Mercedes-Benz AMG wheels are a sought-after upgrade, known for their performance and distinctive style. Ensuring you have the correct center caps is crucial for maintaining their authentic look and value, especially for classic models like the W126. This guide focuses on helping you identify the appropriate Mercedes caps for your AMG wheels, drawing upon insights for the popular W126 chassis.
Understanding Mercedes AMG Wheel Center Caps for W126 Models
For W126 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, a selection of correct AMG wheels is available, each with specific center cap considerations. It’s important to note this guide concentrates on the most common and desirable W126 AMG wheels, acknowledging that numerous variations exist.
Five Spoke (Penta Style) Wheels
The iconic five-spoke, often referred to as “Penta” style, AMG wheels come in both Generation I and Generation II versions. For the W126 chassis, typical sizes are 8×16 ET11, 9×16 ET0, and 10×16 ET -12.7 (primarily for widebody configurations). Importantly, these size and offset specifications generally apply to both Gen I and Gen II five-spoke wheels, with the exception that a 10×16 Gen II version was not produced. Center caps designed for five-spoke wheels are universally compatible with both Generation I and Generation II designs.
Aero I Wheels
Aero I wheels primarily come in size 8×17 ET11 and were offered for Generation II W126 models. A key detail for Aero I wheels is the existence of two center cap variations, distinguished by the AMG logo. Pre-merger Aero I wheels feature the original AMG logo, while post-merger versions display the ////AMG logo, reflecting the Daimler-Benz merger. When sourcing center caps for Aero I wheels, it’s vital to identify which logo style is correct for your wheels to maintain period-correct aesthetics. It’s also worth noting that Aero I wheels were also manufactured for the W124 chassis, but with an ET28 offset, a different specification from the W126 fitment.
OZ Racing 3 Piece Wheels
OZ Racing manufactured three-piece wheels specifically for Generation II W126 AMG models. These wheels are typically found in a staggered configuration: 8.5×17 ET18 for the front and 10×17 ET17 for the rear, with a 10×17 ET5 size also available for widebody applications. Center caps for OZ Racing wheels exclusively feature the pre-merger AMG logo. Like Aero I wheels, OZ Racing wheels were also produced for the W124 chassis (ET28 offset) and the R129 chassis, using the same offsets as the W126 versions. Therefore, when seeking center caps for OZ Racing AMG wheels, ensure they are the pre-merger logo style to align with the original specifications.
Conclusion: Completing Your AMG Wheels
Choosing the correct Mercedes caps for your AMG wheels is a vital step in restoring or maintaining the authenticity and appearance of your vehicle, particularly for W126 classics fitted with sought-after AMG rims. By understanding the nuances of wheel styles like Five Spoke, Aero I, and OZ Racing, and their corresponding center cap variations, you can ensure your Mercedes maintains its prestigious and original aesthetic. Always verify compatibility based on your specific wheel type and generation to achieve the perfect finish.
