rbreaks

Hi guys,


Just wanted an opinion on these Lowenhart wheels:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lowenhart-LT5-3pc-20x9ET24-5-112-20x11-ET32-5-112-Chrome-For-Mbz-SL-CLS-Set-Of-4-/221486967024?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item3391a6e8f0&vxp=mtr



Is it easy for these to fit on a 215?


Will these 20" wheels decrease performance vs. stock 19"?


I also saw these, not sure if they will fit:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lowenhart-Chrome-20-Staggered-Wheels-And-Tires-for-BMW-5-6-7-8-Series-/131411315608?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheel_Packages&hash=item1e98b98b98&vxp=mtr

If anyone has experience with these and has input, would appreciate it.


Thanks,


Ron

bentleymp21

The weight will most certainly decrease performance.

If my opinion is welcome, I would say please do not put these on your car. They are quite unattractive. Again, just an opinion of mine.

From what I've gathered over time, each pound a wheel weighs is equal to 10 pounds of rotantional mass. These chromed 20s must way, at the very least, 6 pounds more per wheel than the 19s. So that would be at least 240lbs more of rotational mass. So your car will feel that much heavier. 240lbs is certainly a noticeable number.

This has never stopped me in the past, but going up to 20 inch will also make the ride harsher as there will be less rubber.

Someone else will have to weigh in with the actual weights of the two wheels in question to get all the details right, as well as to discuss fitment.

Also, I've made the jump from stock 18s to 20s on a car of mine and stock 19s to 20s on another. The heavier larger wheels can definitely be felt on the road especially as they fall into potholes. So even when I did not know exactly why, I knew something was different.

The wheels are unsprung weight, that also have to rotate, so it is said that it's the worst place to add weight to a car if you wish for it to preform as it should.

I did what I did on my cars for looks. I don't race.

rbreaks

Bentley,


Much appreciated, I was second guessing myself as I was typing -- just wanted to hear it confirmed.


Follow-up question. Should I change the wheels that I currently have for stock?


I have 19" 2 piece type iv and the stock ones are very similar with the middle of the spokes cut out.


Mine
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Genuine-OEM-AMG-Mercedes-Benz-S63-S65-2-Piece-Modular-WHEELS-CL550-CL63-S550-/200786957403?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item2ebfd5d45b&vxp=mtr

Stock
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251806553638?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Last question. Do you prefer alloy or the titan (darker grey) look?

bentleymp21

I Personally prefer the silver finish over the dark grey. But on a black CL, you certainly can't go wrong with either.

As for switching your current 19s for the stock split spoke 19s... I don't have a fully formed opinion.
The split spokes are elegant and sporty and a very nice wheel for the car. However, I don't believe I have ever seen your particular wheels in person, and I am big on seeing wheels in person and in motion before deciding. Unless it is obviously an ugly wheel, but this of course is not the case here.

If you do decide to make a switch, even if only because changing stuff up is fun, I'm sure you will run into a great deal relatively quickly. I have seen some great buys for the split spokes recently on craigslist and eBay. I am in CA though, and that might make a difference in terms of craigslist.

This deal for example : http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/pts/4851902431.html

Anyhow, I wish you continued enjoyment with your CL! I remember seeing your headliner in the picture thread I believe... Amazingly beautiful!

I appreciate you letting me share my opinions!

Be well

rbreaks

Thanks again Bentley.


Yep, I think I prefer the silver as well. The Titan (grey) colored 2 pc, don't really match anything on the car.


I like the rims I have, but they don't look as good as stock and they seem a little too clunky for the car. The ones I have would look better on an S.