Dale B

I have a new to me 1999 SL500. I have 2003 AMG wheels 8.5/9.5 x 18's with 30/33 mm offsets. My question is can I fit 255/40/18 and 285/35/18 tires with no clearance problems? I am sure that some of you have experience with these sizes and set up.


Thanks,
Dale B.

Jim's500E

Yes, they will fit, the rears 'may' need a slight fender roll if the rims have a 33mm offset witht hat width tire....they may not tho.

Dale B

Thanks Jim,


I was more worried about the front. I will check the rear. The posts that I have seen that show that they fit don't mention the offsets that they used.


I had a 1992 500E. I believe that it was the best car I ever owned. I hated to part with it at 325K miles. The guy that I gave it to is still driving it. It's a very special car.

Jim's500E

I'm happy to hear yours was at 325K and still going...I'm "only" at 160K .

I did have a 97' SL600 once and the rims were et34mm all around with 275s...no issues. Should have added that before so as not to seem like I don't know what the heck I'm talking about not having an R129 presently.

Dale B

The early engines with 4 cams and 4 valves have a great deal of reciprocating mass that puts a strain in the timing chain and causes more stretch than the later 2 cam engines. The timing chain and the tensioners need to be replaced at 150 to 180K miles. The timing chain can be thread through the full length by using a master link and pulling it through by manually turning the crank while you feed the new chain through. The newer 2 cam engines don't seem to have a need to have the timing chains replaced. I also had problems with pieces that carried oil between the cam shafts. I can't remember what they were called, but I had to replace them twice and Mercedes had a problem with them.


I enjoyed the 4 cam engine, but I decided that I preferred the lower maintenance and more advanced engine management systems of the 2 cam 3 valve engine. I know that goes against some of the guys that contribute to this forum and I thought about the 4 cam engine, but for this car I chose to go with the 2 cam engine.