RU_MATRX

Hey All:

I've seen pics for the 20"x9.0" fr with P255/30ZR20s and 20"x11.0" rr with P305/25 ZR20s. Can anyone comment on say the proper wheel/tire combo or show pics of other sizes like 20"x10.0/10.5" rr and the corresponding tire sizes?

I really like the profile of the SL65 type IV AMGs at 19"x8.5" fr with P255/35ZR19s and 19"x10.0" rr with P285/30ZR19s. For a similar look based on the aspect ratios vs. tire widths, am I looking at 20"x9.0" fr with P265/35ZR20s and 20"x10.0" rr with P295/30ZR20s? If this is correct, then what would be the proper offsets be for my SL55?

Thanks for your time and efforts!

Luke@tirerack

the 20's that I would suggest are

245/35-20
275/30-20

RU_MATRX

Hi Luke:

Would you suggest these even for a SL55? The SL55 has wider treads stock @ P255/40 front and P285/35 rears on the AMG 18" Type IIIs. On the AMG 19" Type IVs they are P255/35 fronts and P285/30 rears.

Harris

Dont think 265 can be fitted in the front. Although wider rears like 295/305 will look better, it will also give you more understeer. You should always keep the front and rear tire diameter as close as possible. You can get either 245/35/20 and 285/30/20 OR 255/35/20 and 285/30/20.

Btw, the SL65 wheels are 19x8.5/19x9.5, it is not 19x10 in the rear.

What wheels are you considering?

RU_MATRX

My first choice are the AMG Type IV 19" Sterling Silver wheels witha polished lip. They are 19"x8.5" (fr) and 19"x10.0" (rr). I haven't chosen the tire brand yet though the fronts will be P255/35ZR19s and rears will be P295/30ZR19s.

I'm also considering the like-new 20" HRE 547Rs in the classifieds here although I don't believe that these particular wheels will look properly on an SL55 just due to larger offsets and possibly narrow wheels @ 20" for SL55s. I brought up the 265/35s because they were already new on the wheel though I would have changed all tires. Thanks for the confirmation on that as I haven't heard of 265s going on an SL55 yet the owner of the CL55 has them on there (CL has more room for fitment up front???-doesn't seem right). I'm waiting for the hard facts on those wheels right now. Also, thanks for the reminder on a bit more understeer. I was aware of that (don't want anymore understeer) though I didn't think +10mm would be detrimental given I'm also going up in tire size for performance which is the reason why the 19" AMGs are more appealing overall. Besides, I'll be lowering it ~1"? with the MB OEM links along with the tire/wheels. Any other considerations since I've introduced the MB links?

Harris, are you certain that the SL65 19" OEM AMG wheels are only 9.5" wide in the rear? The ones I'll probably be getting are Sterling Silver/polished lip quoted @ 10.0" wide from Oracle Motorsports here in Studio City,CA. unlike the stock SL65's Gun-metal finish. I've seen the 19"x10" designation MB's website (Build Your SL55 accessories) and other 'Net sources as well. Please
confirm and thanks for your insights!

Harris

The CL does have more room to play with in the front. The CL front wheel offset is ET44, while the SL front wheel offset is ET28-30. Its no surpirse that they can fit a 265 on a CL.

I do not favor the MB OEM links lowering. Although it is a much cheaper route, I always think getting a proper lowering module is a much better/safer way to go. MB has done sooooo much research on their cars, if they can lower it with a different link, I am sure they must have done that at the very first beginning.

I am 100% sure that the SL65 wheels are 19x8.5/19x9.5 'cause I sell them. But you are not wrong either, the 19" Style IV multi-piece for the SL55 does come in 19x8.5/19x10. I am guessing the reason why the 65s have narrower rear wheels is because of the understeering problem with such a powerful car. Are you going to refinish the 19"??? 'Cause those wheels only come in painted silver center with machined lip. Have you ever considered the 65 wheels or I can even get you the Style IV 19" that matches your body color painted directly by AMG!!!!

RU_MATRX

Sorry, I meant machined lip not "polished" on the Sterling silver AMG 19" wheels. I really like the stock finish of this against the background of Pewter Silver. In regards to the MB lowering links (MB product with different specs vs. OEM), these were recommended to me by several shops as the proper way of lowering my SL55. They stated that the more expensive modules "trick" the electronic suspension in sitting lower and aren't MB-approved. Further thoughts or insights?

I truly appreciate your time and insights in order to clarify these points for myself and, I'm sure, many others here.

AmistadSLK

Luke, I was searching tirerack, but didn't find Type IV, how it looks could you post the picture?

Colorwise, of course: SBC

I think it's pretty cool, special black chrome coating ... (look like tirerack's satin color on SSR GT3)

Harris

Neither of the lowering menthod is MB approved. In fact, MB never approves any aftermarket modification to any cars except by AMG. It is true that lowering module tricks the car's computer by fooling that it is too high. But I see this as a better solution than the MB links solution because the MB links are not meant to be made for the SL55s.

Have you purchased the silver Style IVs yet?

RU_MATRX

Harris:

Thanks for your further insight. I will research the Module vs. lowering links further. As far as the Type IVs, I think that they will be best for my handling interests. I will most likely purchase them at a great price from Oracle Motorsports here Studio City with my AMG Type III wheels/tires <3000 miles as an exchange. I have a relationship with them.

I am interested in the price and install of the AMG LSD, please pm me with details and projected performance improvements?

Thanks again!

Harris

Would you kindly please shoot me an e-mail: harris@hartonmotorwerks.com