SL/R231: New Shoes
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
New Shoes
Finally got the new wheels installed.
They look so much better than the standard 19" AMG wheels (which are a bit bland). This car really need different wheels.
19" front, 20" rear forged AMG SL65 wheels in silver/gunmetal with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Was really surprised of how the driving and steering behavior changed, super light steering. I remember steering our SL600; you could feel the whole engine sitting on the front wheels...
Awesome traction and great stopping power.
Step 2. Get the car down a bit
Step 3. Waiting for top-down weather!
They look so much better than the standard 19" AMG wheels (which are a bit bland). This car really need different wheels.
19" front, 20" rear forged AMG SL65 wheels in silver/gunmetal with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Was really surprised of how the driving and steering behavior changed, super light steering. I remember steering our SL600; you could feel the whole engine sitting on the front wheels...
Awesome traction and great stopping power.
Step 2. Get the car down a bit
Step 3. Waiting for top-down weather!
Last edited by Wolfman; Mar 16, 2013 at 06:45 PM.
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2022 AMG SL63
So Wolfman,
Are these wheels for the current 2013 SL65? Where did you get them and what did they cost? I had Bridgestone Potenza RE050A on my 2010 BMW 335i Convertible and they wore out very quickly. Run-flats like the R231. Their treadwear rating was 140. They were gummier than the Continentals that came with my 2013 SL550. The Contis treadwear rating is 240 - fairly hard for performance tires. What is the treadwear rating for your Michelins?
So how much did the driving a steering change? Lighter than now? I think it's already pretty light - especially compared to the BMW. The SL550 has a better ride...don't feel all the tar strips and everything else in the road...but it goes just where I point it and that's what I want. And, is the stopping power greater? What is the aspect ratio on the new tires? Yes, I have the AMG wheels and tire package that came with the car.
Are you going to lower it? I notice with the ABC package that there is a choice of height - which I like especially when I want to raise it up to clear something in parking or a slanted driveway.
Are these wheels for the current 2013 SL65? Where did you get them and what did they cost? I had Bridgestone Potenza RE050A on my 2010 BMW 335i Convertible and they wore out very quickly. Run-flats like the R231. Their treadwear rating was 140. They were gummier than the Continentals that came with my 2013 SL550. The Contis treadwear rating is 240 - fairly hard for performance tires. What is the treadwear rating for your Michelins?
So how much did the driving a steering change? Lighter than now? I think it's already pretty light - especially compared to the BMW. The SL550 has a better ride...don't feel all the tar strips and everything else in the road...but it goes just where I point it and that's what I want. And, is the stopping power greater? What is the aspect ratio on the new tires? Yes, I have the AMG wheels and tire package that came with the car.
Are you going to lower it? I notice with the ABC package that there is a choice of height - which I like especially when I want to raise it up to clear something in parking or a slanted driveway.
Last edited by California John; Mar 17, 2013 at 12:11 PM. Reason: Mistake in BMW tire brand
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
So Wolfman,
Are these wheels for the current 2013 SL65? Where did you get them and what did they cost? I had Michelin Pilot Super Sports on my 2010 BMW 335i Convertible and they wore out very quickly. Run-flats like the R231. I don't remember their treadwear rating but I think they were gummier than the Continentals that came with my 2013 SL550. The Contis treadwear rating is 240 - fairly hard for performance tires. What is the treadwear rating for your Michelins?
So how much did the driving a steering change? Lighter than now? I think it's already pretty light - especially compared to the BMW. The SL550 has a better ride...don't feel all the tar strips and everything else in the road...but it goes just where I point it and that's what I want. And, is the stopping power greater? What is the aspect ratio on the new tires? Yes, I have the AMG wheels and tire package that came with the car.
Are you going to lower it? I notice with the ABC package that there is a choice of height - which I like especially when I want to raise it up to clear something in parking or a slanted driveway.
Are these wheels for the current 2013 SL65? Where did you get them and what did they cost? I had Michelin Pilot Super Sports on my 2010 BMW 335i Convertible and they wore out very quickly. Run-flats like the R231. I don't remember their treadwear rating but I think they were gummier than the Continentals that came with my 2013 SL550. The Contis treadwear rating is 240 - fairly hard for performance tires. What is the treadwear rating for your Michelins?
So how much did the driving a steering change? Lighter than now? I think it's already pretty light - especially compared to the BMW. The SL550 has a better ride...don't feel all the tar strips and everything else in the road...but it goes just where I point it and that's what I want. And, is the stopping power greater? What is the aspect ratio on the new tires? Yes, I have the AMG wheels and tire package that came with the car.
Are you going to lower it? I notice with the ABC package that there is a choice of height - which I like especially when I want to raise it up to clear something in parking or a slanted driveway.
My assumption is that the tires last 15k miles. More is a bonus, but that should be the life cycle of the run flats as well. I had the same 19" AMG package as you with Conti 5 SSR's. Those tires are of course much more expensive than the PSS.
Since it's in the high 20's here temperature-wise I won't be able to give you ride quality comparisons, but I can tell you that the run flat wheel/tire combo weighs about twice as much as the forged wheel with the Michelin PSS.
Steering was much lighter than before, almost nervous, but I also didn't like the tire pressure that Mercedes put on the wheels (35 front/34 rear cold). Have to check on the proper tire pressure.
Full stop braking from 80-0 was VERY short with zero noise and super grip, much better than the run flats.
I will know more with more time on the wheels.
Re. lowering with ABC, you can use lowering links (adjustableairride) or lowering modules, which there are plenty of. Raising the car for driveways are a non-issue.
Since I don't have ABC, I will have to install lowering springs (H&R, Brabus) which is more hassle.
I also bought the Conti tire Fix kit in case of a flat.
Last edited by Wolfman; Mar 17, 2013 at 02:49 AM.
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Mercedes does a better job with run flats on both the stopping distance and ride comfort, but it's not on par with a high performance tire like the PSS.
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2022 AMG SL63
So are the PSS tires not run-flats? I have to say, if the steering is a little "skatey" I would be scared that the car would push in a tight corner - or all of a sudden oversteer. I guess that isn't what you area saying Wolfman - but the car is already a bit "light on its feet" for me.
Sure seems like you got a good deal on the take-offs. I'm going to investigate the Conti tire fix kit. Never heard of it.
Sure seems like you got a good deal on the take-offs. I'm going to investigate the Conti tire fix kit. Never heard of it.
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So are the PSS tires not run-flats? I have to say, if the steering is a little "skatey" I would be scared that the car would push in a tight corner - or all of a sudden oversteer. I guess that isn't what you area saying Wolfman - but the car is already a bit "light on its feet" for me.
Sure seems like you got a good deal on the take-offs. I'm going to investigate the Conti tire fix kit. Never heard of it.
Sure seems like you got a good deal on the take-offs. I'm going to investigate the Conti tire fix kit. Never heard of it.
Re. the steering, you have to understand my reference. We are coming from an R230 twin turbo SL600 (more or less the same base engine you have in a 65). It's a big and heavy engine and the steering felt very heavy to steer.
The SL550 has light steering and with forged wheels which have a lower unsprung weight, it does feel even a bit more eager. But the straight line accuracy is the same of course and the car runs like it's on rails. Very sticky tires.
Point I was making that the SL's are known to be heavy cruisers and this one feels quite agile to me (which is a good thing)
Here is the tire fix kit info:
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38
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2013 SL550
So Wolfman,
Are these wheels for the current 2013 SL65? Where did you get them and what did they cost? I had Bridgestone Potenza RE050A on my 2010 BMW 335i Convertible and they wore out very quickly. Run-flats like the R231. Their treadwear rating was 140. They were gummier than the Continentals that came with my 2013 SL550. The Contis treadwear rating is 240 - fairly hard for performance tires. What is the treadwear rating for your Michelins?
So how much did the driving a steering change? Lighter than now? I think it's already pretty light - especially compared to the BMW. The SL550 has a better ride...don't feel all the tar strips and everything else in the road...but it goes just where I point it and that's what I want. And, is the stopping power greater? What is the aspect ratio on the new tires? Yes, I have the AMG wheels and tire package that came with the car.
Are you going to lower it? I notice with the ABC package that there is a choice of height - which I like especially when I want to raise it up to clear something in parking or a slanted driveway.
Are these wheels for the current 2013 SL65? Where did you get them and what did they cost? I had Bridgestone Potenza RE050A on my 2010 BMW 335i Convertible and they wore out very quickly. Run-flats like the R231. Their treadwear rating was 140. They were gummier than the Continentals that came with my 2013 SL550. The Contis treadwear rating is 240 - fairly hard for performance tires. What is the treadwear rating for your Michelins?
So how much did the driving a steering change? Lighter than now? I think it's already pretty light - especially compared to the BMW. The SL550 has a better ride...don't feel all the tar strips and everything else in the road...but it goes just where I point it and that's what I want. And, is the stopping power greater? What is the aspect ratio on the new tires? Yes, I have the AMG wheels and tire package that came with the car.
Are you going to lower it? I notice with the ABC package that there is a choice of height - which I like especially when I want to raise it up to clear something in parking or a slanted driveway.
Interesting your SL came with Continentals.... mine came with Dunlaps. Same 240 treadwear rating.
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2013 SL550
Finally got the new wheels installed.
They look so much better than the standard 19" AMG wheels (which are a bit bland). This car really need different wheels.
19" front, 20" rear forged AMG SL65 wheels in silver/gunmetal with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Was really surprised of how the driving and steering behavior changed, super light steering. I remember steering our SL600; you could feel the whole engine sitting on the front wheels...
Awesome traction and great stopping power.
Step 2. Get the car down a bit
Step 3. Waiting for top-down weather!
They look so much better than the standard 19" AMG wheels (which are a bit bland). This car really need different wheels.
19" front, 20" rear forged AMG SL65 wheels in silver/gunmetal with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Was really surprised of how the driving and steering behavior changed, super light steering. I remember steering our SL600; you could feel the whole engine sitting on the front wheels...
Awesome traction and great stopping power.
Step 2. Get the car down a bit
Step 3. Waiting for top-down weather!
The new rims are beauties!
I am shopping for a new set myself. Mind giving us an idea of aproximately what take offs run. 10K for new rims with tires is a bit steep for my budget after the new car and all....
Thanks!
Jim
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If it is 20 degrees F
Just my two pfennigs.
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This is the one issue with run flats that many people overlook. First off, run flats are not repairable, even a small leak. Buy a new tire. Which is not a big deal other than virtually no tire shops will have these in stock, so they will have to be ordered in.
A consideration when on a road trip...
The old SL's also had the tire fix kits when there wasn't any spare (like the SL55). From what I understand, that's not even the case on the new SL63.
Non-run flats and NO pump or tire fix kit. That makes no sense...
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I'll check out the PA4's. Thanks!
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$5k with TPMS
Last edited by Wolfman; Mar 19, 2013 at 03:59 AM.
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Wolfman, how is driveability of the car with the current wheels/tires? While your current setup retains the same front and rear tires' sidewall height as stock SL550, the rear diameter is a full inch taller than front's (while this setup is optional on SL63 and standard on SL65, I doubt it was built into SL550).
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Wolfman, how is driveability of the car with the current wheels/tires? While your current setup retains the same front and rear tires' sidewall height as stock SL550, the rear diameter is a full inch taller than front's (while this setup is optional on SL63 and standard on SL65, I doubt it was built into SL550).
ABC is stock on the SL63 and optional on the SL550 and while the AMG has different ABC calibration, the cars all can use the same wheels (as long as they are 19" or larger to clear the brakes).
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I am a bit confused by the question. The SL63 and the SL550 are identical cars chassis-wise, so you can consider these stock wheels.
ABC is stock on the SL63 and optional on the SL550 and while the AMG has different ABC calibration, the cars all can use the same wheels (as long as they are 19" or larger to clear the brakes).
ABC is stock on the SL63 and optional on the SL550 and while the AMG has different ABC calibration, the cars all can use the same wheels (as long as they are 19" or larger to clear the brakes).
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Daytime: Slow and easy with 2006 SL500 & 2003 S430 . Night time: Hard and Fast with my wife
I am not a 'wheel' guy but have to admit that Woflgang's new sets are much better looking than the stock one. But I am wondering if putting larger wheel , say 19 or 20 on a 18 stock, wouldn't that create more chance for your tires to rub the fender or messing up the odometer speed timing ? also i am curious on how the ride 'comfort' on these new larger tires when compare to the smaller stock sets.
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I should have qualified that the reference was the exchangeability of wheels between non AMG/AMG cars.
That said, the SL63 does have a different offset in the front (27mm versus 35.5mm) but also features 9" rims, rather than the SL550 8.5" rim.
The rear has the same 48mm offset; here too it is a wider 10" rims versus the 9.5" SL550 rim.
The standard SL63 has the same tire sizes as the SL550 w/AMG wheel package.
What is unique is that the forged wheel upgrade on the SL63 does have the larger rear wheel while retaining the 30 profile (same 10" rim and 48mm offset). That should normally give a different rotation and wheel speed.
I expected that would give problems with the electronics, so I had checked with the dealer. I was told no and wheel upgrades to the 19"/20" set on the SL63's are bolt-on's.
My take was that if the SL63 can switch between the 19" rear and the 20" without issues, so can the SL550.
Mercedes made the change for me and the driving before has dramatically improved. I'll credit the better tires and lighter wheels for that improvement.
Be interesting to measure the speed with GPS. I am not actually sure where the speed is measured on the SL (rear wheels?). The difference should only be a couple of miles at 60mph.
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Please see my response to California John.
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Well I understood exactly what you meant even before it was explained above. I just do not agree with what you were told at the dealer in regards to R231 SL550 (19/20 wheels with same profile tires as 19/19 - 26" diameter front/26.8" diameter rear, while out of the factory rear diameter was 25.8"). In my experience with many MB dealers - they really have no clue when it comes to wheels and tires, i.e. many of them sell brand new W212 E-class cars with aftermarket 20" wheels (right out of the showroom - MB cars with non-factory wheels?) with 245/30 front (because unlike W211 245/35 does not fit and 235/35 is a rare size) and 275/30 rear tires (same idea as in your case - rear diameter almost an inch taller). No W212 car is designed for that nor is non-AMG R231. JMHO. That's why I asked about any driveability issues. And since it sounds like you do not have any, it is good for all of us (wanting to do a staggered diameter fitments) to know. So if 19/20 is OK, I'm sure someone will try 20/21 and I really would be interested if it works. It sure would look stunning on R231.
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Well I understood exactly what you meant even before it was explained above. I just do not agree with what you were told at the dealer in regards to R231 SL550 (19/20 wheels with same profile tires as 19/19 - 26" diameter front/26.8" diameter rear, while out of the factory rear diameter was 25.8"). In my experience with many MB dealers - they really have no clue when it comes to wheels and tires, i.e. many of them sell brand new W212 E-class cars with aftermarket 20" wheels (right out of the showroom - MB cars with non-factory wheels?) with 245/30 front (because unlike W211 245/35 does not fit and 235/35 is a rare size) and 275/30 rear tires (same idea as in your case - rear diameter almost an inch taller). No W212 car is designed for that nor is non-AMG R231. JMHO. That's why I asked about any driveability issues. And since it sounds like you do not have any, it is good for all of us (wanting to do a staggered diameter fitments) to know. So if 19/20 is OK, I'm sure someone will try 20/21 and I really would be interested if it works. It sure would look stunning on R231.
Where we live, the MB dealers are quite conservative; they only sell MB authorized wheels. Nothing aftermarket.
That said, there are still seems to be the myth that AMG vehicles are radically different than their non-AMG counterparts. Most are not built in Afalterbach either.
I remember my SL55 coming out of Bremen, just like any other SL and surprisingly few parts come out of the AMG parts bin. Few, but the most important ones
FWIW, I would have preferred 20" front & rear but wanted to stay with the AMG because they are very cool-looking rims. The other choice would have been the HRE P43 or P47 concaves...
