thesaintjim

Hi Guys, just wanted to introduce myself. I just purchased a silver SLK 280 and fly out Saturday to drive it back home

I'll post some pics. I currently have a 2006 Lexus 400h and now this awesome addition. I had it down to a 2002 Maserati Spyder or a 2005 Lexus SC 430 but this caught my eye and the rest was history.

- Jim

-1-

Welcome! Great choice. You picked the fastest color. Off topic: how do you like the RX400h? IMO, the RX330/400h are the best looking SUVs on the road. Is the RX400h worth the extra $$$ over the RX330? Good luck!

thesaintjim

I love the 400h. Test drive a 400h then a 330 and you'll see why the extra money is worth the extra power. Only thing I noticed is my MPG dropped about 4-5MPG during winter. It is slowly working back up to its normal 28-29. Let me note I drive around 100 miles a day. It is a work horse

clkcadet

and hows the slk?? you like the drive?

thesaintjim

I fly out tomorrow to pick it up and have a nice 8 hour drive back home

thesaintjim

Guys, this car is amazing. 7.5 hour drive back home from Chicago. This car is amazing!!! Such a smooth ride! Also, the engine packs a mean punch. I'll post some pics tomorrow of my new toy

-1-

Why Chicago? How did you find the car at that location?

thesaintjim

I was actually going to buy a Maserati from this dealership and that is when I saw the SLK 280. Has the comfort package and heated package. for 40,000. Dealers around here wanted 45-46K for it.

9moon

warrup guys!!! i too, just got my 280 (diamond silver) the other evening.. im so inlove with it that i havent even drove it yet.. nyahahahahhahaah.. i was hoping if anyone can gimme' some advice on whether i should put a 19 inch or an 18 inch rims on it... and what would be the best brand??

Duo-Art

My advice is not to change the wheels for a little while. Drive the car as it was designed and get a feel for it then consider changes.

9moon

thanx art-dawggie!! that's what everyone is tellin me, to enjoy the way it is for at least 8 months... im just gettin too excited...

Duo-Art

I'm not suggesting 8 months but 2 or 3 would be a good idea.

Ynot

19", they are just perfect, not too big and not too small, just perfect. You will regret if you get 18".

Crosis

Why is that? I have also been fumbling with this. I am the type who refuses to deal with tire rub of any kind. My paint and metal is worth more to me than tires and the look of a full wheel arch. With and without lowering... whats the largest wheel and tire combo for a 280 that guarantees no rub?

Ynot

19x8.5 fronts on 235/35 tires and 19x9.5" rears on 255/30 will guarantee no rub at all. 265's on Nittos and Toyo's are okay if you lower your car. Pirelli's and Michellins rub if lowered, that's what I've read. But if you are getting 19's, you car will be raised a little and it's a must that you lower your SLK.

-1-

Take your time and figure out what style of wheel you want and what size. Once you decide, make the move. I agree, I think 19" wheels are the best aftermarket size wheels for the SLK. I would have preferred 19"s, the two styles of wheels I wanted, only came in 17" & 18". Again, 18" wheels minimum, 19" preferred.

Shinigami

Congratulations for your new rides!

19" are nice, but I think 18" go just as well. The cost savings (not just rim, but the tires as well) is a factor of course, but get whatever suits you best

Duo-Art

This is just my opinion but I think the 19" wheels with the very thin low profile tires look completely out of propertion on the SLK.

9moon

damnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!! speaking of factors!! every places i called were at least askin for $6000+ including tires!! damnnnnn!!!!

-1-

Just where in Beverly Hills are you calling? I guarantee you can find some super nice wheels and tires for half that amount. Plenty of nice wheels and/or tire packages on eBay, the two Mercedes forums classified ads, etc., if you do your home work. I purchased my 18" staggered AMG five spoke wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport2 tires from the Tire Rack (.com) for a little under $3000, shipped, mounted, balanced and ready to bolt on. Keep checking.

Ynot

Try DCR at dcrwheels.com, they have the best price on forged aluminium wheels, look great too.

9moon

warrup there Y.... i just called DCRWHEELS and i found out that they are based here in california... is it really ok to put a non-european wheels on this kinda car??? a friend of mine quickly said NO!!!

Ynot

what is a european wheel? They are custom forged wheels, those are the only kind I would put on my car.