SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Tire question (again)

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Old 09-13-2022, 09:51 PM
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Tire question (again)

Sorry guys, I know this has been flogged to death, but for some reason tonight, I am having difficulty getting to old threads on this subject and computer blocking me doing so.

2013 SL550. Looking at the Michelin Pilot Sports or similar as I remember was constantly recced previously and most were pleased. (just will not let me look over all previous posts on this subject) Think my service guy is giving me the wrong info on the front and rear dimensions needed for my car and wanted to check with you first. SW Florida, mostly Summer weather and don't tend to drive in rain unless caught in it, but looking for as smooth and quiet a ride as possible as wife busted up her back. Price not an issue if they do the job. Many thx.

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Old 09-14-2022, 01:01 PM
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I just replaced the run flats on my 2013 SL550 with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The ride is night and day better compared to the old tires.

The only issue I had was the inability to find rear tires in 285/30 size...so I opted for 295/30's which fit just fine.
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Old 09-14-2022, 01:33 PM
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Thx. what measurements are the front tires pls.
Old 09-14-2022, 01:46 PM
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I have 255/35 on the front. That said, these are 19 inch wheels front and rear. Some SL's came with 18 inch and others had 18 front and 19 rear. You best bet is look at the tires on your SL550.
Old 09-14-2022, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by WN1X
I have 255/35 on the front. That said, these are 19 inch wheels front and rear. Some SL's came with 18 inch and others had 18 front and 19 rear. You best bet is look at the tires on your SL550.
Small correction. SL's only came in 18", 19" or 19" Front - 20" rears
Old 09-14-2022, 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
Small correction. SL's only came in 18", 19" or 19" Front - 20" rears
Thanks for the correction, Wolfman.
Old 09-14-2022, 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by branmin
Sorry guys, I know this has been flogged to death, but for some reason tonight, I am having difficulty getting to old threads on this subject and computer blocking me doing so.

2013 SL550. Looking at the Michelin Pilot Sports or similar as I remember was constantly recced previously and most were pleased. (just will not let me look over all previous posts on this subject) Think my service guy is giving me the wrong info on the front and rear dimensions needed for my car and wanted to check with you first. SW Florida, mostly Summer weather and don't tend to drive in rain unless caught in it, but looking for as smooth and quiet a ride as possible as wife busted up her back. Price not an issue if they do the job. Many thx.

Michelin PS4s are the best tires for the job. You can also get the original Michelin PSS but those are an older tire design and the predecessor or the PS4s. Eventually though the Michelin PS5s will come online next year or so...

Last edited by Wolfman; 09-14-2022 at 05:02 PM.
Old 09-14-2022, 06:29 PM
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Thx all. Appreciate it. I believe that Wolf and Winx had difficulty in getting 285/30/19 but found the 295 ratio fine? Also, Wolf, I note that the 285's are on back order until November anyway with one supplier.
Again, many thanks.
Old 09-14-2022, 07:04 PM
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Go with 295's in the rear..The extra meat is worth it.
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Old 09-14-2022, 07:05 PM
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Originally Posted by branmin
Thx all. Appreciate it. I believe that Wolf and Winx had difficulty in getting 285/30/19 but found the 295 ratio fine? Also, Wolf, I note that the 285's are on back order until November anyway with one supplier.
Again, many thanks.
I used an online calculator to determine the impact of going to 295's. What I found was the speedometer would read just under 1/2 mph under the actual speed when driving 100 mph. The width change was 0.46 inches wider--not a problem for 10" wide wheels.
Old 09-14-2022, 08:20 PM
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Go for 295s. The PS5 is out, so if you can go for that instead of the 4s, do so.
Old 09-15-2022, 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by branmin
Thx all. Appreciate it. I believe that Wolf and Winx had difficulty in getting 285/30/19 but found the 295 ratio fine? Also, Wolf, I note that the 285's are on back order until November anyway with one supplier.
Again, many thanks.
Oops. Was doing this quick and didn't even notice the backorder. Yes, the 295's are perfect. No issues to use them instead. Good luck
Old 09-15-2022, 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Keon
Go for 295s. The PS5 is out, so if you can go for that instead of the 4s, do so.
Everyone appears to be out of stock!!!! 5's 4's...aaarghhh!
Old 09-22-2022, 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
Oops. Was doing this quick and didn't even notice the backorder. Yes, the 295's are perfect. No issues to use them instead. Good luck
First of many questions to come in regards to my recent 2017 SL550 w/ ABC purchase—it currently wears the OEM ContinentalContiSport SSRs w/ the standard 255/35/19--285/30/19 setup. If I switch to the PS4’s and get the wider 295 rears, any other things to know about handling changes w/ ABC? I’ve read a gazillion posts here about moving away from the runflats and the PS4 would be a great tire in Florida but TBH the Conti’s haven’t been as loud or annoying as expected. I can’t really comment on handling since it’s the only SL I’ve ever spent any real time with (but it generally feels great and a world apart from my Caddy SRX). I’ve had the current tires stand out in 2 situations—with a full-pedal launch I'll burn about 20’ of rubber into the pavement the few times I’ve tried it, and I had one VERY hard stop due to an oncoming schmuck turning in front of me. The SL stopped FAST and HARD, but again laid down some rubber and I didn’t feel any ABS vibrations at all which surprised me. Had I been in my SUV it would have been an accident for sure….this was the quickest 45MPH—> 0 stop I’ve ever been in. Anyway, I can wait until the 285’s are back in stock but would like to know more about what to expect if I went with the 295’s. Heat and rain are my driving conditions.
Old 09-22-2022, 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by HighPercentile
First of many questions to come in regards to my recent 2017 SL550 w/ ABC purchase—it currently wears the OEM ContinentalContiSport SSRs w/ the standard 255/35/19--285/30/19 setup. If I switch to the PS4’s and get the wider 295 rears, any other things to know about handling changes w/ ABC? I’ve read a gazillion posts here about moving away from the runflats and the PS4 would be a great tire in Florida but TBH the Conti’s haven’t been as loud or annoying as expected. I can’t really comment on handling since it’s the only SL I’ve ever spent any real time with (but it generally feels great and a world apart from my Caddy SRX). I’ve had the current tires stand out in 2 situations—with a full-pedal launch I'll burn about 20’ of rubber into the pavement the few times I’ve tried it, and I had one VERY hard stop due to an oncoming schmuck turning in front of me. The SL stopped FAST and HARD, but again laid down some rubber and I didn’t feel any ABS vibrations at all which surprised me. Had I been in my SUV it would have been an accident for sure….this was the quickest 45MPH—> 0 stop I’ve ever been in. Anyway, I can wait until the 285’s are back in stock but would like to know more about what to expect if I went with the 295’s. Heat and rain are my driving conditions.
There is zero change in handling with a 295, ABC or not, vs a 285. The Michelin PS4s will handle much better because it is a better performance tire. We used to have a 2017 SL with ABC as well with the same ContiSport Run Flats and switched to the AMG forged wheels with PS4s (19" front/20" rear). Day and night difference.
Remember the only difference between a 285 and 295 is 0.4" in width and the resulting diameter changes by 0.9% (larger). Since the Front tire has actually a larger diameter than the factory 285 rear, the 295 is closer to size to the front. Result: no difference...

Hope this helps
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Old 09-22-2022, 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
There is zero change in handling with a 295, ABC or not, vs a 285. The Michelin PS4s will handle much better because it is a better performance tire. We used to have a 2017 SL with ABC as well with the same ContiSport Run Flats and switched to the AMG forged wheels with PS4s (19" front/20" rear). Day and night difference.
Remember the only difference between a 285 and 295 is 0.4" in width and the resulting diameter changes by 0.9% (larger). Since the Front tire has actually a larger diameter than the factory 285 rear, the 295 is closer to size to the front. Result: no difference...

Hope this helps
It does. Thanks!
Old 09-22-2022, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
There is zero change in handling with a 295, ABC or not, vs a 285. The Michelin PS4s will handle much better because it is a better performance tire. We used to have a 2017 SL with ABC as well with the same ContiSport Run Flats and switched to the AMG forged wheels with PS4s (19" front/20" rear). Day and night difference.
Remember the only difference between a 285 and 295 is 0.4" in width and the resulting diameter changes by 0.9% (larger). Since the Front tire has actually a larger diameter than the factory 285 rear, the 295 is closer to size to the front. Result: no difference...

Hope this helps
As long as we’re on the subject, these are the wheels on the car that say AMG—I didn’t see them in the SL brochure and am unsure what they are. The salesman said something about them being an AMG version and had some brake-dust advantage but I don’t remember exactly what was said.Any ideas?

Old 09-22-2022, 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by HighPercentile
As long as we’re on the subject, these are the wheels on the car that say AMG—I didn’t see them in the SL brochure and am unsure what they are. The salesman said something about them being an AMG version and had some brake-dust advantage but I don’t remember exactly what was said.Any ideas?
This is a standard AMG 5 Spoke wheel. They had those since the introduction in 2012. On a side note, I am surprised by the poor cosmetic condition of the brake caliper and poor physical condition of the wheel. This thing has been refurbished and poorly at that. It's not the original paint color/no clear coat and the AMG logo is almost gone (sign of grinding out curb rash, etc.). Just FYI

This is a bad image from our 2013 SL550 but it shows the surface design of the wheel. It's actually diamond cut surface (and a stock image)



Last edited by Wolfman; 09-22-2022 at 05:56 PM.
Old 09-24-2022, 04:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
...................
Remember the only difference between a 285 and 295 is 0.4" in width and the resulting diameter changes by 0.9% (larger)........

Hope this helps
This did give me a chuckle with Americans still mixing metric and inches. 285 vs 295 are exactly 10mm different (yes .3937”).
Old 09-24-2022, 04:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
This is a standard AMG 5 Spoke wheel. They had those since the introduction in 2012. On a side note, I am surprised by the poor cosmetic condition of the brake caliper and poor physical condition of the wheel. This thing has been refurbished and poorly at that. It's not the original paint color/no clear coat and the AMG logo is almost gone (sign of grinding out curb rash, etc.). Just FYI

This is a bad image from our 2013 SL550 but it shows the surface design of the wheel. It's actually diamond cut surface (and a stock image)

I have those on mine and they have corrosion originating at the center caps. Going to get them powder coated at some point. MB were very unhelpful with what is a manufacturing problem. They offered me a small discount on a new set and wanted the old set back.
Old 10-12-2022, 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
There is zero change in handling with a 295, ABC or not, vs a 285. The Michelin PS4s will handle much better because it is a better performance tire. We used to have a 2017 SL with ABC as well with the same ContiSport Run Flats and switched to the AMG forged wheels with PS4s (19" front/20" rear). Day and night difference.
Remember the only difference between a 285 and 295 is 0.4" in width and the resulting diameter changes by 0.9% (larger). Since the Front tire has actually a larger diameter than the factory 285 rear, the 295 is closer to size to the front. Result: no difference...

Hope this helps
Was lucky, managed to find the 295's and being fitted today. Not so lucky was the garage got 3 feet of water due to Hurricane Ian. Anyone else suffered this horror?(we were lucky, not so much others) At least the murky saltwater didn't get into the car as such.
2 more inches and the water was about to come inside the house. Anyway, couldn't start her and eventually managed with jump leads, but service tells me batteries are very low and that's why the starter motor button not working and other error messages, so will just have to replace both I think as they are as you know situated in the back low down. This is one time I wish the battery was placed where most others are.
Regardless, technician just called to say I got the wrong size rear tires and I had to assure him they were ok.
Old 10-12-2022, 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by branmin
Was lucky, managed to find the 295's and being fitted today. Not so lucky was the garage got 3 feet of water due to Hurricane Ian. Anyone else suffered this horror?(we were lucky, not so much others) At least the murky saltwater didn't get into the car as such.
2 more inches and the water was about to come inside the house. Anyway, couldn't start her and eventually managed with jump leads, but service tells me batteries are very low and that's why the starter motor button not working and other error messages, so will just have to replace both I think as they are as you know situated in the back low down. This is one time I wish the battery was placed where most others are.
Regardless, technician just called to say I got the wrong size rear tires and I had to assure him they were ok.

Happy you got tires and sorry for the storm damage! I hope the damage is manageable. We had a thread in the AMG GT forum, along with some pricey cars lost in the process. Even cars on the lift didn't stay put; they should have put strapped them to the lift (like on a tow truck).
https://mbworld.org/forums/coupe-roa...ng-paddle.html
Old 10-13-2022, 02:20 AM
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Had a pair of Pzero 285 30 19 (MO) fitted yesterday. Had the wheels refurbished at the same time. They found a small hairline crack in one wheel, which was repaired, and then a full powder coat in a dark grey. I love the look.


I prefer the darker wheels to the originals - looks sportier to me.

Last edited by rorywquin; 10-21-2022 at 10:32 AM. Reason: add photo
Old 11-17-2022, 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by branmin
Was lucky, managed to find the 295's and being fitted today. Not so lucky was the garage got 3 feet of water due to Hurricane Ian. Anyone else suffered this horror?(we were lucky, not so much others) At least the murky saltwater didn't get into the car as such.
2 more inches and the water was about to come inside the house. Anyway, couldn't start her and eventually managed with jump leads, but service tells me batteries are very low and that's why the starter motor button not working and other error messages, so will just have to replace both I think as they are as you know situated in the back low down. This is one time I wish the battery was placed where most others are.
Regardless, technician just called to say I got the wrong size rear tires and I had to assure him they were ok.
Update. Great tires. Plus got up to 28mpg on the highway the other day, avg about 75mph.
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Old 12-20-2022, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
There is zero change in handling with a 295, ABC or not, vs a 285. The Michelin PS4s will handle much better because it is a better performance tire. We used to have a 2017 SL with ABC as well with the same ContiSport Run Flats and switched to the AMG forged wheels with PS4s (19" front/20" rear). Day and night difference.
Remember the only difference between a 285 and 295 is 0.4" in width and the resulting diameter changes by 0.9% (larger). Since the Front tire has actually a larger diameter than the factory 285 rear, the 295 is closer to size to the front. Result: no difference...

Hope this helps
Will 305 work as nicely as 295 or even at all on the rear, without modifications, on my '18 SL 550, equipped with factory 19" rims? Thinking 305's width might be too much for the rim...


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