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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Possible to fit 295/30/19 or even 305/30/19 in the rear?

Old Nov 21, 2011 | 04:33 PM
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Possible to fit 295/30/19 or even 305/30/19 in the rear?

What is the widest tire you can expect to run on an R230 in the rear?

I'm rocking CLS 19" 5 spokes. 19x8.5 up front and 19x9.5 in the rear.

Currently I'm running 285/30/19 in the rear. I'd love to go wider since I have traction problems when the gas is pressed.

Can we get away with 295/30/19 in the rear or even 305/30/19 in the rear without rubbing?
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 05:19 PM
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I had 295's on mine. I found that the 295 continentals fit much better than the pirellis.

The pirellis just looked weird and I had to take them off.
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 07:40 PM
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There are people with 315s 20 in the back.

You might need to fiddle with the ride height and some spacers might be needed depending on your rim offset. Btw, I would not run 305 or bigger on anything less than 11" rim width.
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 08:14 PM
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I used to have 305/25 x 20 on 11" with no rubbing (but I'm not lowered).
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 08:54 PM
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Re: Tires

I just mounted a rear set of 295/30/19 Toyo Proxes 1 on mine. I also have OEM size 19 by 9.5 rear wheels with 32 offset, and I'm lowered 1 step via Star. Your wheels are likely the same size/offset.

Everything fits beautifully, but I would not go to a 305 unless I had a wider (10.5) rim. 295 is the threshold. The Proxes stick like glue too, very well suited tire for this car with a tune. Adding a Quaife also helped considerably with traction.

Last edited by NCE500; Nov 21, 2011 at 08:59 PM.
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by LukasBMW
What is the widest tire you can expect to run on an R230 in the rear?

I'm rocking CLS 19" 5 spokes. 19x8.5 up front and 19x9.5 in the rear.

Currently I'm running 285/30/19 in the rear. I'd love to go wider since I have traction problems when the gas is pressed.

Can we get away with 295/30/19 in the rear or even 305/30/19 in the rear without rubbing?
I was running 295x30x19's on 10" wide AMG 2 piece wheels and am presently running 305x25x20's on HRE 11" wide wheels. The only concern would be running the 295's on a 9.5" wheel. The experts would dictate a 10" wide rim.
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Old Nov 22, 2011 | 12:33 AM
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Good info gents.

I think 295/30/19 is the easy answer/upgrade.
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Old Nov 22, 2011 | 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by LukasBMW
Good info gents.

I think 295/30/19 is the easy answer/upgrade.
Go for the 295.. Will be fine on a 9.5 inch wheel too.. Wouldn't go any bigger than that though, unless you get a wider wheel.
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Old Nov 22, 2011 | 01:07 AM
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^ I agree!

I have some Michelin Super Sport 295x30x19's on 10" wide AMG 2 piece wheels. I can't wait to mount them on my SL55 especially with my upgraded
Evosport lightweight 2 piece rotors and special 380mm front rotors!
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Old Nov 22, 2011 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by NCE500
I just mounted a rear set of 295/30/19 Toyo Proxes 1 on mine. I also have OEM size 19 by 9.5 rear wheels with 32 offset, and I'm lowered 1 step via Star. Your wheels are likely the same size/offset.

Everything fits beautifully, but I would not go to a 305 unless I had a wider (10.5) rim. 295 is the threshold. The Proxes stick like glue too, very well suited tire for this car with a tune. Adding a Quaife also helped considerably with traction.
Plus one on the stickiness of the T1Rs. I think they out perform PS2s in that area. PS2s might be better all around though. I have been running T1Rs on my stage 3 SL for the last three summer seasons. it is amazing how temperature sensitive they are though. at 80 degrees and above, they stick real well. Traction drops off like crazy below 60 degrees though. I was rolling on to the freeway the other day when it was about 50 degrees out. I mashed the throttle at 50 mph. The rear end did a little dance before settling in and giving me warp speed. I kept my foot in it, but will admit to a bit of a pucker factor. wifey chimed in, saying I am a real A-hole and by the way, what is that flashing yellow triangle thingy on the dash.
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