450 3to5 Stud Converters
Difficulty
Credit
Evilution
Cost
£200+
For
Old Style 600cc For2
Old Style 700cc For2
New Style For2
Old Style 700cc For2
New Style For2
450 3to5 Stud Converters
Increase the alloy wheel fitment possibilities by giving you the option to fit Mercedes or Audi alloys.
Increase the alloy wheel fitment possibilities by giving you the option to fit Mercedes or Audi alloys.
Although the range of alloy wheels for the smart is increasing every month,
why limit yourself to what other people have when you can buy a set of stud
converters and use some Mercedes, Audi or VW alloys?
The range for these fitments is massive, literally thousands to choose from.
Let's take a look at the converters.
The block on the left is for the front wheel, it is thinner as the front hub sits quite far out.
The right hand block therefore belongs on the rear hubs, the rear hub sits further
in so to use alloys with the same offset it must space the rears out considerably.
How do they work?
The adapter shares one of the holes with the Mercedes alloy with the original hub as they
are the same PCD. The adapter bolts to the hub and the new alloy bolts to the adapter.
The adapter block bolts directly to the smart hub through 2 of the 3 holes.
The 5 stud alloy is then offered up to the adapter and bolted through 4 of the 5 holes.
The remaining long bolt runs through the alloy, through the adapter and bolts into the hub.
More and more companies are selling the adapters separately
to the alloys which will save you money.
I Have The Adapters, What Alloys Should I Get?
The specifications for the alloys needed for the adapters are:
Adapter Sizes
The inner and outter bore sizes are accurate, the thickness of the adapters
are approximate values as they differ from one make to another.
The below adapter information is for if you are fitting Mercedes alloys.
If you are attempting to fit Audi or VW alloys you will need to alter the width to
compensate for the different offset and have a different centre bore,
Pros and Cons
Pros:
16' alloys look better than standard,
better handling and road holding,
reduces the effect of side winds,
cheaper alloys,
bigger selection.
Cons:
possible reduced wheel bearing life,
16' tyres are more expensive than 17' & 15',
3 tools needed to put them on/take them off,
regular maintenance required.
Any drawbacks?
As long as you fit them correctly and keep them at the correct torque settings then no.
500 miles after you first fitted them you should check the torque for all the bolts,
if they are fine you should recheck every few thousand miles.
Some people may say that the adapters can increase the wear on the bearings, this will be the case for all alloys that are larger than standard size not just this setup.
Where can I get them?
There are 2 main companies that manufacture these (both German)
FK Automotive
Neither are particularly interested in dealing direct with the public so I
recommend dealing directly with Wheels UK if you are in the UK.
He is the authorised reseller and was very quick to get the parts sent out.
If you are outside of the UK, take a look at the main websites and look for your nearest reseller.
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