suggested rims & tires for '88 560sl

[READ1157]

I recently purchased a 1988 560sl and would like to upgrade the rims and tires to a wider stance. I have looked at the AMG models and would liek to know if their size rim/tire setup can be used on my '88 or if there is a better configuration that would allow better handling. Thanks in advance for your help here.

[yeldogt]

I replaced my original wheels on my 88 560SL -- I went with 16" Mich MXV4

I got them from the tire rack mounted on new rims -- They look great -- And the car is much better with the larger tires.

I did not notice much difference in the ride - I went with the MXV4 because it is a quiet tire.

[READ1157]

I will look into the mich. tires. thanks. what size rims did you up grade to I see 16" but what size width??

[yeldogt]

The wheels were Miglia Bello SML 16x7.5 (149.00)
Tires 225/55HR-16 MXV4 plus (138.00)

I went with the wheels for two reasons :

1. The most important reason is that I liked them, and they look great on the car - plus they are easy to clean! They have a classic look with a little movement.

They look better than the OE wheels - I know some people like the OE's -- and yes they are better looking than the wheels that came before them -- but IMO MB does not make many good looking wheels.

The aftermarket OE wheels are not the same as the OE wheels - they are close but they can not make the exact same wheel that MB sells.

2. OE wheels can be had -- totally refurbished -- for about $500.00 a set plus shipping. So the OE wheels at this time are almost worthless - I just saw them for this price at a local refinisher. I felt that since I was going larger I wanted to try different look -- And the M. Bello is a quality wheel.


The tires are a different matter -- I can not say that Michelin tires are always my first choice. They tend to hold up well because of the compounds used but also not always the best wet tire!

The SL is not driven all that much -- in the winter it sits most of the time. It is a nice day car -- driven the most in the summer. With the larger tires I was thinking about more noise -- so I wanted a quiet tire. The last thing I wanted was a loud tire with the top down. The service life is not an issue -- they will dry rot first!

The Michelin tire are fine -- others may be as well -- the larger tires do make a difference. The car is much better in turns - the 560Sl is heavy up front. The sound level is not any different that I can really tell.

Remember the last one was built in 1989 -- If built today they would have 18"


Hope this helps

[tan man]

read1157

if you find your upgrade rims and don't have a use for the old ones, let me know.
i'd like to upgrade from the old bundt style rims now on my 85 380sl. they are shot with brake dust.
good luck
jack