Finally got one!!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

CDNC36AMG · #1 02-18-2003, 10:33 PM

Picked up a mint (in and out) 1991 500SL last week, 80,000 KM (48,000 mi), perfect soft top. Triple black. I'm jacked!

Thanks to those who helped when I was asking about 300 SL's last year. Glad I waited until the perfect 500 SL came along, worth the wait.

A quick question, I have standard 16" wheels. Is it worth upgrading to 17's or 18's? My MB mechanic thinks the car wasn't designed with the larger wheels in mind.

Now if only it wasn't the coldest Canadian winter in forever, top down season seems a long time away.

spinedoc · #2 02-18-2003, 10:36 PM

Ive got a 500SL 1991 that I just picked up, it has stock suspension with 18 inch wheels. They run great except when I completely lock the wheels like in a u turn, then I get just a bit of rubbing.

Congrats on your car, do you mind me asking what you paid? I just picked up my 1991 Burgundy with 120k on it in mint condition.

CDNC36AMG · #3 02-18-2003, 10:41 PM

Spinedoc, $34,000 Cdn. Works out to about $22-23,000 US.

In general, the price range for a car in this shape would be about $35,000 to $38,000 Cdn in Toronto.

My mechanic felt the larger wheels affect the ABS among other things.

Congrats on yours!!!! I've been looking for two years so I know the excitement.

elau · #4 02-18-2003, 10:53 PM

Congrat to both of you and welcome you to the SL club

I have to agree with CDNC36AMG, the topless weather seems a long way from now and I am itching to take mine out to strectch her legs. She has been sitting in the garage under wrap all winter and looks lonely.

CDNC36AMG · #5 02-18-2003, 11:01 PM

Thanks Elau.

Guess you two both just got snow splattered.

Thankfully we just barely got the northern edge of the storm.

Roger65 · #6 02-19-2003, 06:08 AM

Congrats, you are going to LOVE that car. I am so taken with mine that I can't imagine ever not having an SL. I just had a chance last week to remove the hardtop for a few days between storms, and it was like being a kid on Christmas morning every time I drove it.

Enjoy the car!

Roger

Smalk · #7 02-19-2003, 02:45 PM

Congrats on the car!! Good choice.

Snow on the ground here in Central Oregon and my 500sl is safely tucked away. DARN!!

I replaced my stock 16's with AMG 18's last summer. The car does handle much better but the ride is stiffer. The improved handling and looks are worth it in my book!

Best of luck!

G-Benz · #8 02-19-2003, 03:54 PM

Congrats on your sweet purchase!

Sorry about the snow guys but I (ahem) dropped the top on Monday and went for a little cruise...

CDNC36AMG · #9 02-21-2003, 08:53 PM

GB, I don't know what's more cruel, pointing out that you got a little top down drive or the massive winter storm coming right at us from Texas...lol.

spinedoc · #10 02-23-2003, 08:47 PM

Im in the same boat, just got a good foot and a half on Mon/Tues so I wont be taking the top off of my NEW SL for a couple of months.

Oh well, Ican loosen the top up play with it at least, haha.

#11 02-24-2003, 12:33 PM

Re: 16 vs. 18

The ride will definitely stiffen with 18" wheels. How smooth are the roads you usually drive upon? The 16" wheel/tire combination offers a taller tire sidewall that absorbs more road shock, allowing for a softer ride. The taller sidewall provides less chance of a pothole compressing the sidewall to the point where it comes into contact with the rim and triggers a blowout.

A few years ago, a friend of mine and I were visiting a dealer looking at a new R129. At that time, we spotted a SL500 with a blown tire and broken rim parked nearby. We knew the car and questioned the salesman, who said that the owner brought the car in several times previously with the same type of damage. Bad roads and the owner's occupation (professional drag racer) undoubtedly played a role in this, but still, a word to the wise.

spinedoc · #12 02-24-2003, 08:58 PM

My 18" inch rims look phenomenal, but the ride is a littly sucky and they do rub with potholes or u-turns. I think I may look into some 17's, someone already offered me 2500 bucks for my rims tonight.

What do AMG monoblocks go for these days?

Roger65 · #13 02-25-2003, 04:33 AM

AMG 18" monoblocks, one piece, can be found for $400-$450 each depending on the width. That is new wheels only, no tires. Chrome costs more.

CDNC36AMG · #14 02-26-2003, 09:47 PM

Thanks for the responses, I'd like to get a bit of an improvement in handling as it feels a little soft to me but I don't want to ruin the ride.

I've used the tirerack website and have to say I could really go for the BBS RM11's in a 17". Sweet looking action!

Eli (NJ) · #15 02-27-2003, 09:53 AM

I think 17" wheels are the best compromise here, they give the car a little sharper handling while keeping a decent ride. I take turns pretty fast (always drove sports cars) and my car keeps up well enough. Of course, I always recommend the AMG Mono II's, they look fabulous on the SL.
Eli.