Just in time for Spring Mercedes released a new line of designer wheels and some useful accessories.

These bichromatic light-alloy wheels offers a nice contrast between the apparently bare metal surface and the painted surfaces. For the sake on an exclsuive look, desginers have used sculptural, modelled surfaces featuring powerful flowing lines. The wheels are also specifically tailored for each model:

Most S-Class customers expect elegant wheels, for example, which may give rise to a delicate, multi-spoke look or equally to an essentially flat-featured, less structured design, for example. In contrast, SUV models and all-terrain vehicles always call for striking, powerful, almost muscular wheels. In the case of roadsters and coupés, the prime emphasis is on sportiness.

In respond to customer demands, Mercedes-Benz Accessories will further expand their current range of around 130 wheel models, so as to offer their customers even greater scope for individualisation. Their design studios study the market through extensive customer surveys, contact with dealerships and market research and with recourse to specialised agencies to make sure they come up with what customers really want.

For spring 2011, Mercedes-Benz Accessories is offering new light-alloy wheels amongst others for the following model series (as per March 2011):

SLK-Class 43.2 cm (17″) Incenio 10-spoke wheel
Surface finish: Bichromatic palladium silver / high-sheen
Wheel size 7.5J x 17 ET 42 / tyre size 225/45 R17
€ 289.-*
Optional for the rear axle: Wheel size 8.5J x 17 ET 36 / tyre size 245/40 R17
€ 295.-*
SLK-Class 45.7 cm (18″) Incenio 5-twin-spoke wheelSurface finish: Bichromatic palladium silver / high-sheen
Wheel size 7.5J x 18 ET 42 / tyre size 225/40 R18
€ 315.-*
Optional for the rear axle:
Wheel size: 8.5J x 18 ET 36 / tyre size 245/35 R18
€ 325.-*
CLS-Class 48.3 cm (19″) Incenio 10-spoke wheel
Surface finish: Bichromatic black / high-sheen
Wheel size 8.5J x 19 ET 34.5 / tyre size 255/35 R19
€ 399.-*
Optional for the rear axle: Wheel size 9.5J x 19 ET 48 / tyre size 285/30 R19
€ 405.-*
Finish: Bichromatic titanium silver / high-sheenWheel size 8.5J x 19 ET 34.5 / tyre size 255/35 R19
€ 405.-*
Optional for the rear axle: Wheel size 9.5J x 19 ET 48 / tyre size 285/30 R19
€ 411.-*
* recommended retail price incl. 19% VAT

Care and handling tips

Even the best development programme, the most innovative production technology and a perfectly coordinated test programme are unable to influence how customers treat their vehicles, including the valuable light-alloy wheels. The manner in which wheels are handled continues to have a major influence on their value retention and the safety of the vehicle. Useful tips:

* Clean the winter/summer wheels thoroughly after changing in the spring/autumn, regardless of whether steel or light-alloy wheels are fitted
* Do not use aggressive cleaners. Products recommended by Mercedes-Benz are gentle agents which will clean the wheels effectively
* Do not clean with sharp or rough sponges
* Observe the specified wheel tightening torques. Wheel bolts which are too tight or too loose will damage the wheel in the long term
* Do not oil or grease wheel bolts, as at the specified tightening torque this will result in excessive pre-stressing, which may cause damage to both wheels and bolts
* Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
* Check the wheels after they have taken heavy knocks, e.g. when driving through deep potholes. If deformation is visible, be sure to have the damage checked at a dealership
* Fit only the size of tyre approved for the wheel
* When carrying high payloads and/or towing a trailer, adjust the tyre pressure accordingly and be sure to observe the permissible wheel loads