Sharkster

I would like to get new wheels for my SL 55 and I consider getting either 19" or 20" rims. The price difference is minimal and visually, I prefer the 20" rims. However, I wonder how "good" or "bad" the behaviour of the car might change. I was already told that 19" rims are okay on the SL (as they are also offered officially through MB), but I'm unsure about the 20". Does it affect the comfort factor of the car too heavily?

My car is not lowered and has the standard "active body control". Any problems with that when picking 20" rims?

Brunelleschi

if you are going big...i say go all the way with it

vraa

From 19" to 20" you're not going to feel that big of a change. It's when you do +2 sizes or +3 when you feel a difference.

elbowyeish

definitely 20". i have 20's on mine and they feel fine. the only thing is is that the tires for 20's cost a grip more. but hey, if you can afford a SL55, you can afford the tires. i have 305's in the rear.

art@kronen

So true. But i rather go with the PS2s.

Brunelleschi

the traditional PS1s look cooler...imho

art@kronen

What rims are you talking about?

vraa

They do, but I think they were a lot worse in dry traction, however if I remember right their tread offered great wet traction control.

vraa

They do, but I think they were a lot worse in dry traction, however if I remember right their tread offered great wet traction control.

Brunelleschi

well, i have PS1s right now, and PS2s on the way shortly...i will do a direct compare and let you know first hand

Monkey177

What offsets are you guys running on the SL55? I'm getting 20s this week as well. I need to make sure I order the right offsets to clear the brakes. I know the widths are 9 in front and 11 in rear.

vraa

Don't be a superstar and wreck your car! Play it safe.

Monkey177 - depends on what kind of rims you have. Some widths and rims require different offsets.

Sharkster

Thanks for all the comments, but the poll currently shows 50% for 19" and 50% for 20".

How's the comfort on 20" wheels when you ride over rough roads? I had a 996 TT before, so I'm pretty used to a tight setup... but then again, the lack of a comfy ride made me turn towards the SL 55.

I know it's kinda hard to describe what your butt-o-meter tells you about how much harder the ride gets... but please try anyway.

Sharkster

Ahhh... btw.: These are the rims I'd like to get and they are available in 19" and 20". I'm not even sure what size they have on that pic, since I got it from the net. They're made by Lorinser (SLR turbine-style).

Sharkster

Okay... now it's 8 against 4 votes for the 19" wheels. I guess I will go with the 19 inchers then. It's kinda funny that most of you voted against the 20" wheels, while most posted comments were pro 20". I guess you pro-19ers are a little silent.

Choson1

20's look perfect on the SL55

IanSL55

That's not true. I ride on both and it's a measurable difference when it comes to ride comfort. I love the look of the 20's but for day-to-day driving, the 19's are the way to go.

~ Ian

Sharkster

Thanks Ian... that's actually the kind of input I wanted. I ride my 55 as a daily commuter. Thus I will go for the 19" wheels.

I once had 19" AMG (five spoke) wheels on a W211 (like you) and I didn't feel quite a difference against the 18" AMG wheels (except... a somewhat more "precise" handling). But I never had 20" wheels, since I was told (but never experienced myself) that they are a little to hard on rough roads.

Too bad it's "look against feel".

Anyway... thanks to everyone who voted for helping out on that decision. Once installed, I'll post some pics of the 19" Lorinser rims on my R230.