SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 Aftermarket Wheel sizes

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Old Dec 8, 2005 | 03:07 PM
  #1  
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SL55 Aftermarket Wheel sizes

I have a question regarding wheel sizes for the SL55.

In regards to 20's, I have seen most people go with x9's in the front, although I know there is an option of going up to x9.5. Does anyone have any insight as to what the difference in the sizes would do for ride comfort and feel? I have seen 20x9's on an SL before and it seems, from a comestic perspective, that the wheels didn't come out far enough to meet the fender.
In fact it looked almost as if the wheels weren't wide enough.

Also for the rear, are there any differences of going x10.5 or x11? If so, same concern, feel and comfort. Please share any knowledge or expertise on the subject.

I know also that wheel weight is an important factor, so I'll just say that the running order of choice for me is HRE 84R1's. Good choice?
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Old Dec 8, 2005 | 08:00 PM
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1st: hre= best choice.
2nd: the wheel sized wont really affect comfort b/c u will still run the same tire regardless of the width. 255 front and 305 rear. unless u want narrower tires ( i dont see the point in doing that though) my uncle has a sl500 (230) w/ 20in lowenharts. running 255 and 305 and the car is lowered, a lot. no problems. go with the widest wheel possible in the rear b/c that way u can have the biggest lip possible. the front, i would run 9in cause they are lighter and there is no advantages if u go w/ a 9.5.
if u get the right offset (u will, hre's are custom made) it will fill the fender.
hope that helps.
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Old Dec 8, 2005 | 08:03 PM
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if u r in oc or la area (kinda far drive though) u can swing by my uncles shop and see his sl.
Harbor Motorsports, in Santa Ana
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Old Dec 8, 2005 | 08:15 PM
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search canyon run and go to the oct 30th meet.
there r some pics of this car and my car which has hre's
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Old Dec 8, 2005 | 08:21 PM
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here's the link, thought i save u some time, i searched it anyways to make sure its still there
[URL]


by the way: u need 305's in the rear w/ that monster.(my moms got a 211 e55) I thought u had a sl500 for some reason.


edit:
when the page comes up, delete (http://%5Burl=) before the 2 nd http:// and it will work.
dunno why its there

Last edited by AMG_55; Dec 8, 2005 at 08:26 PM.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 01:19 PM
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AMG55 is on the money. The preferred fitment for 20's is 10"/305 rear and 9"/255 front.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by AMG_55
if u r in oc or la area (kinda far drive though) u can swing by my uncles shop and see his sl. Harbor Motorsports, in Santa Ana
My office is in Santa Ana. Where is this shop?

~ Ian
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by IanSL55
My office is in Santa Ana. Where is this shop?

~ Ian

1021 N. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana
714 265 0010 ask for john
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 08:01 PM
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AMG55,

Thanks for tip. Extremely helpful. Question I have in regards to 20's was also how the car accelerated and braked.

I had 20's on my Lexus at one time and I swear it took forever to get the car to a complete stop not to mention it took forever to get it up to speed. Is this the case with 20's on the SL?

Thanks.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by BLKSL55
AMG55,

Thanks for tip. Extremely helpful. Question I have in regards to 20's was also how the car accelerated and braked.

I had 20's on my Lexus at one time and I swear it took forever to get the car to a complete stop not to mention it took forever to get it up to speed. Is this the case with 20's on the SL?

Thanks.
if u get light wheels (more $, like hre's for example) there should be no problem. it might be .00000001 slower or something, but not noticible, especialy w/ the 55k motor.

i went from a 17in to a 19in and there was no noticiable difference.
braking will be improved (again, if u get light 20in wheels and not some cheap ****) b/c u will run wider tires.
traction off the line will also b improved, more tire
good luck
if u have any more q's, dont hesitate to pm me

Last edited by AMG_55; Dec 10, 2005 at 05:25 PM.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by AMG_55

i went from a 17in to a 19in and there was no noticiable difference.
I want to go to 19's. What's the optimum tire/wheel size?

Thanks,

Joe Cortney
Dallas, TX
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 10:36 PM
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i would talk to Peter at Wheelexperts....he could tell you the best set up to run on your car.
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Old Dec 10, 2005 | 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by JCortney
I want to go to 19's. What's the optimum tire/wheel size?

Thanks,

Joe Cortney
Dallas, TX

i would run 20's on a sl
they fit perfectly, no prblems.
why do u want 19's?
i drive a clk55, i couldnt go 20 b/c i drive hard and they would rub and the tires and wheels would have to b narrow
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Old Dec 20, 2005 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by AMG_55
1st: hre= best choice.
2nd: the wheel sized wont really affect comfort b/c u will still run the same tire regardless of the width. 255 front and 305 rear. unless u want narrower tires ( i dont see the point in doing that though) my uncle has a sl500 (230) w/ 20in lowenharts. running 255 and 305 and the car is lowered, a lot. no problems. go with the widest wheel possible in the rear b/c that way u can have the biggest lip possible. the front, i would run 9in cause they are lighter and there is no advantages if u go w/ a 9.5.
if u get the right offset (u will, hre's are custom made) it will fill the fender.
hope that helps.

I agree 99% except for point number 1, HRE is a leader in forged alloy wheels and are very knowlegeable as we carry and sell their line, however there are many other choices for those that prefer something different. Brands such as ZONE, MODULARE, AUTO-COUTURE, KINESIS, RADENERGIE etc etc all offer the fitment expertise, light weight and custom specification of HRE. My only point is there are options other than HRE as some r230 owners maybe want a different look (variety is the spice of life!!)
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Old Dec 20, 2005 | 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by JCortney
I want to go to 19's. What's the optimum tire/wheel size?

Thanks,

Joe Cortney
Dallas, TX
Feel free to SEND US A EMAIL and we would be glad to assist you with your wheel order, have a great day.
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Old Dec 21, 2005 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by D2-AUTOSPORT
I agree 99% except for point number 1, HRE is a leader in forged alloy wheels and are very knowlegeable as we carry and sell their line, however there are many other choices for those that prefer something different. Brands such as ZONE, MODULARE, AUTO-COUTURE, KINESIS, RADENERGIE etc etc all offer the fitment expertise, light weight and custom specification of HRE. My only point is there are options other than HRE as some r230 owners maybe want a different look (variety is the spice of life!!)

Is HRE a better forged wheel than NEEZ? From what I have read NEEZ uses an 8,000 ton forging process whick makes them the lightest, toughest wheels ever made.
Attached Thumbnails SL55 Aftermarket Wheel sizes-neez-21.jpg  
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Old Dec 21, 2005 | 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by E46M3ownerMBfan
Is HRE a better forged wheel than NEEZ? From what I have read NEEZ uses an 8,000 ton forging process whick makes them the lightest, toughest wheels ever made.
NEEZ Wheels are constructed utlizing magnesium, thus they are very light and very strong. Once again, I do not think the key driver is better vs. worse as much as it is the proper product for the end user. NEEZ wheels have a very sporty and aggressive aesthetic to them and perhaps some may prefer the HRE or MODULARE look for their wheels.

If you need anymore info or a price quote on NEEZ wheels, please feel free to contact me. EMAIL LINK
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Old Dec 31, 2005 | 03:41 PM
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How about 19's

Originally Posted by SLVRSL55
AMG55 is on the money. The preferred fitment for 20's is 10"/305 rear and 9"/255 front.
Hello AMG 55.

What would be the proper fitment for 19 inch wheels?
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Old Dec 31, 2005 | 05:00 PM
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I noticed a difference in ride on my SL between the 19's and 20's as well as a couple of other people I know.

Be prepared for a more harsh ride on 20's and be sure your roads are good.

You are far more likely to bend a 20 than you are a 19.

The reason that you noticed issues with handling and such is unsprung weight assoicated with 20" rims. Typically a 20" rim and tire is going to weigh more than a 19" or 18".

From my experience, if you go from a stock heavy rim to a larger size that has the same weight as the stocker you don't notice much change but if it is heavier you will.

D2, Tire Rack and Wheelexperts would be your best place for advice on what is working and not working.

Last edited by Schiznick; Dec 31, 2005 at 05:03 PM.
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Old Dec 31, 2005 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Schiznick
I noticed a difference in ride on my SL between the 19's and 20's as well as a couple of other people I know.

Be prepared for a more harsh ride on 20's and be sure your roads are good.

You are far more likely to bend a 20 than you are a 19..

I couldn´t agree more, those 20´s are prone to damage, only buy them if you are driving on veeery good roads.

19" is the best choise, perfect ride, great look, better handling.

Dont get me wrong, i think 20" are cool, but there is in my opinion to manny disadvantages , compared with the only advantage, the cool look. I have in general seen to manny 20" rims get damaged, and be shure of one thing, shops will love to sell you a set, because they know you will be back for spares, sooner or later.

Last edited by SLcharger; Jan 1, 2006 at 08:34 AM.
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Old Jan 1, 2006 | 07:34 PM
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I put HRE 540R Wheels with 295/30-19 rear tires and 255/35-19 front tires. I am very happy with the ride and look.

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...id=57899&stc=1

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...id=57900&stc=1
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Old Jan 1, 2006 | 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by kamsl55
Hello AMG 55.

What would be the proper fitment for 19 inch wheels?
19 by 9 w/ a 255 tire (u can run a 9.5, but it pointless, c 1 of the above posts)
and
19 by 11 w/ a 305 tire

(those r the largest sizes possible)
u can go to anything smaller but i wouldnt, i like the way the 305 tire looks and the lip u can get w/ an 11in wide rear wheel

sorry 4 the late response

good luck
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Old Jan 3, 2006 | 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by cue
I put HRE 540R Wheels with 295/30-19 rear tires and 255/35-19 front tires. I am very happy with the ride and look.

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...id=57899&stc=1

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...id=57900&stc=1
Hey CUE, your car looks sharp with the 19's... I have two questions for you:

1. How wide are the front and rear wheels?

2. Is your car lowered?

Thanks for the input
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Old Jan 4, 2006 | 12:25 AM
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04 SL55
Here are the tire/wheel specs -

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
255/35-19
295/30-19

HRE 540R
19x9
19x10.5

The car is not lowered. I also put the Lorinser rear spoiler which looks awesome!
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Old Jan 4, 2006 | 12:05 PM
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06 SL55 / 05 Range Rover
TO: CUE
RICKY_AGARWAL
AMG 55
SLVRSL55
SLCharger
ALL OTHER MEMBERS WHO PROVIDED INPUT

Gentleman, this is the first time I have ever posted on this site and I have to tell you guys that it was a great experience... You guys had some really great input... I am going to make my final decision soon and then I will post a picture of the finished product.

Good Job and Good Day.

KAMSL55
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