How about a 17" 8-hole replica? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

500SL4ME · #1 05-18-2010, 08:42 PM

I think this would be a big seller. I'd like to stay stock looking but would like the benefit of a lower profile wider tire than the stock 16" offers.

JohnM. · #2 05-18-2010, 09:03 PM

I'd buy a set! That is one of my favorite stock 17" wheel designs that you never ever see. Weren't they an option on the 500E?

lkchris · #3 05-19-2010, 11:47 AM

Curious what you think would be "benefits" other than looks.

Offsetting the really unlikely situation that you'll be able to benefit from a higher skidpad number are

bigger tires are more expensive
bigger tires have poorer wet/snow traction
bigger tires create poorer fuel economy
bigger typically means lower profile which means poorer ride
bigger typically means lower profile which increases liklihood of flatspotting.

JohnM. · #4 05-19-2010, 12:06 PM

Bigger tires also decrease braking distance. Bigger tires improve "road feel" and stability at high speeds. Cost difference is negligible. 17" tires are no longer big by industry standards. Look at how many OE cars have 17" tires from the factory now compared to lets say, 1995?

Not sure about decreasing MPG. If anything I think the rolling resistance of a 225/45/17 tire is less than a 195/65/15 tire. I got 26MPG @ 80mph coming back from Albuquerque > Denver on 4 nearly bald low-pro 17" tires.

Snow traction with a wide tire is definitely an issue compared to a skinnier tire. But a dedicated snow tire in the proper size will perform just as well. Wet traction I disagree. Depends on the tire brand/style! My dedicated summer 17's are the bees-knees in the rain.

Flatspotting is a moot point unless you are running DONK 20's or have a really skinny profile and a really heavy car that sits without being moved. I have never heard of flatspotting occurring with 17's.

500SL4ME · #5 05-20-2010, 09:10 AM

They would look better for starters by filling out the wheel well better. And even on dry pavement my SL will kick traction control on if I am working hard so a little more rubber on the road would help while maintaining a stock look. An I am not interested in the ride that comes with bigger than 17. By today's standards 17 is a small wheel.

If economomy were a concern, this woudl be the wrong car choice all together.

lkchris · #6 05-20-2010, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnM.

17" tires are no longer big by industry standards.

So what? They're still bigger than the original 15s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnM.

Not sure about decreasing MPG. If anything I think the rolling resistance of a 225/45/17 tire is less than a 195/65/15 tire.

You'd be mistaken.

Also note that wheels weigh more than tires, so with the bigger wheel/tire you'll be moving more weight.

JohnM. · #7 05-20-2010, 12:32 PM

If you drive your car like a fuddy duddy, stock 15" wheels are fine. The old adage of upgrading wheels for the best results is stock wheel size PLUS 2". Anything more and you will have ride quality, handling, and tire issues.

For the most part, the positives outweigh the negatives 15 > 17".

Anyone got a pic of 17" 8 Holes?

500SL4ME · #8 05-20-2010, 06:41 PM

How about a wheel replica manufacturer commenting, that might add some value.