melmark

Just wondering what your experience has been with 20's on a SL. I have 19's on now and know that 20s look better, but how much ride quality is sacrificed? Roads around here are generally pretty good. My 19 inch HRE's need repair, so its either repair/resurface them or just get a new set of wheels.

jrgator

I had factory 19s on my car and changed to 20s last year. I detect very little ride difference even though I was prepared for it. It's only with severe bumps or potholes, and then a minimal difference. If I had to do it over again I would still do 20s, and I really like the look.

oren217

I have to disagree...

I never had 19's so Im not sure how those feel, but i know moving from 18s to 20s has made the ride MUCH more stiffer. I feel the bumps hit harder even when i go over the painted stripes at every stoplight.

I guess you get used to it...but definately a totally different feel for the car. My tires are Continental SC3's and I know that your tire choice is a big deal.. those came with the rims but when they wear out I plan on experimenting with different wheels..thinkin toyo's or those michelin PS tires- seems many users on here opt for those.

Havoc

Tire size also makes a huge difference with ride quality on 20s. I had 295/25 on the rear and they were a lot harsher than my current 285/30. 30 series tires give you enough sidewall for an unnoticeable comfortable ride on 20s, but they are 1 inch taller than the stock diameter.

Stevant

I prefer the 19"s simply because there is that much more sidewall and it is a little easier on the ride in my opinion. I would go with the 19"s and lower the beast........................I don't think you can tell at that point.

Here are some pics of my 19"s.................. http://s1081.photobucket.com/albums/j344/stevant/

mjr24

Had 305/25 on my first SL many years ago....never again, rims bent way too easily.

melmark

Nice. Lowering definitely looks good. I also think that wheels with spokes that extend to the outer rim border make the wheels look bigger and may be my best option. Checking for wheel deals daily.

melmark

Maybe like these in 19 instead of 20

Rick SL55

stay with 19", if you already bent/damage a 19" wheel wait until you have the 20"

lkirchner

I went from 19" AMG 2 piece wheels to 20" HRE's. I noticed a little difference at first but I would not call the ride harsh. The appearance however is truly different with the 20's filling out the wheel openings beautifully.

RaFFi ///AMG

Go with 20s

rcbenz

i agree Go with 20s!

cal1

I personally would not go bigger than 19s but that is coming from a guy that is still running the stocker 18s that bend easily enough on the crap roads where I live. There are two big considerations. First, where you live and the road conditions. The further south, the better for 20s IMHO. Second, how **** are you about vibration in the steering wheel from a tweaked wheel. This drives me crazy and I live in Milwaukee so I staying with the 18s.

AMG Xpress

Can you guys provide any insight into the offset needed for 19's and 20's? What is the stock offset and did these cars come with both 18's and 19's from the factory?

I had it all dialed in on my previous 996TT but still learning about my 2004 SL55. I went to 19's wheels and hated the ride on my turbo and then switched back to some wider 18" HRE's - it was the prefect setup.

I like the look of 20's but don't want to have any fender rub - and would like to lower the car for better handling. Would an et of 25 (front) and an et of 30 (rear) work with 20's?

Some 996TT folks rolled their fenders - anyone do that here or not really necessary?

Thanks in advance.

AMG Xpress

They look great - what brand, size and offset are the wheels? How much have you lowered the car - how is that done, thru the COMMAND sw?

Thanks