freakshoww

It's an 03 SL 500, stock wheels/tires are: 255/45/17, total diameter of 26.03"

What would be the negative effects of replacing these with:
front: 235/35/19, total diameter of 25.47"
rear: 265/30/19, total diameter of 25.25"

For reference, stock 19s for our cars in:
front: 255/35/19, total diameter of 26.02"
rear: 285/30/19, total diameter of 25.73"

Thanks!

Wolfman

The difference is negligible (going 61.1mph with 60 on the speedo), but it'll look like crap, especially if you have a staggered wheel setup.

The rim will look wider than the tire. I suggest going the other way: 295/30/19

freakshoww

They are my friend's wheels, coming off a CL.. so i'm hoping that they look alright. When I see them in person again, i'll make sure to check for the rim poking out..

My primary concern is that there are no long (or short) term negative impacts on the car, aside from aesthetics..

Thanks!

Wolfman

Well, the bigger issue is that the offset of a CL is quite different than an SL. Not sure which model/age CL you are referring to, but their offset is typically higher, which will make it look worse as the wheels are sitting deeper inside the wheel well (or touch the brakes/wheel well). This may also mean that may need different lug nuts.

Also, were these already on an SL? CL's use larger tire sizes (in diameter).

IMO, I would stick to SL or CLS (219) wheels with stock or wider tires

freakshoww

The wheels, as far as I know, were bought and used on a CL, not an SL.

I think the CL can take lower offsets (I think I would need at most 35), so i'll have to see when I do a test fit. If it's deep inside the wheel well (or touching the brakes), I definitely wouldn't buy them. I will also check on the lugs. Thanks for your replies.. they have been most helpful!

Wolfman

Yes, the CL can take a lower offset as the wheel will stick out more, but in your case, it is the reverse.

The CL's offset is in the low/mid-40's, the SL is the low 30's. So, on top of a skinnier tire, the wheel in be inwards by 10mm.

This may work but will look less than desirable from an angle as the SL's wheel wells look best with meatier tires on it (285-305's on the rear)

Stoofpilot

Why do it!

Wolfman

I can see why. SL's look dramatically better with 19" rims than 17"'s. It balances the look of the car nicely, but if the tires or wheels are the wrong size or offsets, it will actually look worst.

If he want to change wheels, I would recommend looking for CLS55/63 wheels/tires (216). The wheels work perfect, the offset a bit lower than the SL and looks the best.

Other than that, there are plenty SL packages out there for the right price.

SLCL

front: 235/35/19, total diameter of 25.47"
rear: 265/30/19, total diameter of 25.25"

That looks like the specs off of the CLK, not CL. CL has bigger tires setup than the SL. These specs are way too small for the CL

Anyway, the reason people would put smaller tires is to have a "stressed" look. It's certainly not recommended beause "it's cheaper".