SL/R230: Gixxer's R230 and garage mate
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 3
SL500 R230
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;
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;
or perhaps a factory looking wheel?:
....So far, I believe the one below is my personal favorite (classy looks, but also available in aggressive 20" fitment);
Which is very close to this wheel:
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!)
As it sits today;
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;
or perhaps a factory looking wheel?:
....So far, I believe the one below is my personal favorite (classy looks, but also available in aggressive 20" fitment);
Which is very close to this wheel:
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!)
Last edited by Gixxerboy63; Sep 6, 2015 at 01:42 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 73
From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
We've had these for awhile and the fit works
Diameter is 20" and have a Stainless rounded lip
Diameter is 20" and have a Stainless rounded lip
Last edited by Hary Gahtoe; Apr 15, 2018 at 10:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 3
SL500 R230
^ Looks Great! Did you use lowering links?
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!
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!
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 73
From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
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 ?
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 ?
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
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 ?
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 ?
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 3
SL500 R230
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 73
From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
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.
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.
Last edited by Hary Gahtoe; Sep 23, 2015 at 03:13 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 41
From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
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.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 73
From: PNW Wa State
R230, C5 Corvette Convertible, Audi Allroad, Lexus RX350, AE86 Hachi Roku
V8, what did the service dept. charge you for SDS time to lower the ride height ?
Last edited by Hary Gahtoe; Sep 24, 2015 at 10:27 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 3
SL500 R230
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!!!
Ya... Now I find myself looking at a carbon diffuser, quad tips (or a quad axle back) and a carbon deck spoiler!
Last edited by Gixxerboy63; Sep 24, 2015 at 09:57 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
'03 SL 500
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!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
'03 SL 500
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 47
Likes: 4
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 550
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
Thanks,
Tamer
Last edited by tziady; Apr 14, 2018 at 10:59 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 47
Likes: 4
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 550
