When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
2013 SL550 Sport Wheel Pkg. questions
In 2013, there was an option, No. 321 Sport Wheel Package, which included 19" AMG wheels, rear drilled rotors, etc. Does anyone know if the standard 18" wheels will fit on a car with this option? Do we think that 18" wheels from a 2004 R230 will fit? Looking at my options. Any info is appreciated.
Since offsets on R230 were lower (much lower on rear) than on R231 (et31 for 18x8.5 front and et33 for 18x9.5 rear on R230 vs. ~et35 for 19x8.5 front and ~et48 for 19x9.5 rear on R231) R230 SL500 18" OEM wheels should fit R231 SL550 even thought front rotors and calipers on R231 are significantly bigger than on R230, so to say for sure is difficult.
ThreeMBs stated that the offset is dramatically different, so by default they won't fit.
Higher offsets could be fixed by spacers but may still not fit due to brake clearance, etc. More importantly, the R230 wheels would look terrible on the R231 from a design perspective.
That said, the R231 was/is sold with 18" wheels as well and AFAIK the brake systems stayed the same besides the drilled holes.
Confirm with dealer though!
...the offset is dramatically different, so by default they won't fit..
Disagree. Front offsets are only 4mm or so lower on 230, while rear offset is less by 15mm on 230 (and some here, me included, already use 20mm spacers on rear of 231 to push wheels out), so by offsets and fender room measures, r230's wheels will (should) definitely fit r231, except as I stated above r231's much larger rotors and calipers may present issues. I'm running et20 front (with room to go lower) and et28 rear on r231, while on r230 I used to run et10 front and et15 rear. (R231 can take even et15 for 9" wide wheels without a poke).
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Originally Posted by Wolfman
More importantly, the R230 wheels would look terrible on the R231 from a design perspective.
!
Wolf, you know I love you, but how can you say that? For the most part and just to narrow it down a bit, a fairly basic 5-spoke alloy wheel--made for most any car, in any year, will look just fine on most any car, it's simply a matter of personal preference. To use your logic, any of the custom wheels out there would also look terrible on any car. I happen to love the look of the wheels I had on my '04 as shown here and am thinking to put those same wheels on a '13. Do you really think they would look bad, assuming that they fit?
Disagree. Front offsets are only 4mm or so lower on 230, while rear offset is less by 15mm on 230 (and some here, me included, already use 20mm spacers on rear of 231 to push wheels out), so by offsets and fender room measures, r230's wheels will (should) definitely fit r231, except as I stated above r231's much larger rotors and calipers may present issues. I'm running et20 front (with room to go lower) and et28 rear on r231, while on r230 I used to run et10 front and et15 rear. (R231 can take even et15 for 9" wide wheels without a poke).
In hindsight, scratch my offset comments
Brake clearance in front might be an issue with Streamliner's wheels and since he likes the softer non-AMG look, the stance in rear might be too aggressive for him.
Wolf, you know I love you, but how can you say that? For the most part and just to narrow it down a bit, a fairly basic 5-spoke alloy wheel--made for most any car, in any year, will look just fine on most any car, it's simply a matter of personal preference. To use your logic, any of the custom wheels out there would also look terrible on any car. I happen to love the look of the wheels I had on my '04 as shown here and am thinking to put those same wheels on a '13. Do you really think they would look bad, assuming that they fit?
The R231 isn't particularly well suited for these wheels. Soft and hard edge. They are very thick and almost have a 17" appearance.
Personally, it is not a good fit. If you already buy an SL, get some proper wheels
Here are some 18" factory Mercedes wheels made for the SL (never mind the MY17). This would be a nice look for you...
I agree - those older style wheels look really dated and i can't imagine why you would want to put them on a 231............ when there's so many nice looking wheels available
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Originally Posted by ibanezking
I agree - those older style wheels look really dated and i can't imagine why you would want to put them on a 231............ when there's so many nice looking wheels available
You know. It's funny, but when I would drive that car, to the gas station or to the local Cars & Coffee and someone would comment, usually saying something like "that's a gorgeous car," to which I would always reply "thank you, she's 12 years old." I can't tell you how many times their next words were "I really like the wheels."
It's all in the eyes of the beholder. I like classic looking things and those wheels look great to me. You like something different. That's what makes the world go 'round.
You know. It's funny, but when I would drive that car, to the gas station or to the local Cars & Coffee and someone would comment, usually saying something like "that's a gorgeous car," to which I would always reply "thank you, she's 12 years old." I can't tell you how many times their next words were "I really like the wheels."
It's all in the eyes of the beholder. I like classic looking things and those wheels look great to me. You like something different. That's what makes the world go 'round.
maybe thats the point......... that they DO suit the 12 year old car........
but on the newer car they would just look out of place and dated
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Well, so let me tell you how this all worked out:
After I bought this car, I was thinking what to do about the wheels & tires. I absolutely hate run flat tires and I much prefer the smallest diameter wheels, as I feel they offer a deeper sidewall tire, resulting in a softer ride. I'm a cruiser. My days of aggressive driving are well behind me. I love comfort and quiet these days, so skimpy sidewall tires are unappealing to me.
I had not actually checked the tire sizes on the car and not being familiar with the wheels that were available on a 2013, I had just assumed that the wheels on the car were the 19" AMG wheels that were part of the Sport Wheel Pkg., noted on the window sticker. (I have not bought a used car since 1979! In hindsight, I should have been more thorough.). So, I started thinking about which 18" wheels I could find for the car, thus the start of this thread. I was thinking that I would have to buy a set of 18" wheels, mount tires and then try to sell the 19's. I certainly could have done it, but a big hassle.
Imagine my surprise when I checked the tire sizes and found that the wheels were actually the base 18" units! I was both happy and upset. I paid for 19" AMG wheels, but got the 18" base wheels. To make a long story a bit shorter, I complained to the used car dealer and he stepped up to the plate and refunded me $1,000.00. So, I love the wheels I have (Right again, Wolf) and the $1,000.00 will pretty much pay for a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ conventional tires. This deal keeps getting better and better.
Last edited by Streamliner; 11-13-2016 at 10:01 PM.
After I bought this car, I was thinking what to do about the wheels & tires. I absolutely hate run flat tires and I much prefer the smallest diameter wheels, as I feel they offer a deeper sidewall tire, resulting in a softer ride. I'm a cruiser. My days of aggressive driving are well behind me. I love comfort and quiet these days, so skimpy sidewall tires are unappealing to me.
I had not actually checked the tire sizes on the car and not being familiar with the wheels that were available on a 2013, I had just assumed that the wheels on the car were the 19" AMG wheels that were part of the Sport Wheel Pkg., noted on the window sticker. (I have not bought a used car since 1979! In hindsight, I should have been more thorough.). So, I started thinking about which 18" wheels I could find for the car, thus the start of this thread. I was thinking that I would have to buy a set of 18" wheels, mount tires and then try to sell the 19's. I certainly could have done it, but a big hassle.
Imagine my surprise when I checked the tire sizes and found that the wheels were actually the base 18" units! I was both happy and upset. I paid for 19" AMG wheels, but got the 18" base wheels. To make a long story a bit shorter, I complained to the used car dealer and he stepped up to the plate and refunded me $1,000.00. So, I love the wheels I have (Right again, Wolf) and the $1,000.00 will pretty much pay for a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ conventional tires. This deal keeps getting better and better.
Great for you! I thought the wheels on your new SL looked familiar
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Originally Posted by Wolfy90503
Thanks, I'm debating getting this or the Jag XKR (supercharged, no lag), plus the new Jags have much better reliability than MB from what I hear.
The XKR is a beautiful car, but it is in a different class than the SL. If speed is what you are after, perhaps the Jag is the way to go. If comfort, luxury, the retractable hard top and safety options are important to you, the Jag does not compare.
The XKR is a beautiful car, but it is in a different class than the SL. If speed is what you are after, perhaps the Jag is the way to go. If comfort, luxury, the retractable hard top and safety options are important to you, the Jag does not compare.
I've had a '13 XKR coupe and a '14 SL550 and now a '17 SL550. My current SL550 is faster than the Jag was even though the Jag had about 50 more HP, but the Jag is a much more beautiful car IMHO.
I've had a '13 XKR coupe and a '14 SL550 and now a '17 SL550. My current SL550 is faster than the Jag was even though the Jag had about 50 more HP, but the Jag is a much more beautiful car IMHO.
Beauty is.....
I sat in the new Jag when I was looking for my car. Did not like the interior one little bit. From the outside it is a very nice looking car but I still still prefer the MB.
I sat in the new Jag when I was looking for my car. Did not like the interior one little bit. From the outside it is a very nice looking car but I still still prefer the MB.
I agree. The Jag's interior was nothing special and the tech was way behind the times compared to the SL, but man, what a sexy body, especially the coupe. Mine was Italian Racing Red and sure got a lot of looks.
I agree. The Jag's interior was nothing special and the tech was way behind the times compared to the SL, but man, what a sexy body, especially the coupe. Mine was Italian Racing Red and sure got a lot of looks.
The XK or XKR was a pretty car on an ancient platform, along with the stated outdated tech. Even the standard SL550 should beat the XKR due to its under-rated engine and it's ability to put the power down.
The car XK coupe looked great because it had some Aston Martin styling cues and looked like a classic GT where the latest F-Type seem to go after the Corvette C7 "in your face" styling.
That said, anybody seriously considering a Jag should only consider the F-type from a practicality/reliability standpoint.