SL/R129: 17" or 18" tire upgrade on 1996 SL320
04-05-2016, 09:36 PM
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1996 Benz SL320
17" or 18" tire upgrade on 1996 SL320
Just brought my new to me 96' SL320 and it is fitted with the OEM 16 inchers. I do need a new set of tires but I'm thinking about going up to 17" or 18". Don't really want to mess with lowering the car any. What size wheels should I be looking for to do 17" and 18". I'm open to aftermarket ones or even wheels off of another model Benz. Any help or guidance would be appreciated.
Once I get Sophia all cleaned up I'll post up some pics.
Once I get Sophia all cleaned up I'll post up some pics.
04-11-2016, 07:48 PM
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
The rim size can go to 18 but the "rub" comes from the tread width. ( wheel well liner and suspension dust baffle. )
So, if the standard rim is 16 with a sidewall profile of 55 and tread width of 9.75 inches then the wheel well can tolerate that tire mass. Less space on the front well.
The staggered set up ( with no tire rotation possibility ) can have wider and lower profile tires in the rear.
Tire rack has charts with all the tire widths and heights.
I went with 45 profile and 17 inch rims but the ride is harsher. In my search I own a wider tread ( 10.75" ) but they did rub in " full turns" and in full travel suspension motion the dust protector on the suspension dampener had abrasion.
Good luck with your choice!
So, if the standard rim is 16 with a sidewall profile of 55 and tread width of 9.75 inches then the wheel well can tolerate that tire mass. Less space on the front well.
The staggered set up ( with no tire rotation possibility ) can have wider and lower profile tires in the rear.
Tire rack has charts with all the tire widths and heights.
I went with 45 profile and 17 inch rims but the ride is harsher. In my search I own a wider tread ( 10.75" ) but they did rub in " full turns" and in full travel suspension motion the dust protector on the suspension dampener had abrasion.
Good luck with your choice!
04-11-2016, 08:13 PM
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1996 Benz SL320
The rim size can go to 18 but the "rub" comes from the tread width. ( wheel well liner and suspension dust baffle. )
So, if the standard rim is 16 with a sidewall profile of 55 and tread width of 9.75 inches then the wheel well can tolerate that tire mass. Less space on the front well.
The staggered set up ( with no tire rotation possibility ) can have wider and lower profile tires in the rear.
Tire rack has charts with all the tire widths and heights.
I went with 45 profile and 17 inch rims but the ride is harsher. In my search I own a wider tread ( 10.75" ) but they did rub in " full turns" and in full travel suspension motion the dust protector on the suspension dampener had abrasion.
Good luck with your choice!
So, if the standard rim is 16 with a sidewall profile of 55 and tread width of 9.75 inches then the wheel well can tolerate that tire mass. Less space on the front well.
The staggered set up ( with no tire rotation possibility ) can have wider and lower profile tires in the rear.
Tire rack has charts with all the tire widths and heights.
I went with 45 profile and 17 inch rims but the ride is harsher. In my search I own a wider tread ( 10.75" ) but they did rub in " full turns" and in full travel suspension motion the dust protector on the suspension dampener had abrasion.
Good luck with your choice!
04-11-2016, 08:16 PM
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Not as smooth as the 55 profile! The rough ride of a faulty ADS is truly go-cart harsh!
