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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: '03-'08 SL55 AMG 18"/19" wheels interchangeable, but not '09-'11?

Old Jan 16, 2020 | 03:11 PM
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'03-'08 SL55 AMG 18"/19" wheels interchangeable, but not '09-'11?

Hello. I am taking my staggered 20" wheels (8.5" F / 9.5" R) off and will go back to a smaller OEM diameter (need more protection from potholes, etc.). I have been told that the AMG R230 chassis' wheels between 2003-2008 are interchangeable, but not the 2009-2011 due to a change with the brakes/offset.

Can any wheel expert, or someone who has "been there, done that" confirm this to be true or false? I have searched the forums, but most info is about optium tire width. Also, if you have something to sell, please let me know ASAP. Thanks!

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Old Jan 16, 2020 | 05:39 PM
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That is not true. All r230 body wheels are interchangeable 03-12. The only clearance issues to keep in mind are that standard front 360mm rotors need 18" wheels at a minimum to clear the calipers. The 390mm brakes require 19" or larger wheels to clear the calipers. This means you cannot put 18" or smaller wheels on SL63 PPs and SL65s. It does work the other way around of course.

Optimal tire width would be best determined by the width of the wheels you're using. That being said, with factory spec. R230 AMG tires being 255/285 widths, it wouldn't be beneficial to go thinner than that from a performance standpoint.

Last edited by desired_speeds; Jan 16, 2020 at 05:42 PM.
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Old Jan 16, 2020 | 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by desired_speeds
That is not true. All r230 body wheels are interchangeable 03-12. The only clearance issues to keep in mind are that standard front 360mm rotors need 18" wheels at a minimum to clear the calipers. The 390mm brakes require 19" or larger wheels to clear the calipers. This means you cannot put 18" or smaller wheels on SL63 PPs and SL65s. It does work the other way around of course. Optimal tire width would be best determined by the width of the wheels you're using. That being said, with factory spec. R230 AMG tires being 255/285 widths, it wouldn't be beneficial to go thinner than that from a performance standpoint.
Thanks for your advice. So, extrapolating, you stating that my 2005 SL55 AMG has the 360 mm front brake discs, and the 390s were exclusive to the 63/65 ... am I correct?
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Old Jan 17, 2020 | 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by RProsser
Thanks for your advice. So, extrapolating, you stating that my 2005 SL55 AMG has the 360 mm front brake discs, and the 390s were exclusive to the 63/65 ... am I correct?
yep that's correct!
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