Correct lug bolt for W211 stock rims for W210 application - Benzworld.org

Raylee177 · 02-01-2006, 07:36 PM

I received full set of RAD, German lug bolts 12mm X 1.5 X 26mm shank length in R14 ball seating today from Otis Inc. LA.
Installed the rims with the original 225-55-16 tires that came with 2005 E320 using the lug bolts. Result is that it works perfectly. Perhaps better than original MBZ stock lug bolts 14mm X 1.5 designed for W211.
I know many people are having problems finding right lug bolts. Good luck!

Storm. · 02-02-2006, 02:35 PM

You might have answered alot of peoples prayers (including mine if i hadn't machined my own),... but I must warn you all that the balls may be 14mm but the shafts are still 12mm which could lead to some issues, but hopefully not. Thanks for the info Raylee177 & taking the time to post.

Raylee177 · 02-04-2006, 06:27 PM

I drove few days with the lug bolts and I am totally satisfied with the quality, safety and proper fitting.

cesmallz · 02-05-2006, 01:07 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.

Raylee177 · 02-05-2006, 05:24 PM

Cesmalls,
Before I decided to buy the RAD lug bolts, I communicated directly with Rolf of RAD Germany. He convinced me they were expert in the part in terms of application and safety issues.
I would not use typical parts from Taiwan that we can buy from other source here in USA. Most of after market parts for that particular parts are from Taiwan. I did almost buy one from Taiwan but I did not buy because I had questions unlike RAD part. Everybody has different opinion, of course when it comes to making decision.
I am just sharing my experience because I had so much hard time finding the right lug bolt I could trust. I recommend you talk to Otis Inc. LA direct before you make up your mind.

Raylee177 · 02-13-2006, 01:28 PM

az2md,
Here you are on the subject up in the front for your ease to see.

az2md · 02-14-2006, 05:33 AM

Thanks much for all this information. Okay let me make sure that I understand this correctly.

If I buy the W211, they will fit my 2002 W210 4Matic perfectly, provided I use RAD, lug bolts 12mm X 1.5 X 26mm shank length in R14 ball seating. And that I can get them from Otis Inc. LA.

Raylee177, thanks for taking the time to guide me in the right direction and by any chance do you have Otis Inc.'s phone number handy?

Now, these wheels won't mess up the 4Matic function, right?

Thanks

Paul

Raylee177 · 02-14-2006, 07:37 AM

I don't believe you will have problem. You can ask Otis Inc. directly yourself. If you take genuine MBZ stock lug bolt 14 X 1.5 X 21 (Thread Lenght,same as 26mm shank lenght)and cut them down to 12mm, it is going to cost you about $11 each X 20 lug bolts. It turns out pretty expensive.
You have seen some people cutting original MBZ 14mm lug bolts down to 12mm and are using successfully. But that route is lot of headache and expensive as you can see. Anyway, that is a proof that it does work, right?
Going with RAD will cost you about $60.00 total(20 pieces) including shipping.
Here is the telephone NO you asked for; 310-995-8939

az2md · 03-01-2006, 06:43 AM

I have one last question, I promise. Since my 02 W210 4Matic has staggered wheels,will the 17 inch wheels from 2002 SLK32 AMG fit my car?

Here are the tires on those wheels:

Front:

225/45 ZR 17

Rear:

245/40 ZR17

I really appreciate all your help.

Thank you

Paul

gregs210 · 03-01-2006, 09:02 AM

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.

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