SL55/63/65/R230 AMG wheel advice please

Dec 2, 2008 | 12:31 AM

texass600

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 10

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s600; ford gt

wheel advice please

I am finally breaking down and buying an 06 sl65(due to unbelievable prices)and was wondering if I can use old drag radials from an extra set for my 03 S600 to mount on the sl65. I know the wheel size is 19 vs 18 but was curious if it would fit and, if so, if there was any downside to this change. I will just be using the set periodically for drag racing purpose only.

Thanks for a terrific forum and any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Dec 2, 2008 | 09:56 AM

jmf003

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 1,653

Likes: 5

From: Ann Arbor

'03 SL55

Quote:

Originally Posted by texass600

Hi, Texas. Welcome to the forum!

There are several issues with trying to do what you are describing.

18" wheels should clear the SL65's smaller rear rotors but it's unknown (at least to me) whether the brake calipers are set up to clear 18" wheels. Since you have both the car and 18" wheels you can try it and see if there's room. If there's an obstruction, it should be pretty obvious.

Beyond that, S600 wheels usually have a much larger offset than SL wheels, mid-40s versus low 30s. That's going to move the wheel about 1/2" toward the center of the car and may create a rubbing problem, especially with the drag radial's sidewall flex. You'll almost certainly want to use wheels with less offset.

Finally there's the issue of tire circumference. If the front and rear tires have significantly different circumferences then the wheels will rotate at different speeds. Some posters have suggested that difference in rotating speeds may cause the ESP system to engage even though the tires aren't actually slipping. If it was me, I'd try to keep the circumferences within 1% or 2%.

Good luck and enjoy! SL65 is an awesome car!