R129 rims and ride - is bigger really worse?

[KenSilver]

Hi all,

I particularly like the look of 18" rims to visually balance the large body of the R129s, but my MB shop say they are too harsh riding for my 1993 SL500.

They recommend I only go to 17" as the highest for a good compromise in ride, handling and looks. What do you think?

Answers will depend where you live, and I guess there'll be some geographical adjustments to make. Here in New Zealand, roads are much like British roads. I drive in UK for a month every year, so I know the similarities. American roads are highway-smooth in the main. (There's a heck of a lot of conjecture here, but bear with me).

So will 18" run nicely enough, regardless of the surface? Does the weight and suspension take out the majority of bumps - regardless of the rim and tire size?

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has owned both sizes for a firsthand viewpoint.

As a sidebar: I put 16" on my previous 350SL, normally a 14", and there was a major difference in handling and feel, not always pleasant. Just hoping this won't be the case with upsizing on the R129.

Ken Silver
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1993 SL500, glistening black/grey on black leather, soon to be best in country!
1991 Daimler, shiny grey on grey leather, best in country!
1991 Miata MX5, sparkling BRG on tan leather, wife's (but my polishing)
1992 Honda US s/wagon, black/grey
ex 350SL, 230E, 280E (and a lot of other makes not as nice)