SL/R231: Widest wheels that fit the R231?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 398
Likes: 135
SL550
If you're looking for extra traction, why not get a limited slip differential if your SL doesn't have one? Putting power down through two 285 section tires is A LOT more effective than just one. Otherwise, I have 295's on mine with the stock rims as 305's would have stuck out past the rear bumper.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
As per the Tire Rack, the widest rear wheels are 11". However, I have no clue if 305/30-20 tire fits. Since you're already running 295/30-20, you should have a better idea of how much room is still available for 305/30-20s. 10.5" width with 305 maybe a safer fitment.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,550
Likes: 3,678
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
SL’s are traction limited, just like many other RWD cars with little weight in the rear. 295’s with stock rims as Keon mentioned will be your best bet. Some other rims may take 305’s but I don’t see that there would be a significant difference. You could try Sport Cup 2 for the summer months...
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 171
From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
And, just for reference, my Corvette came from the factory with 315s on 11" rims...
Last edited by Dr. Manhattan; Jun 22, 2020 at 01:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,150
Likes: 4,375
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I know that I’m the contrarian here, but trying to make an R231 into a rocket ship just seems ridiculous to me. You want to blast off? Get an AMG GT, a Porsche Turbo S or a Dodge Demon. SL’s were built as luxury cruisers. Of course, MB made sure that AMG models were made available, because they make so much money on those vehicles, but the R231’s are just too heavy to be really storming drag cars and most any late model 911 will blow their doors off. I just don’t see the point to any of this.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 693
Likes: 152
From: USA
m157 SL63
I know that I’m the contrarian here, but trying to make an R231 into a rocket ship just seems ridiculous to me. You want to blast off? Get an AMG GT, a Porsche Turbo S or a Dodge Demon. SL’s were built as luxury cruisers. Of course, MB made sure that AMG models were made available, because they make so much money on those vehicles, but the R231’s are just too heavy to be really storming drag cars and most any late model 911 will blow their doors off. I just don’t see the point to any of this.
I want a lot of power while keeping the luxury cruising bit when I'm not getting on it, and I want as much traction as possible for the given car. Most of the time is spent in luxury fast-cruising mode - those other cars aren't hard top convertibles anyway, which is what I like.
Last edited by billvp218; Jun 23, 2020 at 01:30 AM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,550
Likes: 3,678
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
That's you, not me. I don't see the point in getting an SL450, but that's me, not you. It's almost like there are different options for different folks.
I want a lot of power while keeping the luxury cruising bit when I'm not getting on it, and I want as much traction as possible for the given car. Most of the time is spent in luxury fast-cruising mode - those other cars aren't hard top convertibles anyway, which is what I like.
I want a lot of power while keeping the luxury cruising bit when I'm not getting on it, and I want as much traction as possible for the given car. Most of the time is spent in luxury fast-cruising mode - those other cars aren't hard top convertibles anyway, which is what I like.
Best bet is to contact some of the wheel sponsors (like HRE) and check on widest wheel config. for the SL. They will know for sure what is possible when playing with offsets. Your mileage will vary. I would get Sport Cup 2's and be done. maybe check on Toyo 888R fitments...
SPONSOR
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 246
From: MIAMI, FL
www.wheelsboutique.com
With wheels built in the correct offset you can fit a 305 tires in the rear without problem. We've done just that with the SL63 below sporting HRE P101 performance wheels. If you need any help give me a holler - David@WheelsBoutique.com
More photos at - https://wheelsboutique.com/gallery/m...mg-on-hre-p101
More photos at - https://wheelsboutique.com/gallery/m...mg-on-hre-p101
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
Thanks. That's what I thought. However, I assume OP is already running 295/30-20 (his car is R231 SL63 with factory 285/30-20 rears, not R230), and probably wants 305/30-20 not R230's 305/25-20. And if so, the questions still remains what are the widest rear 20" wheels for R231 body with 305/30-20 tires (assuming 305/30-20 fit at all) - 10.5" or 11".
