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

SL/R230: Newbie question...again

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 10-15-2010, 01:09 AM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
phbalance724's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: TX
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'06 SL500
Newbie question...again

hey guys,

I wanna change out my 18's AMG wheels for some 19's or 20's. Are there any risks I should be concern about going larger with the 20's? Will suspension, handling, driving, etc be affected? Im leaning towards 19s but my friends tell me to man up and go with 20s

Thx for any input
Old 10-15-2010, 04:26 AM
  #2  
Junior Member
 
titesi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: bay area, ca
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
03 sl500
I am on the same page. 19's would ride better but 20s looks so much better!!!!!! i think 19's look way too small for an SL. Wat to do?????
Old 10-15-2010, 12:49 PM
  #3  
B R
Senior Member
 
B R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2010 Taco
How smooth are the roads you are on? The bigger the dia wheel, the lower the profile tire, the less protection for your wheels from potholes etc. You are more likely to incur some kind of damage to your wheels the bigger you go. Another drawback is bigger usually means heavier too.
Old 10-15-2010, 02:00 PM
  #4  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
phbalance724's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: TX
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'06 SL500
Originally Posted by B R
How smooth are the roads you are on? The bigger the dia wheel, the lower the profile tire, the less protection for your wheels from potholes etc. You are more likely to incur some kind of damage to your wheels the bigger you go. Another drawback is bigger usually means heavier too.

Its a weekend car and I try not to go Too Fast n Furious with it if you get my drift (pun intended), but theres always construction. What do heavier wheels do?...More gas spent to exert more energy to move the car im assuming?
Old 10-15-2010, 02:30 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
 
mkirincic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2003 SL500, 1998 E320 Wagon
Thumbs up

I have 20 installed on my car. They do look great and I agree with prior comments that the ride is a bit firmer. You will feel every bump and imperfection on the road. At highway speeds that ride is good, the bumps are not as noticeable.

by the way I run 245 35 20 in the front and 275 30 20 in the rear. The gas mileage is not that bad. I get about 14 city.

I cannot provide a comparison since I purchased the car with 20s installed.
Old 10-16-2010, 02:21 AM
  #6  
Member
 
jazzphile's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2005 SL500, Black on Stone
I have had 18s and 20s on my car. My 20s are the Brabus Monoblocks. Great rims. I have 255-30-20 in front, 305-25-20 in back. Looks amazing. You will feel FAR more imperfections, bumps etc. The ride is inferior and rarely does the car feel as though there are no imperfections in the road.

I have tried various tire inflations and it remains as such. The 18s ride FAR smoother, in balance, etc. Were I to do this again, I'd get 19s--a nice compromise for looks and ride.

One more thing: Unless your roads are pristine, you will bend 20 inch rims with such low profile tires. I have bent them, had them straightened, and bent them again. I live in Northern California where the roads are decent, and still they have bent.

Good luck.
Old 10-16-2010, 12:54 PM
  #7  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
phbalance724's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: TX
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'06 SL500
Thx for the help fellas...

I think I may go with 19s after learning that there is a good chance I will feel every bump on the road...19s will still look good, i hope. lol.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: SL/R230: Newbie question...again



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:08 PM.