Rim Trim Ring/Beauty Ring bevel

[Tyler S]

Tried to resurrect an old topic but it was locked. I have seen 113's with 3 different variations of the beauty rings. All 3 slightly different where the inner bevel is located (near the valve stem cutout). The first picture is from Garry of a side by side comparison of a factory ring and a reproduction. They both have a bevel very close to the inner edge of the ring. The second picture is of another 113 ring but the inner bevel appears higher up the surface. A third I have also seen but can't find a picture of has no bevel at all and is rolled under the inner edge. I have seen all 3 variations on cars. Just wondering which is correct or if they all are- differences in years and/or the MB replacement differs from original.
Thanks, Tyler

[Garry]

The first ‘MB NOS’ set I got from MB at a cost around $150 in 2009 and the second set I just purchased off the net as a generic  14"SS set that cost $40.
Sad thing is/was that the generic set fitted better than the MB ones on my 230SL and the MB ones fitted very well on the VW Kombi and that is where they are today. 
I have no idea what the originals should have been like as my car came with the later trims when I got it

[Scottcorvette]

I need new ones for mine, am I better getting the repro or genuine then?

[Tyler S]

Scott, Depends on how much you want to spend and if you are impartial to MB parts. Apparently as Garry suggests, the aftermarket versions fit better.
Im still looking for an answer to my original question as this can also narrow down what is availabe in the aftermarket as far as appearance.

[114015]

Sad thing is/was that the generic set fitted better than the MB ones on my 230SL

Ah no - by no means !!

Scott,
Go get the original ones - nothing else.

The generic SS aftermarkets look ugly ! Too far away from the originals.
My friend Heinrich had the SS's on this 220 SE Cabriolet - they looked odd.
The originals don't have the inner "lip", are shaped slightly different and most obviously is the different shine. The original chrome is so much different !
You may not see this on a distance of 15 feet - but you do when you are close.

Scott,
you are performing  such a comprehensive and perfect restoration - do it correctly.

I once bought the new ones from MB - the ones Garry also bought. These are the current
A113 401 0445's.
The old ones in the old days were the A113 400 0625's. Those appear to me to be heavier, more rigid than the "thin" new ones from MB.
That's why I got my old ones rechromed  - and are happy with !!
Yes, maybe they're a bit more complicated to put on (the rim) - especially with new clamps, but you usually do this only once.

My 2 cents advice: take the original (old time) ones - you will love it and never regret.
Don't go cheap !

I like Garry very much - he is a great guy, and his car is phantastic - I will whine on him in Italy this year to switch back to the originals. His car deserves it.
As does yours, Scott - and mine.

Achim

 

[Tyler S]

Achim, So the ones in your photo are the original ones or the newer MB replacement? Mine have what I am calling a "lip" or flair at the foremost inside edge like the one in your photo. So this is the correct appearance?
Thanks, Tyler

[Scottcorvette]

I had intended to get the Mercedes ones but Garry got me worried when he said the new ones don't fit too well. I had all my originals rechromed and only two are any good.

I have become immune to to the costs now, just means the job will take a little longer....

[114015]

No Tyler,

The one I pictured (from Heinrich's 220 SE) are the stainless steel non-originals.
Personally, I don't like them. They look false, they look cheap.

Please see also the SLS homepage here:

http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/en/230-280SL-W113/40-Wheels-and-Prop-Shaft/?_artperpage=10&listorderby=oxstock&listorder=desc

There are other reproductions that look like the original ones:

http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/en/230-280SL-W113/40-Wheels-and-Prop-Shaft/Wheel-rim-trim-set-4-14-repro-Wheel-rim-trim-set-4-14-repro.html

Scott,
You have already got two useful ones
(I read your story about the bad rechroming experiences you made ... I am so sorry for you; I can definitely feel with you. Rechroming is always a very ... individual ... experience).
My 2 cents is this:
Get two other original used ones, have them rechromed (in another shop in the UK) and fine.

Again,
I would go with original ones or the (SLS) repros that look (to me on the pics) exactly like the original ones.
No SS rings, they just look wrong from their overall shape - not only the color.

Best,

Achim

[Scottcorvette]

I'll need 3 as my spare tire had one fitted, I assume that is correct?

I was planning on getting 4 new ones and using one original on the spare tire and keeping one spare or selling it. Unless I found perfect originals for not much money I'm not sure it's worth the hassle, by the time I've bought used and paid for rechroming I might as well have bought new, especially if they have problems in the rechroming process.

I've already been that guy!

[Garry]

Here is a photo of the MB (supposedly) trim ring (Steel Chromed )that I purchased 7 years ago and the SS $30 usd a set generic rim in the second photo. The "originals" do appear to be squarer but did not fit well. Maybe they were not really MB???

[Tyler S]

The "originals" do appear to be squarer but did not fit well. Maybe they were not really MB???

Either that or could there be a slight difference in the rim between earlier and later that keeps the later MB replacement ring from fully seating? Do your rims have pegs or detents for the center caps.

[Garry]

has the pressed steel tabs not the screw in pegs for the dish. However the trim ring does not touch the inner area anywhere.

[mbpaul]

These pictures are of a trim ring that was delivered on my 1966 230SL in February, 1966.  There is also a shot of the ring on the car.  I do not know what others might have been used at different times.

[Tyler S]

Thanks for the pics Paul

[Tyler S]

So I took a shot in the dark and submitted a "Best Offer" for a set of original refinished caps and rings on E-Bay. I offered half of the asking price. I really didn't expect the seller to bite. Well they did! They look like night and day compared to the aftermarket stainless. Especially out in the sun. They cover the rim vent openings much better as well. They have been re-chromed but the clips weren't removed during the process. May replace them or clean them up.  Are the clips supposed to be gold cad/zinc or black cad. mbPaul, are your black clips original?

Second pic is aftermarket stainless ring installed, note how visible the vents in the rims are.
Third pic is the original MB ring I purchased. They do stick out from the rim a little bit on the inside, but appears normal.
Now to get the correct paint and respray the rims and cap inlays.

[DaveB]

Re: trim ring clips - I have some new genuine and they appear to be simply painted black.

[mbpaul]

Mine are the ones that came on the car 50 years ago.  The fit of yours looks exactly the same as on my car.  And they do stick out a little on the inside.  To remove, I usually just put my fingers inside the inside of the trim rings and pull them off.  I checked 2 of the trim rings on my car and both have the black clips so I assume the other 2 are as well.  I am not sure if the black is paint or some type of plating but it is very thin.  The black has worn away where the clip contacts the wheel itself.