SL/R230: Your thoughts
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
SL500
Your thoughts
I just recently purchased a 2003 SL500 AMG Sport in amazing condition with 68,000 miles from the second owner so of course I start searching for modifications and pros and cons like any good enthusiast should do.
First mod was to install lowering links and give it a better stance so now the search for wheels begins.
I am noticing that the majority of SL500 and 55 owners go for 20 Inch wheels but I can not bring myself to put such big wheels on such a small car, I mean isn't ride quality being sacrificed with the small 25 to 30 profile tire and weight of such a big wheel.
I find myself searching for lots of 19's and 5x114 to run on wobble bolts because of the big variety of 5x114 wheels.
Just wanted to here your thought.
First mod was to install lowering links and give it a better stance so now the search for wheels begins.
I am noticing that the majority of SL500 and 55 owners go for 20 Inch wheels but I can not bring myself to put such big wheels on such a small car, I mean isn't ride quality being sacrificed with the small 25 to 30 profile tire and weight of such a big wheel.
I find myself searching for lots of 19's and 5x114 to run on wobble bolts because of the big variety of 5x114 wheels.
Just wanted to here your thought.
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
Welcome to the forum
if you think 20s are big - wait until you see 21s 😁
any way it depends on what you like. We all change the rims because 18s are really small and don't look cool at all... I got 20s too, but, after this winter I regret it, because the roads got soooooo much worse... I am literally looking for potholes when driving... not fun. So 19 is the safe margin, keeping the looks and ride at decent level. All in all, it's your choice. But when you go 18->20 you will feel the difference in ride quality.
Regards
P.S.
I thought our bolt patten is 5x112?
if you think 20s are big - wait until you see 21s 😁
any way it depends on what you like. We all change the rims because 18s are really small and don't look cool at all... I got 20s too, but, after this winter I regret it, because the roads got soooooo much worse... I am literally looking for potholes when driving... not fun. So 19 is the safe margin, keeping the looks and ride at decent level. All in all, it's your choice. But when you go 18->20 you will feel the difference in ride quality.
Regards
P.S.
I thought our bolt patten is 5x112?
Last edited by Ghostty; Jun 12, 2017 at 03:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
SL500
Welcome to the forum
if you think 20s are big - wait until you see 21s 😁
any way it depends on what you like. We all change the rims because 18s are really small and don't look cool at all... I got 20s too, but, after this winter I regret it, because the roads got soooooo much worse... I am literally looking for potholes when driving... not fun. So 19 is the safe margin, keeping the looks and ride at decent level. All in all, it's your choice. But when you go 18->20 you will feel the difference in ride quality.
Regards
P.S.
I thought our bolt patten is 5x112?
if you think 20s are big - wait until you see 21s 😁
any way it depends on what you like. We all change the rims because 18s are really small and don't look cool at all... I got 20s too, but, after this winter I regret it, because the roads got soooooo much worse... I am literally looking for potholes when driving... not fun. So 19 is the safe margin, keeping the looks and ride at decent level. All in all, it's your choice. But when you go 18->20 you will feel the difference in ride quality.
Regards
P.S.
I thought our bolt patten is 5x112?
