Hello All,

I just joined CL and wanted to inquire about suggestions on where I can find decent 5 spoke 17 or 18 inch wheels (even factory) for my 1998 GS 400 Spectra Mica Blue Pearl. I bought the car last September and the factory chrome wheels are pitting and I would like to replace (this is all I had to use during the unusual and nasty winter in maryland). I like the thick 5 spoke look of the old zauber gettins wheels and there is a 5 spoke set of vossen wheels (I'm unfamiliar with this brand though) that caught my eye at a local wheel shop. I want to avoid the chrome finish this time. Any direction you can provide or cost saving suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If anyone has a set of good condition 5 spoke 17 or 18 inch wheels sitting in the garage that they are willing to part with, please let me know.

another question...in order to replace front upper ball joints for the 1998 GS 400, does one have to purchase the whole control arm? Or can the ball joints be replaced individually? I had my tires rotated at Sears and it was mentioned to me that I need the right front upper ball joint replaced. I was then told by a foreign autos mechanic that I would have to purchase the whole control arm. Is this true and is the only option of getting this part from the dealership?

Thank you kindly!

KBGS400

 

It's funny that you mention you like the Zauber Gettins. I actually just sold my set. They are a bit rare nowadays. Occasionally, you will see a set for sale here and there. If you really like that style, you can look for Donz Columbo; it is a very similar design but is affordable since it is one-piece, cast wheel. Donz will be cheaper than Vossen. In my opinion, Vossen is actually a bit expensive for a one-piece, cast wheel. If you're willing to spend money on brand new Vossen wheels, you'd be better off finding a used set of high-quality, forged wheels here in the Wheels/Tires Classifieds.

You can contact D2-Autosport for the Donz Columbo wheel. I know they used to stock that wheel and they might still.

 

OK, I was bored so I checked their site. Lucky you, they have the Donz Columbo in 18x8 since you wanted 18's, and about stock wheel specs.

http://www.d2autosport.com/D2_2006/06_Wheels/index.html

 

Great! Thank you for the response and the info. I will visit the site and check out the wheels you suggested. In my opinion, the Vossen wheels were a bit expensive. I thought there would someone who would be knowledgeable of a wheel out there that is comparable to the style I am looking for.

Thanks again.