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

SL/R230: Correct Offset?

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Old 11-18-2010, 07:11 PM
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2003 SL500, 74 Harley FL, 08 Yukon Denali
Correct Offset?

I've got 20s on my car and have always had a negative camber and needless to say it burns through the tires in that inside 1".

What is the correct offset for 2003 SL wheels and with the correct offset, will that enable to the camber to be 100% correct?

Thanks for the help!
Old 11-18-2010, 07:31 PM
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Offset

is not affecting neg camber.
Is the car lowered?
If so lowering is the issue and camber eccentrics and camber links need to be installed.
Factory et for the oe rims is in the spec section of the owners manual.
But again not the issue in your wear problem.
Old 11-18-2010, 09:07 PM
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'03 SL55
Originally Posted by ohlord
is not affecting neg camber.
Is the car lowered?
If so lowering is the issue and camber eccentrics and camber links need to be installed.
Factory et for the oe rims is in the spec section of the owners manual.
But again not the issue in your wear problem.
+1. Negative camber is by design.

For stock width wheels (8.5 front, 9.5 rear) stock offsets are in the low 30s.
Old 11-19-2010, 02:03 PM
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2003 SL500, 74 Harley FL, 08 Yukon Denali
oh could it be the wider tire that exaggerates it then?

i've got 285/30s in the rear and the car is stock height. i guess these types of tires would be more prone to wearing too.

i've seen stock 18" wheels on the same car with much less negative camber or at least what i think is. maybe i'm wrong.

i've resorted to raising the car to the highest level whenever I'm on the freeway just to make sure it's not lowering too much and eating up the tires.

i was shocked at how much the camber changes when i parked it at the regular ride height and then at the highest setting.
Old 05-12-2011, 12:20 PM
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Mike,

Did you ever figure out what was causing the inner 1" of your tires to burn through?

Two years ago I put 19" wheels on my '03 SL500 and I just got a flat - when I went to change it I noticed every one of the 4 tires was worn through to the cords just 1" from their inside edges! I've never seen such localized wear before, I can't figure out how it could just be from the camber being off?!

I am wondering if the real problem is the air suspension ride height setting allowing the car to cruise on the interstate too low, thereby changing the wheel angles?

Attached is a pic of the 2 rear tires, but they all look the same (right one blew).

Let me know if you figured it out. At this point I don't know if it's the 19" aftermarket wheels, air suspension problem, or just bad alignment.
Attached Thumbnails Correct Offset?-sl500-rear-tire-wear.jpg  
Old 05-12-2011, 05:17 PM
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2007 E63, 2006 C55
RE: Offset

Mike,

The factory offsets for your car are 35 front/40 rear.

The SL55 has offsets of 30 front/33 rear. I have these offsets on my SL and they work fine.....and also let the wheels stick out a little more which looks nice.

+1. I would have your alignment checked, sounds like you are running too much negative camber causing the tire wear.

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