Quote:
cesmallz - 2/4/2006 12:07 AM
I have 17" rims from a 2003 E 500 on my 98 E 320 i had to have 12mm lugs cut down to size. However, the 14mm bolts are cool, but it dosen't matter because mercedes rims are hub centeric so you could use the 12mm bolts. I also have a 92 300CE with the same rims on it and it rolls smooth. Moreover, those bolts probably make life easier.
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Technically, while the hub-centric design keeps the wheel centered, it has nothing to do with how the fasteners fit the wheel. The 12M ball seat on the stock 210 lug bolt simply doesn't fit properly and touches probably less than 15% of the mating surface of the wheel. Will it make a difference? I don't know, but considering they are alloy wheels and will crack before they bend, I wouldn't want to be the one to find out. I had machined some 12Ms to fit better, but decided to go over to the RADs to get back to a hardened seat (which is destroyed by machining) and a perfect fit.
Overall the cleanest solution is to drill and tap the hubs for the 14M stock bolts, but that's really a lot of work and expense considering that the hub-centric design lessens the importance of the 12M shaft vs. the 14M shaft.
Either way, RAD custom bolts mean that more people are going to be able to more easily change the look of their MBZ cars without sacrificing quality or safety, which is a good thing for everyone.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg