean, a standard 5 spoke type of wheel in my opinion looks sick and can be cleaned easier.
Aug 14 2013 9:01AM
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SirBooley
Posts: 768 - Karma: 353
exactly. I LOVE the early 2000's five spoke AMGs. They are so classy looking, and since I'm not "modding" this car extensively, I don't want to buy some wheels that most dudes throw on their tuners….i want it to look nice.


THESE THINGS ARE MONEY

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im also a fan of the skinnier 5 spoke amgs

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Aug 14 2013 9:07AM
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