I posted this on another forum and am interested to see what you guys over here think.

I've searched but not found a definitive answer for this one and would greatly appreciate some good info. I'm looking to replace the OEM wheels on my 1999 SL500. I like the wider and taller look of the AMG Sport Package wheel/tire combination. The recommended staggered AMG replacements are 8.5 x 18 ET25 for the front and 9.5 x 18 ET23 for the rear. I occasionally see wheels I like that are for (or from) the R230 SL or the CL but the offsets are all over the place: 40, 35, 33, 28, etc.

What is the impact of the offset? Can you just use longer lug bolts or would you need a spacer? Is a spacer a bad idea? Would the ride degrade? Would there be a greater chance of bending the wheel? Any issue with wobble at high speeds?

Basically, I am being told to stay with the recommended AMG set up. Agree or disagree?

The greater the number , the more the wheel moves toward the INSIDE of the car.
I.e. if you have an ET of 40 & install 10 mm spacers, your ET would be 30.
Seeing that you already have a very low ET ( with the large rims & tires you have ), I would think that you may run into clearence issues.
Some of the potential problem areas would be brake caliper, shocks, suspension components, etc.
I would stick with what you have.
Btw. spacers are somewhat of a compromise, that I would avoid.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

second manny, forgo the idea of spacers. (aside of pro track use)
proper wheel/hub contact is critical to handling, as is offset.
you can stray a little from the stock offset, keeping width in account;
increasing narrows stance, cornering harder, while decreasing will widen, providing overall stability.
keeing under et30 would be good in your fitment. $.02