SL/R231: 18" wheels for smoother ride and less chance of wheel damage?
09-15-2018, 10:33 AM
#1
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2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
18" wheels for smoother ride and less chance of wheel damage?
Seems the extra 'tire cushion' provided by the 18-inch SL Class tire/wheel option for 231 SL series might be a good idea for a smoother ride with less chance of wheel damage. Of course, you must also avoid using any 'run-flat tires' if you want a smooth ride. .
The website below has some genuine MB 18" wheel options for the 231 Series that I had not seen before...(such as the 18-inch 15-spoke SL Class Alloy Wheel which, in my opinion, looks better than all the other 18-inch diameter wheels seen on the MBUSA website).
Click below to view ALL the available genuine MB and AMG 231 wheels on the site which range from 17" to 20".in diameter.
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mer...er_r231_alloys
Any thoughts?
The website below has some genuine MB 18" wheel options for the 231 Series that I had not seen before...(such as the 18-inch 15-spoke SL Class Alloy Wheel which, in my opinion, looks better than all the other 18-inch diameter wheels seen on the MBUSA website).
Click below to view ALL the available genuine MB and AMG 231 wheels on the site which range from 17" to 20".in diameter.
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mer...er_r231_alloys
Any thoughts?
Last edited by bob55; 09-15-2018 at 05:35 PM.
09-15-2018, 05:57 PM
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I completely agree. The deeper the sidewall of the tire, the more compliant ride. I have 18’s on my 2013, with conventional tires and the car has a decent ride for a non-ABC R231.
09-16-2018, 12:41 PM
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Last edited by Streamliner; 09-16-2018 at 02:01 PM.
09-17-2018, 09:16 PM
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09-17-2018, 09:50 PM
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Last edited by Streamliner; 09-17-2018 at 09:53 PM.
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09-17-2018, 10:05 PM
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09-03-2022, 02:43 PM
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2015 S550
I have a sport 2013 S550 with 20" dunlops but find the ride a lot more bumpy than expected for an airmatic.
Does anyone know where I can find 18" wheels? I want to change to a smoother ride and maybe change the tire brand too.
It's my father's car and he bought the car for a smooth ride so I'm trying to help him out, I drive it often too.
Does anyone know where I can find 18" wheels? I want to change to a smoother ride and maybe change the tire brand too.
It's my father's car and he bought the car for a smooth ride so I'm trying to help him out, I drive it often too.
09-03-2022, 09:48 PM
#10
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You could also stick with 19's and move up on the sidewall. For example 255/45/19 front and 285/40/19 rear. All Seasons would also be more compliant than Summer Sport tires. To my eyes, the 18's are just too small and the wheel gap seems much greater. But, we live in a world of choices and opinions so everyone can enjoy their preference
09-04-2022, 03:30 PM
#11
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You could also stick with 19's and move up on the sidewall. For example 255/45/19 front and 285/40/19 rear. All Seasons would also be more compliant than Summer Sport tires. To my eyes, the 18's are just too small and the wheel gap seems much greater. But, we live in a world of choices and opinions so everyone can enjoy their preference
09-05-2022, 12:54 PM
#12
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I regularly watch AlloyWheelsDirect as their pricing is definitely better than MBUSA, however - once you add on their shipping and duty fees, it's not as big a difference. That said - they are currently running 10% off their regular prices, and recently were running 25% off. At 25% it was definitely worth it. I replaced one bent 19 inch wagon wheel earlier this year and am monitoring a crack in another wheel. I would love to drop down to 18 inch all around if the second wheel needs to be replaced. Only concern is whether an 18 inch wheel will clear the larger calipers on the 321 Sport Wheel Package that added the 19 inch wheels and larger front rotors/calipers on my SL. I had the vehicle up on a lift to take a close look when the first wheel was replaced, and depending on where you need wheel weights, it could be really close to drop down to 18 inch with the larger calipers. It does appear however that Streamliner may have these larger calipers on his 2013 with the 18 inch factory wheels.
09-05-2022, 03:11 PM
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I regularly watch AlloyWheelsDirect as their pricing is definitely better than MBUSA, however - once you add on their shipping and duty fees, it's not as big a difference. That said - they are currently running 10% off their regular prices, and recently were running 25% off. At 25% it was definitely worth it. I replaced one bent 19 inch wagon wheel earlier this year and am monitoring a crack in another wheel. I would love to drop down to 18 inch all around if the second wheel needs to be replaced. Only concern is whether an 18 inch wheel will clear the larger calipers on the 321 Sport Wheel Package that added the 19 inch wheels and larger front rotors/calipers on my SL. I had the vehicle up on a lift to take a close look when the first wheel was replaced, and depending on where you need wheel weights, it could be really close to drop down to 18 inch with the larger calipers. It does appear however that Streamliner may have these larger calipers on his 2013 with the 18 inch factory wheels.
