55rider

Guys . i own a 55 03 model
Im thinking of getting some nice rims for it. Ive heard the 19 and 20 both cause problems with the shock absorbers and some other parts.
Now i know 20 inch is the maximum for this car and i was thinking of going for the 20
Anyone have any advice. experience with problems accruing from to heavy/ bog wheels.
I also don't want the tires to touch the car or any problems like that
I know the difference in driving. No advice needed on that. Just the post problems from big wheel sizes

okbarnett

no wheel causes problems for the other parts. but 19" are better for the car and will not cause adverse rubbing, height problems.

55rider

well the shock absorbers seem to have problems all the time. and since the 19 and 20 inch wheels are much more heavy, it make gives the car more to endure when driving over some bump on the road. I had 3 of my shock absorbers renewed when i recently bought my 55
i hear from a lot of people they have had the same issues with other cars including CLS AMG models
Inst there any way to use 20s without getting absorb rubbing issues?> doesn't the tire size have anything to do with it?

Rick SL55

19" for daily driving
20" for better looks
20" are more prone to bend vs 19" wheels

55rider

I read ( on this forum ) many actually state that 20" are better for the ride
I read this in different threads on this forum
Now keep in mind were not talking about a BMW E36 or E46 here where 19 Vs 17 inch would deffinetly mean the 19" gives a terrible handling , those cars arnt heavy enough nor have enough HP compared to the weight and HP of the SL55
I would like to also hear from 20 " owners who had 19" in the past

LukasBMW

I've been putting larger rims on my cars since age 16. I can tell you that "plus size" rims and tires look awesome but can also be a pain in the ***...and expensive. With plus size rims and tires, rubber is more expensive, and you are more prone to bending your rims as said above. For these reasons, if you run 19 or 20" on your SL, I recommend upgrading to STOCK Benz rims or forged aftermarket rims.

All stock Mercedes rims are high quality and should resist bends better then many aftermarket rims. If you are upgrading from 18" rims, look at some of the 19" rims from the SL65, or 2007+ SL models. I am running 19" 5 spoke rims found on the CLS55 and SL55 in later years.

There are qualify non forged aftemarket rims, but there are also a lot of JUNK rims that will bend quite easily!

If you do go aftermarket, I recommend you spend the extra money on a forged pair of rims. Forged rims are stronger and should be less prone to bending. HRE and Vossen make quality rims. If you go 20", I'd say forged is almost required!

I had 20" MAYA rims on my 2006 SL55. The ride was a bit too rough for me and I ended up bending a few of the rims over the coarse of ownership.

The 19" rims I am currently running on my SL600 are noticeably less harsh then the 20's. They don't look quite as good, but the improved ride quality is worth it to me.

LukasBMW

One more thing....

If your ABC suspension is operating properly, upgrading to 19" or even 20" rims should not be a problem. The car should handle both upgrades without issue.

Even if you are lowered with a quality lowering method (star lowering system, Renntech, etc), 19" or 20" rims should not rub if you are running the correct tire size.

Plenty of people here are running 19" or 20" rims on stock or lowered SL's with no problems.