scotstern

I have a 2003 MB SL500 with 26,000 total miles on it. It currently has 17" wheels but the seller provided me with a set of OEM 18" wheels also. The tires on the 17" wheels are fairly new. I was wondering what difference I would feel if I changed and went to the 18" wheels? Both sets are perfect so esthetics does not play a role. I live in San Diego and this is not a high performance car for me but rather an excellent enjoyable driving experience. I have an Aston Martin, a Jaguar, a C7 Corvette and a MGB for my additional toy's so my driving is simply enjoyment as none of these are a daily driver.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

19" is the best

difference is big

scotstern

It turns out that I was wrong! I just went out and measured them. They are OEM 19" wheels. Same question?

danaw007

When the wheel well I see filled out with tire and there’s no chance of rubbing or decrease in performance is where you want to be😉
i have stock 19’s on mine and the look and perform well.

MBCO

The stock SL Wheels are 19” with offset sizes.Rear tires are wider than fronts. I would avoid smaller diameter wheels in order to know things like the speedometer are accurate as it is calibrated for 19” wheels.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

the firmware already contains lots of presets for 17-18-19 wheels, this for customers who ask MB to upgrade wheels
it takes 5 min to adapt that setting in Xentry to the wheels you choose
even if you would choose 20" this could be custom set with another complementary software
recommended is to stay in the 17-18-19" range

bobterry99

For MY2003 the standard wheel was 17" in the U.S. for the SL500, and 18" wheels were an option. But since the speedometer is calibrated for a combination of wheel and tire sizes that result in a particular diameter, with the properly-sized tire you can fit a wheel of any diameter you choose.

Going from a 17" wheel to an 18" wheel will result in a noticeably harder ride, and from a 17 to a 19 still more. Yet it's my experience that 18" wheels with Z-rated tires yield a ride that is quite satisfactory. I personally do not know if I would find the ride of 19-inch wheels acceptable.

onewhippedpuppy

Do you like the ride quality on 17" wheels or find it to be a bit soft? If you're 100% satisfied then I would stick with the 17". If you would like a bit firmer ride and more road feel, give the 19" a shot. Also tire choice will play a big part, a touring tire will be more comfort biased vs a ultra high performance summer tire that will be louder, harsher, and provide more responsive handling. Personally I find my SL63 on 19" OEM wheels with a UHP all-season tire to be a bit too soft.

scotstern

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I am not too concerned with a firmer ride as I also have an Aston Martin, Jaguar XK8, C7 and a MGB so if I need firmer it is easy to achieve that within my collection. I have the 19" wheel set and I thought that I would ask your opinions before I decide to sell the 19" wheels. I was probably more interested in the look. I am going to stay with the 17" wheels as I like the soft ride and the tires that I have on them are like brand new. Thanks again to all.