OEM wheels vs Monoblock wheels

[WaltS]

Keeping original wheels vs monoblocks is my delema. I really like the look of the original wheels but seems when time to sell monoblock is preferred. Any input on the topic? I know much of this is personal preference but interested in the community thoughts. Thanks!

 

[doolar]

Keeping original wheels vs monoblocks is my delema. I really like the look of the original wheels but seems when time to sell monoblock is preferred. Any input on the topic? I know much of this is personal preference but interested in the community thoughts. Thanks!

If you don't need the money and have storage, I'd just keep both sets. Good to have the OE wheels with the car IMO.

 

[Kridre]

EVO2 > Original > Monoblock. That's my opinion. Having 500E on stock wheels definitively makes it more unique because almost everyone has monoblock wheels nowadays.

 

[jhodg5ck]

Mmmm..evo's.

 

[gsxr]

Keeping original wheels vs monoblocks is my delema. I really like the look of the original wheels but seems when time to sell monoblock is preferred. Any input on the topic? I know much of this is personal preference but interested in the community thoughts. Thanks!

If the car is otherwise bone stock and relatively low miles, keep the original wheels... buyers generally prefer original cars.

If the car is modified and/or has higher miles, it doesn't matter as much. And, the stock wheels aren't particularly rare so either you or a new owner could buy stock wheels again if desired. Monoblocks are a bit harder to locate, especially at a reasonable price point or in good condition.

Drive the car with the wheels you like to look at, don't worry about a potential sale years down the road. Keep both sets if at all possible.

 

[Sam SL]

I have both sets. The monoblocks look terrific but I can certainly detect the extra unsprung weight over the stock wheels when doing spirited drives on curvy roads.

 

[duuder]

keep both! switch them out every now and again for a new look. interesting enough, im not a fan of the evo wheels on anything else but an evo 2

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

Some of this has to do with getting tires. Some of the best tires for a relatively heavy high-performance cars are NLA in 16" rim width. Like Michelin Pilot Sports, if I'm not mistaken.

Much has to do with esthetics. The stock wheels look good, but monoblocks are a whole 'nother level of good looking on these cars.

 

[DerFuror]

I have 5 wheel sets of oem & monoblock. I enjoy both designs & switch them out as desired.

I also concur with Sam SL’s assessment.

 

[WaltS]

Mmmm..evo's.

Evo’s look great but I haven’t seen any sets for sale. I need to keep checking back here.

 

[WaltS]

If the car is otherwise bone stock and relatively low miles, keep the original wheels... buyers generally prefer original cars.

If the car is modified and/or has higher miles, it doesn't matter as much. And, the stock wheels aren't particularly rare so either you or a new owner could buy stock wheels again if desired. Monoblocks are a bit harder to locate, especially at a reasonable price point or in good condition.

Drive the car with the wheels you like to look at, don't worry about a potential sale years down the road. Keep both sets if at all possible.

Mine is all original which is why keeping the originals on it is so appealing. However, I’ll keep my eyes out for some Evo’s!

 

[maw1124]

Mmmm..evo's.

Quiet flex...

OP, welcome to the "storing extra original parts" chapter of the .036 ownership experience. You'll finish this chapter when you sell the car.

Wear the ones you want, store the originals. There's a wheel thread on here that you should definitely browse through.

Enjoy!

maw

 

[Eagle01]

The monoblocks compliment our cars. The stock look better in pictures than in person also are skinnier and IMHO show the age of the car way more than other wheels. I would definitely keep them both and when time to sell will be favorable to the buying audience having both.

 

[thebrinksman]

I've got some reconditioned 19" Brabus Monoblock 5's for sale if interested. Just sayin'.

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

I'm interested to know more about the Brabus wheels. Could you post photos Thank you.

 

[thebrinksman]

I'm interested to know more about the Brabus wheels. Could you post photos Thank you.

2 fronts (8.5") are still out being reconditioned. Other problem is that it looks like you live on the east coast...and I'm not a fan of shipping wheels. We can move this to PM's if you'd like to chat summore. I'll do a sale posting when I have them back.

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

Sure just PM me at your convenience.

 

[doolar]

Evo’s look great but I haven’t seen any sets for sale. I need to keep checking back here.

Normal Evo's (not the diamond cut) may be available from Mercedes. The Evos on my car was replaced late last year after the old ones were stolen, and the tire shop ordered them from Mercedes.

 

[MK500]

Question inviting comment.
Have set of 18” monoblocks with no offset coming in to put on my 104,000 mile single owner ( before me) 93 500E .
Expecting that current 500E lug nuts will work with the new wheels.
Also hoping can put the existing 500E stock wheels on my son’s 94E320 with no issues? And that his stock lug nuts will work with the 500E wheels .
Does that work?
Appreciate the feedback!

 

[gsxr]

Stock 500E lug bolts (not lug nuts) are 95mm long and will stick out of monoblock wheels. Also, you did not specify which 18" "monoblocks" you have on the way, if they are not W210/R129 original fitment, you'll need special hybrid lug bolts with R14 ball seat.

Stock 500E wheels are quite wide, these are an aggressive fitment on a stock 1994 E320, and the tires will be too large. You can make these work if you roll the fender lips, add front fender spacers, and use the correct size tires.

E320 lug bolts would technically work with the 500E wheels but would not look right. You would use the 500E lug bolts with the 500E wheels on the E320.

Get the correct lug bolts for the monoblocks...

 

[MK500]

Correct lug bolts for flush look with monoblocks are what?
Thanks.

 

[TimL]

 

[gsxr]

Correct lug bolts for flush look with monoblocks are what?
Thanks.

If they are AMG monoblocks (from a W210 E55?), the correct bolts are 85mm total length with a shank length of 40mm. These bolts will be flush with the face of the monoblock. If you tried the stock 500E wheel lug bolts (which are 95mm) and they poke out slightly, the 85mm version is what you need.

This assumes you do NOT have spacers mounted, btw.