SL600 17" vs 18" Staggered

[TomE500]

Sold my 1994 E500 and "new" SL600 just arrived. Car came with 17X8.5J five-hole rims sporting Michelin Pilot Sport AS on all 4 corners. Daytona MB dealer says car was ordered with that set-up vs the standard 18" AMG staggered set up.

MY QUESTION TO SL600 and SL500 OWNERS:

If you have run both 18" and 17", which set-up did you like most and why?

Thanks in advance for any opinions,

Tom

[speace]

You are opening up a subject that has a wide range of answers and opinions. You may find some of the previous threads if you do a search.

I had 18's on my SL for a while. Obviously, you have to choose a tire with a low sidewall to make them fit, but I was not happy with the harshness of the ride. I finally opted for these 2003 SL500 wheels with the original tires still on them. They are Michelin Pilot Sport 255 45 ZR17.

I read somehwere on here that MB had published a bulletin stating that the Pilot Sport AS tires were not recommended for their automobiles.

Proponents of the 18 inch wheels love the handling. I must not be much of a test because I could not really tell any diference in handling but was really pleased to get rid of the harsh ride.

Good luck in your search!

[TomE500]

Thanks for the input speace.

It was Luke of TireRack that posted the Michelin AS warning over on the Wheels and Tires forum.