SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Wheel debate.....

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Old 09-29-2006, 04:05 AM
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Originally Posted by amgme
those look like 20's to me and not lowered...
Damn I didnt know 20's would fill up the gap that much. I think 20's is probably the way to go if thats the case.
Old 09-30-2006, 12:47 AM
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'09 E93 335i
Originally Posted by johnny5
NICE!!! Ive always loved the LM5's on a SL! What size did you go with and did you have the car lowered because they filled in the wheel gaps pretty well. Perfect height I think.
They're 20x11 rear & 20x9 front, car is not lowered - suspension is at the lowest adjustable setting in the picture. The 20's give a real aggressive look, but no matter what brand you go with, you have to be careful of road conditions like pot holes, etc. - the low profile tire sidewalls don't offer much protection against road hazards.

I looked at the HRE's as well, but I liked the LM5's better than any of the HRE styles that were available at the time. Both are high quality wheels; I think it's just a matter of personal preference for you at this point.
Old 09-30-2006, 03:00 AM
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Originally Posted by joec1101
They're 20x11 rear & 20x9 front, car is not lowered - suspension is at the lowest adjustable setting in the picture. The 20's give a real aggressive look, but no matter what brand you go with, you have to be careful of road conditions like pot holes, etc. - the low profile tire sidewalls don't offer much protection against road hazards.

I looked at the HRE's as well, but I liked the LM5's better than any of the HRE styles that were available at the time. Both are high quality wheels; I think it's just a matter of personal preference for you at this point.

The more I look at 20's the more Im pushing towards getting 20's instead. It really filled up the gaps and not even needing to lower the car. And yes it does give the car a very aggressive look. As for road hazards, hitting pot holes or any roads that are not even is still a pain in the *** with the stock set up now. I can only imagine how it will be when you higher size in wheel and go lower in profile tires. I have 19's on my M3 right now and know exactly what your talking about. Im cautious as is with the car now so Im sure Ill be fine.

As for wheels I have narrowed it down to HRE's and LM5's. Just got to do more research on weight, strength, finish, etc.... Ill figure it out in the next few days. Both wheels are good quality and like you stated and a few others its all about personal preference!

By the way....is that SL55 rear lights on the car and a rear deck lip?
Old 09-30-2006, 06:21 AM
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SL/M6
His car looks great...but lowering would give an ultra aggresive stance...its a trade off though since the lower you go the more you feel some bumps...a happy medium can be found though.
Old 09-30-2006, 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by cy0811
His car looks great...but lowering would give an ultra aggresive stance...its a trade off though since the lower you go the more you feel some bumps...a happy medium can be found though.
Yeah dont get me wrong having the car slammed would be great and very aggressive looking but I just dont want to deal with problems on the road since I do drive this daily. It really did bring the gap down and just by adding the 20's thats impressive. Will see what happens and like you stated everyone has there medium points of comfort.

By the way hows the car with it being lowered?
Old 09-30-2006, 08:21 PM
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You can lower it you your personal preference in most circumstances. In my experience, when taking it down to the lowest possible ride height (in the lowest setting), the rear end felt bumpy at high speeds. So I went up about half an inch in the rear and its perfect. I also have the ability to raise the car with the buttons on the console if needed for ultra comfort or high curbs.
Old 09-30-2006, 11:32 PM
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2005 SL500
HRE 540R in 19 over here!

Old 10-01-2006, 01:13 AM
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'09 E93 335i
Originally Posted by johnny5
The more I look at 20's the more Im pushing towards getting 20's instead. It really filled up the gaps and not even needing to lower the car. And yes it does give the car a very aggressive look. As for road hazards, hitting pot holes or any roads that are not even is still a pain in the *** with the stock set up now. I can only imagine how it will be when you higher size in wheel and go lower in profile tires. I have 19's on my M3 right now and know exactly what your talking about. Im cautious as is with the car now so Im sure Ill be fine.

As for wheels I have narrowed it down to HRE's and LM5's. Just got to do more research on weight, strength, finish, etc.... Ill figure it out in the next few days. Both wheels are good quality and like you stated and a few others its all about personal preference!

By the way....is that SL55 rear lights on the car and a rear deck lip?
Yes, those are 55 tail lights and a Lorinser deck lid spoiler. I didn't want to lower it for the same reaons you stated - I don't want to deal with all the other problems that come along with lowering a car. I've been down that road before and I don't really want to go there again.
Old 10-01-2006, 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by cy0811
You can lower it you your personal preference in most circumstances. In my experience, when taking it down to the lowest possible ride height (in the lowest setting), the rear end felt bumpy at high speeds. So I went up about half an inch in the rear and its perfect. I also have the ability to raise the car with the buttons on the console if needed for ultra comfort or high curbs.

Thats one of the best features on this car is that adjustable ride height. It does make sense to lower it to your personal preference and if needed at a touch of a button you can raise it.

By the way do you have any pictures of your car at its lowest setting? Im very curious to see what your car looks like.
Old 10-01-2006, 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by vantage78
HRE 540R in 19 over here!

Damn thats a big lip in the back. Whats the dimensions of the rims? Rims look good on the car. Looks like your ready to roll!
Old 10-01-2006, 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by joec1101
Yes, those are 55 tail lights and a Lorinser deck lid spoiler. I didn't want to lower it for the same reaons you stated - I don't want to deal with all the other problems that come along with lowering a car. I've been down that road before and I don't really want to go there again.
Yeah thats understandable. It looks very clean and good the way it is without even lowering it.

Where did you end up getting the SL55 rear lights and the Lorinser deck lid? And about how much did they run?
Old 10-01-2006, 05:28 PM
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Of the 2 choices I would also have to say HRE, although the costs may be similar with HRE you are getting a custom crafted 3pc forged wheel. This means the wheel will have better fitment, lighter weight and more strength.

As for the 19 / 20" debate it all comes down to the end user, my PERSONAL preference for the r230 chassis is 20" from an aesthetic standpoint.
Old 10-01-2006, 08:29 PM
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This is after I raised it 1/2 an inch or so....before it was too low for daily use

Old 10-02-2006, 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by D2-AUTOSPORT
Of the 2 choices I would also have to say HRE, although the costs may be similar with HRE you are getting a custom crafted 3pc forged wheel. This means the wheel will have better fitment, lighter weight and more strength.

As for the 19 / 20" debate it all comes down to the end user, my PERSONAL preference for the r230 chassis is 20" from an aesthetic standpoint.
About how much are we looking for the wheels? If you dont want to state it you may PM if you like. HRE 20's. 945R or 542R
Old 10-02-2006, 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by cy0811
This is after I raised it 1/2 an inch or so....before it was too low for daily use

Very nice drop. How much did you drop it from stock?
Old 10-03-2006, 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by johnny5
About how much are we looking for the wheels? If you dont want to state it you may PM if you like. HRE 20's. 945R or 542R
PM sent!
Old 10-03-2006, 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by cy0811
This is after I raised it 1/2 an inch or so....before it was too low for daily use

Off topic thats a nice pic, the tint and lighting look nice
Old 10-03-2006, 09:54 PM
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SL/M6
Originally Posted by D2-AUTOSPORT
Off topic thats a nice pic, the tint and lighting look nice

All I need now is to replace my current wheels with some nice HRE 20's from you and I will be set!
Old 10-03-2006, 11:39 PM
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Originally Posted by cy0811
All I need now is to replace my current wheels with some nice HRE 20's from you and I will be set!
There are alot of other nice 3pc Forged custom crafted wheels that we carry other than HRE, like MODULARE, AUTO-COUTURE, iFORGED, etc etc

Take a look at them on the site (link below)
Old 10-04-2006, 02:07 AM
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Originally Posted by D2-AUTOSPORT
There are alot of other nice 3pc Forged custom crafted wheels that we carry other than HRE, like MODULARE, AUTO-COUTURE, iFORGED, etc etc

Take a look at them on the site (link below)
Mad props to D2, one of the few people I'd like to deal with.
He answers my questions and he knows I'm not buying anything for a long time. One of the biggest sources of information and help in the industry.
Old 10-09-2006, 09:07 PM
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ok johnny so did u buy the wheels or what?
Old 10-10-2006, 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by ROMEO550
ok johnny so did u buy the wheels or what?
Im working with D2 to figure out my other options on wheels. I saw a few Iforged ones that are really nice but also looking at others as well. But to answer you question.....not yet.
Old 10-10-2006, 10:40 PM
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Originally Posted by johnny5
Im working with D2 to figure out my other options on wheels. I saw a few Iforged ones that are really nice but also looking at others as well. But to answer you question.....not yet.
Go HRE, i can get you the largest lip possible on the rear it would look killer.
Old 10-10-2006, 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by BlackC230Coupe
Go HRE, i can get you the largest lip possible on the rear it would look killer.
HRE's are nice but what kills me is the pricing on them. If you can provide some reasonable numbers I would consider.
Old 10-10-2006, 11:02 PM
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I remember looking 2 years ago and saying no way. How much are they running now? I would rather have a nice set of german rims and do other major mods for the same money.


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