Wtf is the point in lug BOLTS?

C

calisonic

Registered
Earlier today I decided to help out an old lady who was driving through a parking lot with a flat rear driver side tire. It was an older little convertible Mercedes Kompressor and the tire (besides being bald on the inside half) looked like a damn bear had attacked it with chunks of rubber missing on the outside edge. Anyways, after removing the flat I realized for the first time that attempting to line up one of five threaded hub holes with the wheels holes on hot asphalt is a huge PITA compared to simply hanging a wheel on some lugs. So is there any advantage to lug bolts or is Mercedes just trying to be fancy?

Also the spare needs different, shorter lug bolts to attach as it is a thinner wheel which could not be found, and it seems this would be avoided if they just used studs.
Thanks.
 
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budpytko said:
....and how "OLD" was she? 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, ancient?
Click to expand...

more like 60-70, picking up some new eyeglasses
 
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Meister said:
My '88 BMW is the same way. Must be a German thing. It is a pain.
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there is a tool in the toolbox in the trunk that makes life ez. the lug bolt can be replaced with ease in case of damage. that is the only thing i can think of. but i am shure they have there reasons. them germans are smart.
 
My SL Mercedes has bolts. When I replace the stock R129 chassis 16" wheels with the R230 chassis staggered 18" wheels that are on the car now, I had to replace all the stock R129 bolts with the R230 bolts. No spacers needed with the swap - just had to use the R230 bolts. :)



M-BLugBolts007.jpg



Stock R129 Wheels
sl3202.jpg



R230 Wheels
DSCN1383.jpg
 
Shaaarp...

Shaaarp...

Wow, bolts would be a pita. Never ran into them before. Wierd.

Mike, i still like that benz 2 seater. Thats one slick looking ride. Im working on my buddies 1992 SL500 AMG black one now. Super slick cars. I Like the two seaters. Hes got the hartop as well convertible.





Stock R129 Wheels
sl3202.jpg



R230 Wheels
DSCN1383.jpg
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My 01 GTI VR6 had them also. The tool helps a lot. Then i lost it... lol However I found ti very easy to put the wheel against the hub, and keep it in the air with my foot, while putting studs in. It had 17" wheels that were extremely light.
 
I first learned to work on BMW's. Thought they were wierd then too, lol. I think the point is that instead of two parts to install (stud/nut) you only need to provide one. Saves money maybe?

If BMW uses them...there is a reason! :D
 
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