Please read the FAQ before e-mailing me, most people have the same questions and they are answered right here. I am always happy to answer any question asked so if its not here don't hesitate to use the email link below.

1.   What in the world are these spacers used for?

These wheel spacers are used to mount large offset wheels off of newer Mercedes to older Mercedes Benz vehicles. Older Mercedes require wheels with approximately a 30mm offset. When a spacer is added, the thickness of the spacer is subtracted from the offset of the wheel to give the new offset.

Example:

46mm offset wheel + 25mm spacer. (46-25=21mm)

Spacers are also used to widen the track of cars. They have many uses, and will mount to almost every Mercedes with a 5X112mm M12x1.5 bolt pattern. In the future spacers for the newer 14mm studs will be availible.

2.   Are your spacers hub and wheel centric? I have heard very bad things about spacers that are not.


Yes, these spacers are hub and wheel centric. This means that the spacer has a recess that fits on the hub as well as a protrusion that fits in the wheel. In other words, a spacer is a section of a wheel and a section of a hub stuck together. Some economy spacers do not have these features. They also do not work because they require the studs to center the wheel. Studs cannot center a wheel, they are almost never in straight and they transfer all loads to them. Hub/wheel centric spacers transfer loads directly to the hub.


3.   I see your spacers are wheel/hub centric, are they stud-centric as well, or is that not necessary?

Yes they are. Yes it is necessary. Concentricity between the hub and the holes and studs are within 0.001" (one thousand of an inch).


4.   With your set of spacers, what size front and rear tires do I need for the 17" rims I'm getting?

This depends on what tire size you plan on running since wheel offsets are measured from the center of the wheel to the mounting face. OEM Wheels for Many older Mercedes where 195mm wide. 205mm wide tires work great as well as 215mm.

I cannot guarantee that anything over 215mm will fit in the front or rear wheel wells, although many people have and do mount them. If you want to try this its all in your hands, I cannot guarantee that anything will fit.



5.  With the spacers on, can you run the OEM wheels, for example as snow tires?

The most likely answer is no. The wheels will stick out 25 more than normal. If you want to mount your snow tires on your original wheels simply remove the spacer and mount your snows.


6.   How much testing went into your design?

One year of use and abuse on a Euro 380SE.

7.  Are they safe, I regularly hit triple digit speeds on the freeway, I also autocross and attend rack days at Road Atlanta, and Limerock Park.

For legal reasons I cannot recommend you use these spacers for high speed driving events such as Road Atlanta or Limerock. Triple digit speeds on the highway are also a high risk.

Safety was the number one issue when designing these spacers. I will list the safety features of these spacers:

A: Threaded inserts + Ball Seat inserts

Threaded inserts are used ensure maximum holding pressure and to prevent super mechanics from stripping the threads out of the spacer. Competitors spacers have drilled and taped holes right in the aluminum spacer that Gil Racing belives is a major saftey concern. Even though they are stronger, it is advised that one NEVER ever use an impact gun to tighten wheel bolts. Ball seat inserts are used to provide superior holding strength and increased steel on aluminum surface area.

B: Hub/Wheel Centric

These spacers are hub and wheel centric to ensure that all loads are transmitted through the spacer itself and not its studs. Please refer to question three for more info.

C: Anodized and high quality surface finish

The anodized finish prevents corrosion of the spacer. When dissimilar materials are in contact, as in this case, oxidation is highly accelerated. Corrosion loosens the spacer and the studs will have to support 100% of the forces transmitted from the wheel to the hub. This is unsafe. Anodizing produces a super hard and scratch resistant surface that is highly desirable in a soft aluminum spacer. The high quality surface finish was produced by high precision CNC turning and milling centers to prevent surface cracks and imperfections that lead to creep (failure over time under a cyclic load).

8.   Do the spacers increase the width of the wheels out of the wheel wheels.........do the wheels stick out of the side of the car?

Yes they will probably increase the width unless you originally had 20 mm offset wheels or similar. the increase is minimal and will let you use wider tires. Think of it as a free 9 mm spacer if for example you are mounting 46mm wheels and originally had 30mm wheels. To calculate how much they will stick out refer to question 1.

9.   Do you offer a guarantee on your products?

Yes. If something is not right I will give you your money back or arrange an exchange if you are mounting reasonable sized tires. If you are mounting something unusual (over 17" diameter or over 205mm wide) I will help you out as much as possible but you will have to pay for shipping charges if rework or exchanges need to be done unless you talk to me before buying.

10.  I heard anodizing sucks. I want mine powder coated.

Anodizing is a superior surface treatment. Please refer to question 18 section C. Thick paint may also introduce vibrations. These spacers are beautifully, once you see them you won't even want to mount them on your car let alone paint them.

11.   Should I stick some RTV between the spacer and the hub?

No. I have no idea why anyone would think this is a good idea.

12.   Are your prices negotiable?

No. My spacers are not only the highest quality on the market, they are also the cheapest. I cannot afford to lower the price anymore. Shop around, if you find a better price please let me know.

13.   Can you make me spacers for a '95 Camaro?

Sure. Minimum order is 20 spacers (5 sets of 4). You provide the necessary drawings or solid models. If you need me to engineer the product, provide a hub and a wheel. Engineering is additional. Prepay only. Contact me to request a quote.

14.  Can you make me spacers for a '77 Pacer?

Refer to question 13.

15.   I want to learn more about wheels, spacers and Mercedes. Can you give me some direction?

Check out Richard Sexton's excellent site.


16.   WOW, are these things are really priced out of sight. Any way to get the price down?

These prices are very good. They are not high at all. Please shop around and research the cost of custom spacers, you will find that they are much more and do not come anodized. These spacers are of the highest quality and there is no better or CHEAPER set of hub/wheel centric spacers complete with wheel studs and bolts on the market. Please do not ask for a discount if you cannot show me a cheaper competitive product. The manufacturing of these spacers is very costly, do the research, you will not find anything cheaper or better. Refer to question 12.