Need advice on size and source for 17" rims/tires on 96 SL500. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

spinedoc · #1 04-18-2003, 03:13 PM

Hey guys, Im looking to replace my factory SL500 tires/rims. Its a crying shame bc it has brand NEW yokohama avids, but they are only 16". Im looking for 17 inch rims/tires. I had 18 on my 1991 500SL and hated the ride, and got tired of no shops having my tires in stock.

Im very much leaning towards the AMG wheels, but I only see them offered in 18 inch size. Can anyone recommend a source for OEM AMG rims in 17", and recommend some decent high performance tires to go along with them?

What are you guys thoughts on the ride, comfort, quietness of a 16 vs. 17 vs. 18 inch rims?? What are the "official" stock OEM tire sizes of a 17" rim?

Thanx much.

Chiragp · #2 04-19-2003, 10:00 PM

I know a neighbor who has the exact same combo on their car. The wheels he had weighed close to 31lbs w/o tires. Thats why he had such a horrible ride. He went to AMG 5-spoke wheels and is much happier. I would suggest for 17s, to go with the OEM SL500 wheels either of the new ones or the older ones. They both should fit without any problems. Ebay has them and even seen them new with tires going for about $500-$850 depending on the seller.

Chiragp · #3 04-19-2003, 10:00 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2411630948&category=33748

spinedoc · #4 04-20-2003, 05:55 PM

Yes but Im looking for AMG.

Chiragp · #5 04-20-2003, 08:00 PM

AMG will be found in the more performance oriented versions...therefore most likely in 18s for your car.

Sorry but 17" AMGs for your car are probably not had. However, you could probably get 17x8.5" monoblocks (rear size for CLK, SLK, and C-class cars) and put them all 4 all around. That should fit if you want AMGs, although I'm not sure about meeting load ratings for your car. Ask Luke.

need2speed · #6 04-21-2003, 03:45 PM

Tire Rack lists several 17" AMG wheels for your SL500. May I recommend the Monoblock II in 17x8.5 with 245/45R-17 Michelin Pilot Sports?

Chiragp · #7 04-22-2003, 12:46 PM

Need2Speed is right, there are some AMGs in 17s that fit your car. I meant to say there are none specifically designed for your SL. If you want the AMG stamp, and 17s the best price is on the AMG 5-spoke 203 (found on the CLKs from 02+ on their Sport package) and look very sport. Also $299 compared to the monoblocks which are $319, and the 5-spoke 170s which are $359. 245/45/17s are the proper size as well. Just find a tire more touring bias then performance bias if you wish to have a smoother ride.

Luke@tirerack · #8 04-22-2003, 02:35 PM

MercedesShop wheel search

spinedoc · #9 04-24-2003, 04:58 PM

Luke, Im checking out the AMG 5-spoke 203 and the AMG Aero II Monoblock both in 17", but Im not sure which one to go with. I filtered search to only chrome wheels, please confirm that these are both chrome at $439.

OK if I go with these wheels what tires should I be looking at? What is the "Official" OEM tire size recommended? I would like a performance tire with a lot of comfort to it. Keep in mind that I am very scared off by the ride of an 18" tire and I am not a daily racer, just a daily commuter.

Thanx much.

spinedoc · #10 04-24-2003, 05:00 PM

Oops just saw the search recommends 245/45 and it also confirms they are both chrome. OK so what tire do you guys recommend for this ride? I am leaning a bit towards the monoblock, but do they say AMG on them?

spinedoc · #11 04-24-2003, 05:07 PM

Sigh, looking at the monoblocks with Sumitomo HTRz II but saying they are out of stock with a ship date of 5/17/03, that wont work. How long do "special orders" take.

Also still taking suggestions on what tire to get.

jjrodger · #12 04-26-2003, 05:23 PM

My Mercedes-Benz wheel catalogue recommends the following sizes:

8J x 16 ET 34 with 225/55 R 16 tyres

8.25J x 17 ET 34 with 245/45 R 17 tyres (recommends 235/45 R 17 on the front axle for pre-06/98 cars)

Most AMG wheels properly offered for the SL are in 18" sizes:

Front: 8.5J x 18 ET 25 with 245/40 R 18 tyres
Rear: 9.5 J x 18 ET 23 with 275/35 R 18 tyres
Also on the rear: 10J x 18 ET 25 with 275/35 R 18 tyres

However, the AMG Disc Wheel (Composite, Style II) is available in 17" size:

Front: 8.5J x 17 ET 18 with 235/45 R 17 tyres
Rear: 10J x 17 ET 17 with 265/40 R 17 tyres

Body work modification is required for all AMG wheels on a pre- 06/98 car (presumably "fender rolling" to prevent rubbing).

spinedoc · #13 04-27-2003, 11:54 AM

Thanx JJ, Im glad at least one person knows the right size for my SL on this forum. The fender rolling is exactly why I dont want the 18" wheels, but I still want AMG.

Anyone know of a place that sells the AMG chrome, probably the monoblocks, in the 17" size? Im ready to buy a set and a set of the Sumitomo's. I figure they will handle better than my current 16" and will not be as noisy/harsh as 18", and will not need any fender modification.

Jim's500E · #14 05-05-2003, 10:38 AM

Hey Doc...I have the Sumitomos HTR-ZIIs on my 500E...245/45/17...they are a real decent tire for dry weather but not for any rain or snow.