SL/R231: 18" wheels for smoother ride and less chance of wheel damage?
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From: South Florida
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; Sep 15, 2018 at 05:35 PM.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
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.
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2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Last edited by Streamliner; Sep 16, 2018 at 02:01 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
Inquiring minds want to know...
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Last edited by Streamliner; Sep 17, 2018 at 09:53 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2022
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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.
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2006 CLS55 AMG Sold 2010 E550 Coupe totaled by mechanic, '13 SL550 I totaled it, 2017 SL63 current
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
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2017 SL450, 2017 Ford Expedition, 2007 CLK 550, 2019 Buick Enclave
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
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
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From: Frederick, MD
2015 SL 400
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.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
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.
