Fitting Mercedes alloys with M12 holes

[Waynerrr]

I bought some Merc wheels at Busfest that had "come straight of a T25", only to find they were M12 holes. I'm prepared to drill them out to 14mm and I've worked out the longer bolts I need (I think), however something is puzzling me. I took them to get fitted before I realised the holes were too small and the tyre place said something odd. He reckoned they didn't need spacers because the original wheels already appeared to have a gap as if they needed spacers. I removed a bolt earlier and sure enough there is a gap between the bolt hole and the hub (see image link).

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=2 ... hoto%2cjpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Should this be the case?

Do people recommend drilling the hole out? I've looked for a conversion kit (M14/M12 65mm) but can't find anything out there to do the job - plus it seems more expensive anyway.

[slowcoach]

I bought some Merc wheels at Busfest that had "come straight of a T25", only to find they were M12 holes. I'm prepared to drill them out to 14mm and I've worked out the longer bolts I need (I think), however something is puzzling me. I took them to get fitted before I realised the holes were too small and the tyre place said something odd. He reckoned they didn't need spacers because the original wheels already appeared to have a gap as if they needed spacers. I removed a bolt earlier and sure enough there is a gap between the bolt hole and the hub (see image link).

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=2 ... hoto%2cjpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Should this be the case?

Do people recommend drilling the hole out? I've looked for a conversion kit (M14/M12 65mm) but can't find anything out there to do the job - plus it seems more expensive anyway.

i think that picture is normal. but someone else better confirm that

[Waynerrr]

I think this answers my questions re the photo:

"Standard steel wheels are designed obviously for their application, so you will notice that between the bolt holes on the wheels there are some raised areas, these are for clearance for the small bolts that locate the rear brake drum. When fitting alloy wheels these locating bolts interfere with the new wheel and cause it not to seat correctly. The M7 bolts in question, with 11mm heads can safely be removed and left out as the brake drum centers itself on the hub."

From http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... ltwhls.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[shepster]

Firstly,you can take the bolts out, the hub can't fall off as the wheel holds it on.

Secondly, spacers, you need to find the 'offset' or 'ET' of the wheel to determine whether spacers are required.

This will be stamped on the wheel itself, you need to get the offset down to between 30-39ish as this is what standard wheels are.

If for example your new wheel has an offset of 45 then a 10mm spacer will bring it down to 35, confusing I know but the Brickyard article should make things clear.