SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: changing wheel size
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
I just did a 18 to 19 swap today and no problems. Went with 25F-28R offset and 10" rears.
(SL65 stock rins.)
(SL65 stock rins.)
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa.
2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
SL600 (1000 hp), Cayenne S, 996TT EVO GT750, F430 Spyder,A real Ford GT, 08 Gallardo Spyder
Searching wheel swap for an sl55 is not the way to go.
Start searching the following first until you understand the metrics behind the subject and you'll be able to make good decisions about your wheel upgrade.
tire diameter (OD)
Offeset
plus sizing
Some help:
http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp
http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp
Start searching the following first until you understand the metrics behind the subject and you'll be able to make good decisions about your wheel upgrade.
tire diameter (OD)
Offeset
plus sizing
Some help:
http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp
http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 5
From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
There are lots of 18" wheels with the right bolt pattern (5x112) and offset (low to mid 30s) that won't work because the barrel is too narrow. For example, 18" BBS RS-GTs won't fit an SL55.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
sl55
going to 19 is fine, I suggest getting the same offset as the sl65 wheel, that would be your best bet. the OEM sl65 tire are 255-35-19 and 285-30-19 try to keep it wihtin those parameter. if you decide to go with larger rubbers/wheels you will probably need a more aggressive offset (the lower the offset the more the wheel will "stick out"
a good rule of thumb is to start with sl65 standard size (offset) and you calculate how much larger is the wheel/tire take half of that value and that how much you need to take off from the OEM offset.
Example if OEM rear is 285 (tire) and you decide to go 305. the difference will be 30 half is 15mm so use an offset of approx. 28-15=+13.
I used this in the past and worked well, I am just trying to help. I know it is not really scientific...
as for the diameter if you go 305 in rear on a 19" wheel I would conceder going 305-25 or 30 I am not sure.
Hope this help
a good rule of thumb is to start with sl65 standard size (offset) and you calculate how much larger is the wheel/tire take half of that value and that how much you need to take off from the OEM offset.
Example if OEM rear is 285 (tire) and you decide to go 305. the difference will be 30 half is 15mm so use an offset of approx. 28-15=+13.
I used this in the past and worked well, I am just trying to help. I know it is not really scientific...
as for the diameter if you go 305 in rear on a 19" wheel I would conceder going 305-25 or 30 I am not sure.
Hope this help
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 5
From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Basically if the wheels clear the calipers without rubbing and the tires don't rub on the inner or outer fender, you're in the clear. 19s are more likely to clear the calipers than 18s but even 19s are a problem with some brands, e.g. Oz.
Your front tires are slightly underspec on the diameter. You want a tire diameter as close to 26" as possible. That would be 255/35-19 rather than 255/30-19.
