SL/R129: Wheel Fitmit
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
My experience with wheel well friction has returned to sizes close to the original. 16 inch and 17 inch wheel rims are safe, 18 or staggered set ups are not safe moves. The rubber on the wheel is everything! too wide and low have lead me to wheel rubber trashing the inside of the wheel well liner. Has made the vehicle ride harsh.
Benz engineers set a wheel size and sidewall flexibility to match the intended use of the SL. IMHO it was never a race car, just a stylish show off vehicle!
Lots wheels fit the rims the offset is important to fender sheet metal. in getting a used set of MB wheels match the rim and bolts!
good luck with your hunt.
Benz engineers set a wheel size and sidewall flexibility to match the intended use of the SL. IMHO it was never a race car, just a stylish show off vehicle!
Lots wheels fit the rims the offset is important to fender sheet metal. in getting a used set of MB wheels match the rim and bolts!
good luck with your hunt.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 47
From: Yorba Linda CA
94 SL320 98 SL500 99 SL600 07 SL55
The tire diameter on any size wheel is the key to this issue. On your car even if it's lowered you can use any Mercedes 18" 8.5/9.5 staggered or straight up wheels with an ET of 30/33 max and tires up to front 245/45 and rear 275/35 just bolt on. For wheels with a greater ET then we use spacers to correct that all the way ET 23. Keep in mind if you go with aftermarket wheels you most likely will need centering rings as their hub centers are usually larger. The 18" wheel will give you more stability when cornering. What ever wheel size you get the tire diameter needs to be 25.6 to 25.7 to keep speedo accurate and cruise control. I would stay away from 19" wheels they look cool maybe, but the ride sucks.
