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

SL/R230: 2003 SL500- smaller rims?

Old Feb 7, 2020 | 08:24 AM
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2003 SL500- smaller rims?

I currently have stock AMG 18inch staggered wheels on my 03 SL500.

I saw a set of chrome 17 inch chrome wheels with new tires that came off a C class on offer up for a deal you can't beat - my questions is, will 17 inch wheels be ok on this car or should I stick to stock 18/19 inch wheels?

I don't like the way the current AMG wheels look and I'm not a big fan of staggered wheels.

Thanks
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Old Feb 7, 2020 | 12:29 PM
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Current: '07 SL550 & '14 GLK350. Previously owned: '06 ML350, '05 SL500, '99 ML320 & '98 SLK230 (RI
I don't think you'll be able to clear the brakes and rotors. Maybe in the back, but not in the front. Take a look at how much clearance there is between the back of your calpers, and the inside wall of the current wheel. If's it's 1" or more, it might work, if not, it won't.

Then there's the issue of offsets. I don't know if the C class when will fit the SL without any adapter, if at all.

If you decide to sell you AMG wheels, let me know, I might be in the market.

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Old Feb 7, 2020 | 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Dudeman
I don't think you'll be able to clear the brakes and rotors. Maybe in the back, but not in the front. Take a look at how much clearance there is between the back of your calpers, and the inside wall of the current wheel. If's it's 1" or more, it might work, if not, it won't.

Then there's the issue of offsets. I don't know if the C class when will fit the SL without any adapter, if at all.

If you decide to sell you AMG wheels, let me know, I might be in the market.
Thanks- my thinking also- I'll measure the calipers/wheels tonight. Not really sure if they are C class wheels- they came off a C class- probably an aftermarket wheel- I just know they are 5X112

Guess I'll find out
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Old Feb 7, 2020 | 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by imtheking
I currently have stock AMG 18inch staggered wheels on my 03 SL500.

I saw a set of chrome 17 inch chrome wheels with new tires that came off a C class on offer up for a deal you can't beat - my questions is, will 17 inch wheels be ok on this car or should I stick to stock 18/19 inch wheels?

I don't like the way the current AMG wheels look and I'm not a big fan of staggered wheels.

Thanks
Not sure you have a preset for those wheels in Variant Coding so keep in mind that your tacho might show wrong MPH
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Old Feb 7, 2020 | 09:18 PM
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Originally Posted by imtheking
I currently have stock AMG 18inch staggered wheels on my 03 SL500.
The standard rim for the MY2003 SL500 was a 7-spoke 17-inch rim, so you should be able to go smaller.
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Old Feb 7, 2020 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Rod_84
The standard rim for the MY2003 SL500 was a 7-spoke 17-inch rim, so you should be able to go smaller.
You're right, the 2003-2004 models had 17" rims base, and 18" for the AMG package. In 2005, the 18" became the base model, and 19" was the AMG package.

I wonder if the rotor size increase too.
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Old Feb 8, 2020 | 12:56 AM
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These are aftermarket wheels that were on a C class Benz. Looks like the bore is the same size as the SL so I’m fine there- but the seller did tell me he had to use spacers on his C class to make these fit

dudeman- I painted my AMG wheels black but they paint easily comes off- wheels are in great condition. No curb rash- nothing

anyway- if the 17’s workout, I’ll send you a PM- where are you located? I’m in MD
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Old Feb 8, 2020 | 04:32 AM
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Originally Posted by imtheking
These are aftermarket wheels that were on a C class Benz. Looks like the bore is the same size as the SL so I’m fine there- but the seller did tell me he had to use spacers on his C class to make these fit

dudeman- I painted my AMG wheels black but they paint easily comes off- wheels are in great condition. No curb rash- nothing

anyway- if the 17’s workout, I’ll send you a PM- where are you located? I’m in MD
The problem is that depending on the firmware you have in your car, you will have more or less wheel settings
Stock= less
AMG= more
Tune= even more

I did a wheel upgrading coding (variant coding) on this G55 last week to correct odometer (another reason to get a real full Xentry with free tech support)
MPH was wrong
it's easy to measure with your phone's GPS



to see how tire size / wheel change affects your speed reading, use this
https://tiresize.com/calculator/

or get a litlle software here:
http://www.teeceetee.com/TireSizeCalculator/index.html




edit:
As stated that no coding is needed in the next aggressive post,
"You don't need to "code" anything"
he is wrong, but errors are human, I make them myself



"coding" is needed
( if you don't use a calculator to fit the exact overall diameter which is obvious if you look at the picture )

This G55 owner who chose the Wheels & tires he liked and had me code the wheels after install

here is how:





Last edited by pmercury; Feb 10, 2020 at 05:14 AM.
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Old Feb 8, 2020 | 11:49 AM
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While technically it's correct that changing rim size (up or down) will affect your speedometer and odometer readings, all you need to do is figure out the correct tire size, in order to match (or come close) to the original overall diameter. You don't need to "code" anything, that's just PMercury trying to peddle his DAS/Xentry product like he generally does.

The original tires on your car, for the 18" rims are 255/40-R18 (front) and 285/35-R18 (rear), those tires are 26" overall diameter in the front, and 25.9" diameter in the rear. So that number, 26", is what you're shooting for. Obviously, you'll need to find out what the rim width is on the new 17" wheels, but you can fit a 8.5 to 10" wide tire in the front or back.

If your 17" rim can accommodate a tire that is 8.5" to 10" wide, you have the following choices:
255/45-17. This tire is 26" overall diameter, so your odometer and speedometer reading shouldn't change at all:



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Old Feb 8, 2020 | 07:59 PM
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So I went with these on Offer Up- shipping from AZ

https://www.sftiresandwheels.com/pro...heel-oem-65310

Then realized the offset is +44 and our SL500 calls for +35- does this mean I'm SOL?
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Old Feb 9, 2020 | 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by imtheking
Then realized the offset is +44 and our SL500 calls for +35- does this mean I'm SOL?
I can't imagine a 9 mm difference would make any sort of difference.

I'm wondering if you are still looking to replace your Strutmasters suspension with the original ABC. A friend of mine found a source (Chinese?) for new, inexpensive ABC struts.
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Old Feb 9, 2020 | 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by bobterry99
I can't imagine a 9 mm difference would make any sort of difference.

I'm wondering if you are still looking to replace your Strutmasters suspension with the original ABC. A friend of mine found a source (Chinese?) for new, inexpensive ABC struts.
yes!!!! Send me the info please. I’ve been on car-part.com ready to pull the trigger on struts from junkyards
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