Gixxer's R230 and garage mate
 

What we have here is a bone stock SL500 with sport package and heated/cooled/massage seats. We have enjoyed this car for quite some time and even had thoughts about selling it and buying something different, something newer.... However, each time I drive the car, it renews the spirit and my wife really likes it. So after 58k miles, I have finally decided to do some mods and give this one some love.

As it sits today;

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8808/...f6e0a90f_b.jpg

The tires are needing replacement (due to age vs. mileage) So I am actively wheel shopping. I don't dislike the wheels that are on the car, but I want to give it more panache, so I'm thinking going with 19" or 20" wheels that will fill the fender gap. I will also lower the car via links or electronic controller. If anyone has any input on this, please let me know!

Here are the current new wheel choices;

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMD...VxQad/$_57.JPG


http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMD...VumK~/$_57.JPG

or perhaps a factory looking wheel?:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMj...Vt8us/$_57.JPG

....So far, I believe the one below is my personal favorite (classy looks, but also available in aggressive 20" fitment);

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMD...Vun0f/$_57.JPG

Which is very close to this wheel:


http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNj...V5v7T/$_57.JPG




Oh... so here's a sneak peek at it's garage mate; X5M with 640hp. Lowered on BBS SVs. Active Autowerkes Tune and Downpipes really make this thing come alive. Stupid fast (for a fat girl) and may even surprise a few Corvettes and Mustangs (maybe even a few things that are more exotic). It is, after all, an SUV (grocery getter, soccer mom, wife hauler...etc - LOL!)


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/763/2...7571ca3d_b.jpg

I am also considering these ADV.1s from a fellow MBworld member;
These look awesome, but I am undecided if I want to step up to 21" though...
:nix:


Attachment 373012


Attachment 373013


Attachment 373014

Before: (current)
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5749/...5def233a_c.jpg
After: Photoshopped idea including severely cambered rear):rolf:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5647/...59e0ecbc_c.jpg

^ Looks Great! Did you use lowering links?
:y

In the meantime, I have ordered a set of 20" forged staggered TSW Bathurst (new for 2015)... Brushed face with powdercoated windows.
Went for fewer spokes for easier cleaning + they were hub centric and accept MB centers. The wheels are here...
I am simply waiting on a set of Michelin Pilot Sports to arrive so I can mount them!

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/691/2...e55da8f1_b.jpg

Height setting was by MB Star (SDS). Still rides smoothly.
20" diameter tires allow a civilized ride quality but manufacturer build is very critical.
I did 19 Pilots on our previous MB and they were somewhat harsh and grip was only average in wet or cool conditions we get in our area

Great choice on rims. They will look stunning.
Did you own a W208 previously ?

I'm interested in your comment about setting the ride height with the Star system. Ant ckues as to where in the menu to go?

It was in the ABC settings for the calibrations of individual ride height sensors.

Interesting... so no links needed, just changed a setting in the ABC settings using the MB Star system?


What costs were involved in accomplishing this?

So you're asking me about having an Indy set it for you?
A MB service dept. won't do this for you. Liability about altering and being sued.
If you're asking a ballpark; (generally +/-$200) private shops like to draw in clients so it's just a common practice to charge their hourly rate to set it.
Ask shops around your area.

MB dealership changed my ride height settings. Not sure if that liability comment is a local issue or not.

And here it is....
New wheels and tires mounted. Lowering links installed.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5714/...494ecbbc_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5795/...67e96d26_b.jpg

WOW! What a difference a set of rim and improved stance can do. Looks awesome! Also love the front splitter! Now just need a rear deck lid spoiler and some window tint.

V8, what did the service dept. charge you for SDS time to lower the ride height ?

Thank you.
I was seriously considering a replacement for our SL, but my wife wasn't ready to let go of it yet (and she's right... it is a great car). The new wheels and tires totally updated the vehicle and made it feel new to me again. This change was certainly less expensive than replacing the entire car - Win!!!

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5654/...5c1dbd67_b.jpg

Ya... Now I find myself looking at a carbon diffuser, quad tips (or a quad axle back) and a carbon deck spoiler!
:y

Looks fantastic. Love the red colour.

Looks Real Good!!!

Wow that looks really sick!!


Now I want to buy these rims for my R230 haha!
Did you use spacers? and could you maybe tell me how much you adjusted the new lowering links compared to the old, or the length of the new adjusted lowering links?


Really intered in doing this to my R230, which lowering links did you buy?


Thanks in advance!


It looks really really good! :eek:

Thanks. I have a good tire/wheel guy, so didn't have to use spacers.
I think I bought the links from a supplier on Ebay.

Great, looks good without them!
What tyre size do you have?
Are the wheels 20x8.5 front and 20x9.5 in the back or 20x10.5?

Great wheels and tires. I join in asking: what sizes are your tires. Also, where did you get the new wheels?

19x8.5 front, 19x9.5 rear.

Can you please let me know what brand and type these are? And are they reflective of original equipment. I am not looking to change very much other than replace the now old and scratched out ones on my car?

Thanks,
Tamer

If your old alphard wheels are in great shape I am interested in them. Thanks. Bill

Hello AlfaGTA:

I am actually planning on keeping the originals so that in the future I have all original parts when the car becomes more classic.

Thanks,
Tamer