Does size matter???!

rikvdub

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Hello fellow Benz buddy’s, hope your all enjoying this fabulous bank holiday Friday.......Happy Easter

Anyway back to my question.......
What’s the biggest wheels you can fit on a 2001 SLK in diameter and width that won’t cause any issues regarding hitting the arches? Also can you provide tyre sizes too please thanks Rik
 
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rikvdub

rikvdub

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Thanks for that. Do you know if I was to fit 19” rims then lower it 30mm if it would rub on the arches? Cheers
 

Blobcat

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You’d ruin the handling, but I’m guessing looks is what you’re going for rather than handling it comfort
 
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rikvdub

rikvdub

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You’d ruin the handling, but I’m guessing looks is what you’re going for rather than handling it comfort

It’s nice to have something that looks good but I personally would not jeopardise the fun ride over looks. Maybe I’ll just stick with a nice set of 18’s
 

Craiglxviii

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I’d go with 18 or even 17”. If also not want to lower it, the SLK is already low slung enough as it is. Remember, it’s a really sharp handling roadster, fitting oversized wheels and slamming it will just ruin the handling.

18” is the about the maximum rim diameter one can go to on U.K. roads for pothole clash performance.
 

LostKiwi

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As above.
Bigger doesn't mean better.
If you were driving up and down French or German motorways all day long then yes 19s might be ok but on anything other than billiard table surfaces it'll be terrible, especially if lowered.
As Craig says I wouldn't go past 18s and preferably 17s. I have 19s on my SLs and if it wasn't so expensive to downsize would prefer smaller.
 

bembo449

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mine has the option 5 spoke AMG 17's on it , honestly I think they are just perfect for it , I think the shape of them has a lot to do with how they look
 

Craiglxviii

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As above.
Bigger doesn't mean better.
If you were driving up and down French or German motorways all day long then yes 19s might be ok but on anything other than billiard table surfaces it'll be terrible, especially if lowered.
As Craig says I wouldn't go past 18s and preferably 17s. I have 19s on my SLs and if it wasn't so expensive to downsize would prefer smaller.
I have a set of 18” wheels that would fit Malcolm.....
 
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rikvdub

rikvdub

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Yes after driving today with the top down I completely agree. I think 17” is an all round winner! They look right on the car and I can still lower it 30mm with no issues. Plus the tyres are more affordable
 

Craiglxviii

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Yes after driving today with the top down I completely agree. I think 17” is an all round winner! They look right on the car and I can still lower it 30mm with no issues. Plus the tyres are more affordable
Why lower it by so much?
 


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