Date:         Mon, 6 Mar 2000 13:04:23 EST
Reply-To:     JordanVw@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         JordanVw@AOL.COM
Subject:      Re: Mercedes wheels
Comments: To: jander14@wvu.edu
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 3/6/00 12:31:44 PM Eastern Standard Time, jander14@WVU.EDU
writes:

<< 1.) has machined centers out of cast aluminum wheels
 >     (cast aluminum is very fragile)
 > 2.) suspension modified by cutting notches to allow the wheel to fit
 >     (who knows what this will do over the life of the vehicle)
 > 3.) significantly less track than even the stock wheels
 >     (making for worse handling)


 Oh this is ludicrous already, although I questioned the Audi wheel fitment
 early on, some REAL world points.

 Machining a little aluminum from the center of an Audi or Mercedes wheel
 will do nothing to the strength, I'm a mechanical engineer, take my word on
 it, I'd stake my life (personally) on it.  Either are big tough wheels, the
 Mercedes
 as mentioned is forged even, but even the early Audi Turbo wheels are meant
to
 carry a big hefty car around. >>


yes, unfortuately not all listmembers can afford to spend over $600+? on some
nasty chromed steel jeep-lookin wagon wheels from some high priced (and low
quality) german aftermarket company because they are "officially rated by the
TUV"

i have run the audi 15" alloys with no problem. same w/ the 14" MB alloys
(which dont have to be machined)  never had a problem with either.
oh..and NO i dont have any for sale..
for those anal listmemers, you can go out and spend all the $$ you want for
the "officialness" ,  but it would be just for piece of mind.  that's it..
we've been thru this all a year or so ago..   DONT KNOCK IT TILL YOU'VE TRIED
IT.

chris