SL/R230: Newbie question...again
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: TX
'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
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
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: TX
'06 SL500
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?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
2003 SL500, 1998 E320 Wagon
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.
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.
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
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.
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.
