What wheels have cracked or bent for you?

I own a wheel refurb/straightening/welding shop in Norway. I have probably straightened 10.000 rims and welded 1.000 in the last ten years and this is my experience: Both OEMs and Chinese aftermarket rims get bent and crack. OEM rims are usually much easier to straighten out again and are always of a superior alloy than the cheap ones, making a good weld/straight job easy and long lasting. Cast OEMs are also A LOT thicker than their Chinese counterparts, sometimes we see Chinese rims half the thickness of a standard BMW x5 or Telsa rim being put on such cars, often with horrible consequences, such as multiple cracks in one wheel, constantly losing air and destroying tires. Some Chinese and Taiwan rims work fine, and it's usually when bought in normal sizes, say 16-18 inch. The real problems occur when you buy big rims with skinny tires and put them on heavy cars. The DOT, JWL and VIA stamps are mostly just for show and I doubt they have any validity. How can a wheel made with half the thickness and often inferior alloy(they mix in cheaper stuff than aluminium to keep costs down) perform just as well and have the same load rating as the much more solid OEM wheel? It can't. Last point is finish and corrosion resistance. The OEMs often (but not always ie gen1 Tesla S) have an epoxy primer powdercoat underneath the color and clear coat, making them more durable in the winter months. Here in Norway we have heavy winters and salt roads, causing heavy corrosion on winter wheels. We often see the aftermarket wheels fail long before the OEMs do, with paint falling off, alloy corroding, leaking air etc. German producers such as BBS, Borbet, Italian Speedline or OZ, generally produce high quality aftermarket wheels. Vossen makes a solid rim, though we stripped the paint of a set of 22"x11 wheels of a Mercedes ML, and all wheels had cracks between the rim and the spokes, totaling 6-10 cracks pr wheel.... Size matters! I always go with more tire and less rim :) just my 2 cents

My stock Toyota Yaris wheels hold me and my 300lb girlfriend and her cooler full of snacks

That whole beginning skit is how I feel when I don't take my car to go get a oil change from the dealer😂😂😂

the intro is the most cringey thing i have ever seen

I actually have a lot to say about this subject. I've been involved in the auto industry in some capacity for a decade, five of those were at a shop that handed pretty much every high end wheel brand and car brand on the market. Here's a secret, no type of wheel is safe from bends or cracks. I've never seen a wheel fail that wasn't due to a major accident happening. As far as bending goes, OEM and aftermarket are both prone to it depending how thin the tires are, we certainly sent out plenty of both to get repaired. The worst wheels we dealt with were high end multipiece wheels. Pick a brand, I've seen them all crack/get repaired and crack again. Everyone likes to tout them as easy to repair and super strong but we replaced several sets with one piece wheels. As long as whatever wheels you're buying have been tested and are from a reputable company, they're fine.

Honey is garbage slowed my laptop down so much and never found any discounts that I couldn't have found myself.

Great video. Very informative. I always wondered about the marking on the inside of the wheels and never knew what they stood for. Now I know! When shopping for wheels, I also never really paid much attention the the load rating, but rather the weight of the wheels for unsprung weight advantages. Going forward, I'll pay attention to both figures. Always great content! Thanks, Alex!

What a great informative video, helps out big time and learned alot of new stuff especially as i am in the market for a new set of decent inexpensive wheels. Thanks.

Both cars look awesome and so do you Alex!! Nice work my man!

You are killing it Alex!

Always watch your Vlog as soon as it is posted. Many great takeaways. Tell Pauli to “Fuggat Bout It”

Did it really take 3 minutes for this video to start? WTF?

I’m a BMW guy but I really enjoy your videos. very informative

Correction.. Sorry Alex. Forged Wheel: Made by forging (forming) a single piece of metal into the final shape. Cast Wheel: Molten metal is poured into a form and cast into the final shape. Billet Wheel: Machined or cut out of a solid piece of metal into the final shape.

Hey man great informative video! Keep them coming!🐟

Excellent video and thanks for sharing tip for Honey!

Solid video, very informative

thank you, work in wheels and tires for many years and there is many thing you mention here i didnt know, cheers

Thank you for your great information knowledge and research.

I always enjoy your videos. Great advice from someone who knows. I'd like to have the wheels on our 2013 C300 4Matic (W204) repaired. They're scuffed (not badly) and one has a very small dent on the lip. I've had one place quote me $200/wheel, which I believe is way too expensive. The wheels are the stock 17" staggered wheels. I've even toyed with the idea of doing it myself, but I'll save that as an absolute last resort. I'll keep looking around for awhile. Advice is appreciated.

I was your 500th LIKE! You crack me up with the comedy intro's in your videos and then follow up with SOLID content! You really are LEGIT!

Never cracked or bent a wheel which has really suprised me considering aome of theae chicago pot holes. I run with a little meat on the tires though to help absorb some of the impact.

Thanks for all videos

Lol that Chicago accent attempt was solid

lmao that intro, OMG I subbed!, Also those look like E class

Good info thanks Alex

I like my BBS CH. Totally worth the money. They are not forged but they are strong yes I know there heavy but I like them 19” squared on my E90 M3.

There was a LOT of 2007+ mercedes with DEFECTIVE wheels that mercedes lied to client and charge them for new ones. They were later caught and had to admit factory flaws. So youre not that much safer with OEM

I had a set of MB replicas on my previous MB C320CDI 4matic that bent and cracked because of a small pot hole on a dirt road. They worked fine for about 2 years but then thet happened and i fortunately found a nice set of 1000 Miglia wheels. On my current 98 C43 i quickly got rid of a set of 17” TSW Venom ricer wheels and put on some nice period correct 18” BBS RXs.

Can't get my head around the fact that a 500$ wheel like this is considered "cheap". Two of them and they cost more than my entire car did.

HAHAHA. excellent video and probably the best car channel on KZfaq

I've got a 2009 w211 e350 4matic v6, what kind of wheels would you recommend??

Nice vid. I’m adding black Mandrus Rotec wheels to my 2014 W212 Lux

People who think you should never modify a vehicle must be incredibly boring people. I think being able to modify a car to better suit your taste is a very beautiful thing. Modifying cars is not inherently bad. A well done project car can be at least as reliable and functional as a stock one and often more functional depending on the mods. It just needs to be done with care and with high quality and compatible parts. I know I'm saying the obvious here, but it's crazy that there are people that don't realize or understand that.

Those 2 piece wheels from the SL65 are my favorite too. Very hard to find, expensive, heavy, and prone to cracking (apparently). I still want a set though 😂

Nice video. Very clarifying.

Used FC Euro for my C320 Wheel Bearing. The parts came quick and were cheaper than local autopart store. Thanks

Good and excellent video!!

hey i have those verdes on my e55! my car looks just like yours too, ive smashed some serious holes by accident not a single dent no loss of air whatso ever, other super pro about the verdes they match the hub perfect, no ring, only con not the lightest more unsprung weight, whatever greatest looking wheel for the price, im running indy firehawk 275 30 and 245 35, for a non directoinal tire i think its one of the greatest tires ive ever messed with.

I tend to like the look of stock wheels on my MB cars. I did swap out a set of bundts on one of my W126 cars for a set of later 15 hole rims.

That was wheelie interesting stuff 😉😂 na seriously Alex that is all really handy info ! Keep your great video's coming buddy 🙂

Finally Alex! A return to providing quality knowledge that we can alllearn from with a bit of humor mixed in. I always have time for value added videos. Great job.

Very informative video! Would you be able to touch on wheel offsets. I don’t really understand that topic. All I do know is I like the flush look.

I have those exact Niche rims in black. High quality and kick ass, slick & perfect on my BMW M5 F10! They take a beating, bend a bit when slammed on pot holes but never crack. Easily bended back with a weighted fat hammer! Easy to clean and that's a huge time saver and a plus!

Great Video!!!!!!!!!!

Great explanation for people who are not aware of such things, good job, Genuine BMW Rims in my experience are terrible for cracking and breaking even, maybe that's just the roads in the UK causing half the problem tho :D

11:55 My dad owns a grinder like that. Had it for over 20 years and still running strong.

I've never owned a Mercedes. I've never wanted to own a Mercedes. I damn sure have never wanted to work on a Mercedes. But I Love These Videos!!!! Thanks for posting these videos, Alex. All the Best To Ya....

Went with some Konig Dekagram rims for my 16 Fiesta ST. They sell them at Americas Tire and were just over 100 a piece. They are "flow forged" which I'm not really sure what that means but it is apparently stronger. They are wider and lighter than factory so I like them plus I think they look better than factory also.

Dude there were a ton of cases of people buying knockoff AMG monoblocks and putting them on their w202s and within a year they'd crack around the lugs. Dangerous shit.

Hey buddy, I am looking at the Niche Wheels also, but in a 20". How are yours holding up, and do you recommend them? I was worried about durability and also the black coating chipping off easily. Thanks!

Nice videos and helpful tips.it would be nice if you could make a video about used c class Mercedes like c230 . Buying tips ..

Alex I need to know what scanner you recommend for the old K-line 38pin Mercedes specifically my W210 Wagon. I am trying the Autel MK808 with their 38pin adapter at the moment but you have more inside information on which one someone might need or want to buy. Thanks man!

Hey Alex, I've been watching you since about 8k subs and you have had the most improvement of any KZfaqr that I watch. And I watch almost all the automotive guys. Great job.

This is entertaining!

GREAT INFO ......BUT REALLLLY HYPER! GOOD VID!

Honestly the best wheels I have ever owned as far as bending or cracking are alzor wheels from ecs tuning

Great video

Any wheel will bent , stronger forged wheel will usually crack before it bend . The material so dense and stiff that a movement in the metal will just crack. . I ride on forged wheels only , I never buy cast . I had better luck with spun wheel . I had a set of Hre that was bent in multiple spot just driving around town .

I always question what Honey does to make money. They are sponsoring this video right? So saying all Honey does is save you money has to be false. Do they get paid commission? Most likely they sell your data, including tracking what you purchase to those willing to pay for it.

What are the rear wheel specs for the verde wheels? Different offset from the fronts? I dig the more concave look of the backs

I have the same looking wheels like on C55. :)

Hey I have bin looking for wheels for my C55 AMG and I really like them I was wondering what you had to do to install them I see the bore is 74.1mm and we have 66.6 so what did you have to do to make them fit.

Look for "KBA" or an "E" followed by a Number inside a circle. It means tested for on Road use in Germany/Europe

Awesome, I want to get a set of the Verde Empire wheels for my 2002 WS6. I will have the CTV 6 piston callipers on it and will need a 18’ set. Besides he diameter, what size and offset do I need? Thanx.

My niche cast rims has been through potholes and they are fine. Pretty good quality for cast rims.

Your wheels look great! I had AMG wheels on my S500L but luckily I didn't pay for them! Over priced for what they are.

GVWR is the maximum weight rating with the recommended tires at their maximum recommended pressure. Moral of the story when you are changing around tires and wheels, make sure you are not installing a heavier and weaker gravity cast wheel of a lower strength rating nor a correctly fitted tire of a lower weight rating nor a lower speed rating due to a weaker construction.

Yeah honey does work, its a great add on.

Hey what's up bro nice video I'm really interested in buying the rims u have in the c55 for my 03 E320 size 19 but Amazon gives u a few options can u guide me in the right direction thanks bro

Looking for a good set of wheels for my 2011 Mercedes Benz E350.....what would you recommend?

Wish I would have watched this before buying my 4 wheel set for my winter tires. Ooops!

4:27 those wheels are at the lkq junkyard near me. They have amg imprinted on the outside and they're polished 18"

It looks clean Alex

I have a 2002 s55 AMG. For rims what lug nut pattern should I look into. I know staggered but is it 5x112?. What’s the difference

Niché wheels are great I had a set back in 2002 when large wheels prices were outrageous

Damn, last time I was this early, Alex's T/A was still stock!

question, AMG wheels, I found that all my wheels which are AMG 19 inch off my SL55 are Made in Belgium except for one which is made in Germany. All the stamped info on the inside is the same but its made in Germany. did not know they had a wheel factory in Germany can you expound on this or clear up my foggy mind about this. thanks

A friend bought a chrome plated Pitman Arm for his Hot Rod from Speedway Motors. It was made in China. On his shakedown cruise, his Hot Rod pulled violently to the left in the grass median on the highway. The Pitman Arm had snapped in two. A photo of the Pitman Arm showed it was cast aluminum instead of a forging. He posted his experience on a Hot Rod web-site. Someone who had purchased the same Pitman Arm examined his and found it was cracking. I'd never buy parts made in China!

Which offset settings did you choose?

My wheels are pretty cheap, but they're from a well-known company and TÜV-approved for the load of the heaviest vehicle and speed of the fastest vehicle they fit on, so I'm pretty sure I'm well off. Ow yeah, bought them because an OEM wheel cracked...

When you have a cast stamp removed or serial number in the uk the company that makes the part for another company can buy law sell the part to other companies they just have to remove the stamp I looked into this many many years ago 👍

I bought rep bbs rims for $600 AUD and I’ve had them for two months and so far no damage

Can you show a video about the 2011 ml350? Please

Re OEM Wheels, agree with Alex. I actually have genuine AMG wheels on my E55 and 3 of the 4 have cracked so far. Thankfully I have been able to get them welded and repaired (@$250 AUD each time), because I have been quoted $1500 AUD plus per wheel to replace them (and that is for used replacements!)

I' got really confused now. the wheel you show at 9:17, why does it have the air filler valve on the inside of the rim?

LMAO @ that intro...the voice cracking xD

I want those same wheels for my c32 amg!

Yup anytime good keep them coming

Are OZ Ultraleggera wheels any good?

You need to move to cali. To be honest worst wheels i had were factory 07 E550 wheels and my e55’s the back sides were the lip is almost all of them are bent. I never noticed this with any other car or manufacturer I use to own.

wich wheel are this on e55 want to buy this ?

Hello, pls make a maintance guide or some info about mercedes c w203, mine is 270cdi with 450000km (2001) Avantgarde, and i would love to hear advice from you how to maintain it etc. Many poor ppl like me buy this car, parts for it are for good money. I bought it few months ago (my first car btw) and i would like to make another 450000 :D My issues are rough idle, oil leak, air intake hose missing, washer fluid leak, turning light sometimes starts and i cant turn it off. Would love to repair that rough idle and leak mostly. + maintance like changing fluids, filters etc by myself. Love your videos and would love to see my car here :) Gj

I would love to imagine a guy getting hunted down, only to be found reading an ad into a phone or camera

Also that yellow welder behind you tells me a lot my welding units are all Miller

I bought 18” style 32's for €250 with tyres for my e46, not much point in buying new wheels if you can find them used

i actually enjoy my wheels i got for my car. they were literally a 100 dollars a piece brand new. obviously cheap, knock off. they are knock offs of RAYS CE 28ns. they have taken serious abuse, the roads drive on with this car are full of pot holes and bumps and just transitions from repaired sections of the road and rough road all together. i got them on ebay, i was somewhat hesitant but im happy with the purchase. its been about 2 years. car is normally driven on canyon roads tight turns, hard acceleration etc. the wheels have never shown any signs of cracks, bends, or have any balance problems. And ontop of that most people think they are real volks. but being me i point out to them out to tell that they're reps. usually the moment you mention their reps you get this hate but i dont care. i feel like im perfectly safe with these and they look exactly like the wheels i can't afford ie ( 3800 usd )

Sometimes OE wheels are the cheapest / best way to go. I got a Trans Am running $600 Z06 corvette wheels, no way I could get that deal on ebay.

I've never seen a car wheel with the air stem on the inside of the rim like the one in your video. interesting