Mismatched stock rim

[Odinson]

I recently picked a lightly (I hope) used 2003. She's in good shape but I didn't notice when I purchased it that one of the rims had been replaced with a less polished version (they where a little dirty which hid it.) I'm certain it's stock for a Marauder but it doesn't match the other 3 mirror finish wheels.

Where did this rim come from? Is the flatter/duller rim from a 2004? Looks more like polished aluminum than polished chrome, but it seems like the same material. It's obvious when you stare at the original center cap, or under a streetlight at night.

The rim is in good shape mechanically so I don't want to absorb the cost of replacing it if I don't have to. Can it be polished to match the others?

Thanks for any insight. I'll try to drive it slow enough so that I'm not arrested before you can answer me. :)

[Bradley G]

Welcome!
The full spare offered on early 300A were not polished.
If you have it done it probably won't match the factory finish.
There have been some bargains on Marauder wheels in the classifieds .

[Blk Mamba]

I cant understand this, the full size spare I have could never be mistaken for an unpolished MM rim, mine has hard edges, square corners, and a frosted finish.

[ImpalaSlayer]

theres only one solution- go chrome :cool:

[kariamack]

sounds like you have one of the EBay fake replica wheel ..The previous owner might have damaged the original rim .and replaced it with the replica EBay rim ...just my thoughts

[Bobmiddle]

I have had one on my car for over 2.5 yrs. I my parents ran across it at there body shop and gave it to me. I used it to replace one of my curb rashed ones ( dam the first owner) I think it is one of the cast wheels from keystone. That one wheel takes more up keep and I just polish it with a aluminum polish erery other wash and it shines almost as good as the oem ones. I still have the oem one and I will repair it some day and use the keystone one for a full size spare.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

It's a fake ebay replica. Get a real OE wheel. The replica wheel is not as strong and it is bare aluminum, not clear coated. It's an overall inferior wheel. It would bother me enough to spend the few hundred $$ on a good OE wheel.

[UncleLar]

Have you checked the spare in your car to see if the other polished wheel is there?

[Odinson]

Alas no the spare is painted silver fleck. Is that normal? I assume there is no differences between front and rear rims? Both 18 x 8? It's just the tires that are different?

I'd probably know more of what is normal if the thing actually came with a manual.

Thanks all for good words. I've been battling a crazed 2 year old for a few days straight. BTW he's picked up a new phrase riding in the back of daddy's car 'fast, fast, fast' Complete with grin and baby seat clenching. LOL.

[grampaws]

The dealer may have recoated the clear coat on the rim.
when the clear coat peels.this is about $400 cheaper than
replacing the rim. Unfortunately it leaves micro scratches all
over and looks likes a duller finished.The rim has just been
repaired. had all four of mine done and was not happy
with the results.Dealer would not replace them:bigcry:.
Despite the duller finish they all match, most people don't notice.
The spare rim is grainy and rough to the touch!?

[Odinson]

I'll take a few tonight and a few tomorrow. For night and day shots. That way you guys(gals) have a reference.

I don't think it's coated at all. It's luster seems to be very slowly degrading, perhaps I am just getting more aggravated by it though. :) The rest of the car looks far slicker.

[grampaws]

If it is not coated and rough to the touch then it
will be the spare They are essentially bare aluminium
the water salt and dirt will embed in the rim and degrade
it quickly. depending on cost it would probably be best
to buy a new one. Do you have a spare if not someone
owes you a rim! There where some good used ones for sale
here and on crown vic.net.

[ImpalaSlayer]

chrommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmme :D

[grampaws]

Try to get them with some rear tire rubber on them
It'll save you time looking for tires later!

[Odinson]

Here are some quick pics I took of the rims. The stock should be familiar. I think my spare is stock as well with a rough surface to the touch. The knock off has a lustre/shine in between the two, and is smooth to the touch.

It's pretty hard to notice the difference during the day, but at night it's obvious.


13881
13882
13883
13884

[Odinson]

Hello

So more on this front. It turns out my MM may have been in an unreported accident (carfax was clean). Looks like the front bumper and drivers side fender have been replaced. The wheel probably was replaced with the knock off then too. It's kinda suspicious (like a cover up) that it was on the rear passengers side. I can't see how that could have happened innocently, since the front and back tires are different sizes.

...Shady...

So how do I know? I got a check engine light the other day. I bring it to the dealer and they trace a short and open up the access panel in the drivers fender, and the entire engine wiring harness has been spliced back together! Naturally the splices are rotting. Eyes rolling back in head... room spinning.

I call the original dealer and it sounds like they are going to make good on a new harness and give me a loaner (they are three states away so no small tolken.) They are in Mass so I think it's covered under lemon law, but no mention was needed. I'll keep you guys updated.

BTW hat tip Georges93LX here for selling me a stock used wheel. Straight forward and quick. I'll take pics once it's installed.

[SID210SA]

Should have got the original dealer to replace the wheel for you.....or at least had them the bill for the one you purchased

[Odinson]

Should have got the original dealer to replace the wheel for you.....or at least had them the bill for the one you purchased

I'll mention it to them. It's sitting in a box in my trunk. Still needs to be mounted.

Now of course I would know better.