SLK/R170: AMG wheels
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton, OR
1998 slk 230
AMG wheels
I am considering buyin OEM 17" split spoke AMG wheels thru
thewheelexchange.com for my 98 SLK 230 (Calypso Green)The set runs $1069, which seems like a fair price.
I currently have the stock 16" wheels with Goodrich KDWS tires. I can get a package price for the wheels and - Continental ch-95's or Nitto nt-450's or Yokohama es100's for about another $500.
It was reccomended that I put 225x45x17 all the way around. Is this ok as the current front tires are different than the back.
Any suggestions or opinions are appreciated.
thewheelexchange.com for my 98 SLK 230 (Calypso Green)The set runs $1069, which seems like a fair price.
I currently have the stock 16" wheels with Goodrich KDWS tires. I can get a package price for the wheels and - Continental ch-95's or Nitto nt-450's or Yokohama es100's for about another $500.
It was reccomended that I put 225x45x17 all the way around. Is this ok as the current front tires are different than the back.
Any suggestions or opinions are appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
$1069 is a very fair price if they are brand new in the box. However, if they are actually new-car take-offs, then the price is just average.
The factory setup for the AMG Styling IV wheels (split spoke/double spoke) is 7.5x17ET37 with 225/45R17 tires in front and 8.5x17ET34 with 245/40R17 tires in the rear. Is The Wheel Exchange offering you the 7.5/front and 8.5/rear setup or are they offering a set of four 7.5 rims?
225/45R17 tires on all 4 wheels is an acceptable setup for the SLK, even with wider 8.5" wheels in the rear. However, if you have 8.5" wheels in the rear, then there's no advantage to 225s except in the snow, and you should probably go with the factory 245/40R17 tire size in the rear.
If The Wheel Exchange is selling the staggered 7.5/front and 8.5/rear setup and suggesting you put 225/45R17 tires in the rear, then I suspect they're trying to unload their tire inventory, and you should buy the tires elsewhere.
Plus, the Continental or Nitto tires are undeserving of your SLK's capabilities and they certainly aren't worth $500. TireRack.com sells the Conti CH-95s in 225/45R17 for $408/set of 4.
The factory setup for the AMG Styling IV wheels (split spoke/double spoke) is 7.5x17ET37 with 225/45R17 tires in front and 8.5x17ET34 with 245/40R17 tires in the rear. Is The Wheel Exchange offering you the 7.5/front and 8.5/rear setup or are they offering a set of four 7.5 rims?
225/45R17 tires on all 4 wheels is an acceptable setup for the SLK, even with wider 8.5" wheels in the rear. However, if you have 8.5" wheels in the rear, then there's no advantage to 225s except in the snow, and you should probably go with the factory 245/40R17 tire size in the rear.
If The Wheel Exchange is selling the staggered 7.5/front and 8.5/rear setup and suggesting you put 225/45R17 tires in the rear, then I suspect they're trying to unload their tire inventory, and you should buy the tires elsewhere.
Plus, the Continental or Nitto tires are undeserving of your SLK's capabilities and they certainly aren't worth $500. TireRack.com sells the Conti CH-95s in 225/45R17 for $408/set of 4.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton, OR
1998 slk 230
Brian, thanks for the help. You are obviously well versed on the subject. I saw the pictures of your car, sweeeet!!!
The rims are brand new OEM. They are however a set of 4 -7.5" . I would prefer the 8.5's in the rear. Any suggestions of where to get a staggered set of these? Tire suggestions, I am looking at all seasons. I am not a particularly aggressive driver, don't live in a snow area but there is lots of rain in Oregon. Thanks again for the help.
The rims are brand new OEM. They are however a set of 4 -7.5" . I would prefer the 8.5's in the rear. Any suggestions of where to get a staggered set of these? Tire suggestions, I am looking at all seasons. I am not a particularly aggressive driver, don't live in a snow area but there is lots of rain in Oregon. Thanks again for the help.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
TireRack.com has the staggered set for $1376.
Autoclass.net has them for $1280.
FYI, there is a slightly modified version of the Style IV spit-spoke wheels available now. The style is the same as the new CLK55, CL55, E55, and S55. The difference is near the center of the wheel. You have to see them side-by-side to see the difference. The modified version is available in 17-inch diameters for the SLK. Autoclass has them in 17" and 18" versions for the SLK. TireRack only has the larger 18" version.
As for tires, the best performanc all-season tires I know of are the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, but they're pretty expensive. However, if you don't drive in snow or ice at all, then you don't need all-season tires. Many summer tires are still really good in rain, including Bridgestone Potenza S-03, and Michelin Pilot Sport.
Autoclass.net has them for $1280.
FYI, there is a slightly modified version of the Style IV spit-spoke wheels available now. The style is the same as the new CLK55, CL55, E55, and S55. The difference is near the center of the wheel. You have to see them side-by-side to see the difference. The modified version is available in 17-inch diameters for the SLK. Autoclass has them in 17" and 18" versions for the SLK. TireRack only has the larger 18" version.
As for tires, the best performanc all-season tires I know of are the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, but they're pretty expensive. However, if you don't drive in snow or ice at all, then you don't need all-season tires. Many summer tires are still really good in rain, including Bridgestone Potenza S-03, and Michelin Pilot Sport.
