Need expert tire/wheel advice
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
10 E63
Need expert tire/wheel advice
I don't know why I waited this long to asks these questions after having 19's on my 05 slk 55 but I hope I can get accurate replies.
1. For those who upgraded to 19's, did you have to realign or adjust the suspension. The inside of my tires wear down way too fast. Do you get real rub on bad dips or bumps?
2. I was given the OEM wheel from an SL55 and I believe they are an inch wider. Will they still fit this car or will that extra inch on the front be a problem?
Thanks for any advice!
1. For those who upgraded to 19's, did you have to realign or adjust the suspension. The inside of my tires wear down way too fast. Do you get real rub on bad dips or bumps?
2. I was given the OEM wheel from an SL55 and I believe they are an inch wider. Will they still fit this car or will that extra inch on the front be a problem?
Thanks for any advice!
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 2
From: Redondo Beach, CA
2006 SLK 55 amg, 2002 CLK 430 Cab (hers), 1989 944 Turbo (sold), CLK 500 (sold), 125cc shifter kart
I believe the front offset 35mm and rear offset is 33mm on the 5-spoke SL55 wheel. Not sure what version you are buying, but compare the offset to the SLK wheels already on your car. It is typically printed on the inside of the rim. I believe SLK55 is 30mm rear and 37mm front, but I don't have the factory wheels any longer, so to be safe take a few minutes and check. You can always use hubcentric spacers to get the exact fit you want, but the extra inch should not be a problem. If you don't lower the car (or have any other pre existing alignment issues), then you shouldn't need to realign the car.
Mine is lowered 1 inch on 19s (8.5s front and 9.5s rear) using Toyo 235 front and 265 rear (very hard compound - fun to slide the car around with, but poor off the line traction). I do not have any rubbing at all. Keep in mind that not all tires are the same size; depending on the manufacturer some may be slightly larger or slightly smaller. For example, I run Yokohamas of the "same size" on my CLK, but they are slighly smaller (thinner side wall width) than the Toyos on my SLK.
I just ordred a slender 3mm hubcentric spacer for the rear SLK wheels to see if that looks better - if not, I will throw it back on ebay...
This forum has a lot of excellent information. Use the search function - it works pretty well.
Mine is lowered 1 inch on 19s (8.5s front and 9.5s rear) using Toyo 235 front and 265 rear (very hard compound - fun to slide the car around with, but poor off the line traction). I do not have any rubbing at all. Keep in mind that not all tires are the same size; depending on the manufacturer some may be slightly larger or slightly smaller. For example, I run Yokohamas of the "same size" on my CLK, but they are slighly smaller (thinner side wall width) than the Toyos on my SLK.
I just ordred a slender 3mm hubcentric spacer for the rear SLK wheels to see if that looks better - if not, I will throw it back on ebay...
This forum has a lot of excellent information. Use the search function - it works pretty well.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 997
Likes: 260
From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
Be sure to get lug bolts that fit properly. Check that the bolts you use extend the same amount into the hub as the original bolts (they should extend the same amount on the back side of the wheel.) I recommend getting the correct length bolts from your local Mercedes dealer. You may need to saw off some. A bolt that I got from excaliber .com sheared off, even using a torque wrench.
