SL320 wheel size

[melosboy]

My SL 320 (1997) has 16 inch wheels. Can anybody tell me the advantages and disadvantages of fitting 17 or 18 inch wheels. I know the tyres will be a different size for each. What is your opinion of using non mercedes manufactured wheels. Thanks for your replies.

 

[jberks]

In my view, the only advantage is looks, and the downsides will be increased noise and poorer ride due to the smaller sidewalls and the higher cost of the tyres. It will generally have wider tyres too, which will tend to tramline more.
Reputable after market wheel suppliers are fine in terms of safety and quality so long as you make sure the wheels are intended for your car and any new bolts etc are supplied.
The idea is supposed to be for better handling, but unless you intend to use it on a track, I'd challlenge anyone to feel any real benefit.
Personally I like to keep the car as the manufacturer intended, with the best compromise between handling, noise and ride but each to their own.

 

[kkmfo]

Very pessimistic JBerks! No offence but have you driven and SL320 with 16" wheels, or larger?
I had an SL320 until June last yr. I changed the 16" wheels for 18" AMGs and was very pleased with the results.
First and foremost they looked superb (I strongly recommend 18" AMG Style 1 monoblocks on the SL - suit it perfectly. Don't go for anything bling - it looks cheap).
Second, there was no real detriment to the ride or noise level.
Third, handling was greatly improved. The SL is quite soft around the bends and I found that the lower profile tyres stiffened it up really nicely. Made it much sportier without noticeable discomfort.

Downside is cost. Bigger tyres are more expensive, but if you can afford it, do it.

No offence Jberks, just my first hand experience.

 

[jberks]

None taken Nick.
All views valid - and you've driven a specced up SL which I haven't.
To be honest, I misread the model and had S not sl in mind. It does make a lot more sense on an SL which has a sportier character anyway. I just can't see the point of sporting up a quiet soft limo like an S. (no doubt get slagged off by the sports S boys now!). I've seen mixed results with wider tyres - driven a few cars with bigger than stock wheels - and found some to tramline and get twitchy but as you say, not all. The SL clearly copes better. I agree with you about the cheap bling factor of some wheels- the AMGs do look the business.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

i have to just add something....you see the point JBerks makes about ride is correct. i have bigger wheels on the SLK and it does make the ride harsher


but...........

i drove a 2003 spec SL55AMG last Dec. with big dustbin size wheels and was very impressed with the ride comfort...far more smooth than mine and rode the bumps well. in fact had i the money it would be sat outside right now. (£69,995)

dunno how that helps you choose but a bigger car thats heavier may well ride good on slightly larger wheels with lesser profile tyres...it will certainly sharpen up the handling.

cost of tyres is an issue but you can always drive slow most of the time...with good wheels they car looks good so pose....and pose more with roof off....that should help make your tyres last bit.

 

[pascal]

Don't think that there is much more noise from 17 or 18.

Tyre noise is often down to the type of tyre, and often increases with tread wear.

From mid-98 17" wheels became standard on all SLs, except AMGs, 18".
So they must be right for the car.

I have these standard 17" rims with 245/45 Michelin Pilot Sport (performance tyres)

I am not considering upgrading to 18", but if I had 16", I'd consider going to 18". Sidewall will be only 1" less than your 16"
The bigger rims indeed look better on SLs (my opinion).
The rolling circumference of the SL is large, and 18" rims do not have ultra low profile sidewalls. That would be 21" rims.
See http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=9690

I'll say. Go for it. 18". And make your beautiful car even more beautiful.

Pascal