So I found these on eBay... They're not Eurotech (a brand I've heard many people having issues with) but they're still a knockoff, so I'm a bit apprehensive.

19" MERCEDES AVANTGARDE SL63 STYLE WHEELS RIMS CL S CLS:eBay Motors (item 370307517520 end time Dec-22-09 21:38:30 PST)

These wheels come WITH tires (General UHP seen here: Tire Details - Discount Tire ).

I'm most concerned about the fronts. The 245 tread width seems a bit wide, but the overall diameter is only going to increase by .7" according to my calculations on the aspect ratios. Offset is same as factory.

Ironically, the rear's overall diameter will decrease by .5"..,

On the rears, I thought about specifying the +25mm offset. Our wheels are +36mm, but most people end up putting on 10mm spacers to widen the track. I figured it would be as broad as it is long to simply get the wheels that would stick out the additional 10mm and be done with it, PLUS have the meatier "deep" offset in the rear which looks pretty tough IMO. That way, I could theoretically use the factory lug bolts (prodiving the lug seating depth is the same on these wheels) and bypass having to order longer bolts.

I think the combo would look killer, I've always loved the SL63 wheels. I think it would be super clean with the white.

Advice greatly appreciated

 

The look of those wheels will be awesome with a big "A."

I would agree with your math.

Smaller rear diameter will give you an infintesimly small advantage on launch. But no opertional negatives I can see.

One more bright spot. They will be much easier to clean than the stock wheels.

This style of wheel looks great on the Xfire.


roadster with a stick

 

Thanks Franc. I'm thinking these will be a hit.

I'm bumping this thread for another question... TPMS related:

I'm assuming that they'll include TPMS stems with the new tires since they're specified for Mercedes. IF they're included, can the new ones be programmed to communicate with my car's system? Or will I need to swap out the stems from my existing wheels? I'd hate to have to do the latter, as I'll get socked with mounting charges for eight tires. If I must go this route, I'll simply buy the wheels w/o tires and get the brand of my choice (NITTO 555).

Keep the advice coming folks. I want to do it right the first time and not lose any OEM function.

Thanks,

John

 

You need to stay with the OEM tpms.

 

Like you say, John, KILLER lookin' wheels.

As far as tires, lowering both front and rear aspect ratios (like you're doing) is the way to go. I run 30's in the rear, and you might be surprised how 'empty' the rear wheel well is going to look. I'm OK with it, tho.

Any way, the rears should do fine, but I'd be worried about the fronts, too. I'm running 235's and can barely squeeze a finger tip between the tire and the upper control arm nut. And going to the 35 aspect ratio will not help running 245's. You WILL get some rubbing on the fender wells (no biggy), but I would hate to shred a tire on that darn nut. Might need a spacer.

But go ahead and do it. Let us know if it works.


PS: only had the car for a week, and you're already tossing money at it?

PPS: be aware that with the five spoke, you're brake calipers are highly prominent. Might need some more pretty benz parts.

 

John,

The wheels will look awesome, expecially on your color. I would be SHOCKED if TPMS came with this package as it is a pricey undertaking for 4 wheels and if it was included, I am sure they would use it as a selling point. Go with XF OEM TPMS if you require it.

I like that you are wasting no time on your girl, I had a majority of my modding done within a few months of having the car. It allowed me to enjoy it and now that I have bought my first home (last Monday was closing) the priorities are gonna have to change a little. Glad I was smart enough to get her the way I want while I was able.....

 

JOHN STEP AWAY FROM THE CAR!!!! what happened to driving her for a while?
i say no to the wheels. not for the looks but for the spacers. dont like em dont use em! search the benz sites for the wheels with proper offsets for your styling looks. also remember changing the aspects and rim size will affect your speedo and change the odometer readings
ie: my 32 comes with 245/40-17 tires . going to 265/35-18 tires and the speedo changes from 65 to 65.6 with the different wheels. not much but a change none the less. i have seen some as much as 5 mph different
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...foTireMath.jsp
http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs...tem=Wheel-Tire

these sites should help you decide what size you will want

 

JHM2K, I believe there is a black roadster on ebay with those very wheels on it if you want to check. Sorry I don't how to post the link...lol
oops, I think they are just a little different, but close

 

JHM2K
I think those wheels would look awsome on your car ,,,have you posted any pics of your new ride ? I would like to see it .

Howard

 

hey john how about a set with nittos or vredsteins with almost perfect offsets!! a little different style but close to what you are looking for
New 19" SL63 Replicas - MBWorld.org Forums

heres a really sick set!! remember it took me almost a yr to finally get the right set for my car. this takes time
http://www.mbworld.org/forums/wheels...-new-t1rs.html

 

Steve, you're a hoot brother. I knew you'd be razzing me about being anxious to mod, LOL...

Top ones are indeed nice, just a bit busier than I'd prefer though. Bottom ones are a definite no-go as I don't think black wheels look "at home" on a white car. Not mine, at least.

So I was doing some thinking, and I was trying to remember who all is running 19" front wheels. After all, part of the reason we have this forum is to see other people's documented trial and error. Then I narrowed it down to those running 19's w/o spacers, as I REALLY don't like the idea of slapping extra metal on the hub. The first person that came to mind was Dan (cgocifer). His wheel setup is perfect IMO, and he's even dropped. Sure enough, his wheels are exact same specs as the ones I provided in the first link:

19x8.5 with 32mm offset, with the rears being 19x9.5 with a 25mm offset. His look perfect, and he has zero interference with the suspension bolts.

The thing I also focused on was tire sizes. He's running a 225 up front.

As with most internet-based wheel companies, I can call them and probably specify 225 series rubber on the fronts. Worst case scenario, I'll simply tell them to ship the wheels without tires and I'll buy the tires locally. I have a Discount Tire store within a mile of my house, so I can just give them some business. I did the numbers and I'd actually come out a few dollars cheaper, AND get lifetime balancing/rotating since I bought from them. This would solve my TPMS concerns, and keep everything factory fresh.

So, my plan is as follows: Order the wheels in my initial post, 32/25 front and rear offsets, respectively, and get my own brand and size of tire mounted locally. I'll most likely go with Nitto 555 or Invo.

My setup will be virtually identical to that of cgocifer's, and will require no spacers. The good news is that when I install the Vogtland springs eventually, I know my wheel combo will still work because they work beautifully on his.

Howard, I'm with you, I think the SL63 rims would be perfect. I DO need to get some pics up asap, it's just that the weather has been rotten this past week. It's completely stock, basic Alabaster Limited Coupe. It's in showroom condition though.

And yeah bluedog, the calipers will definitely be addressed soon. I think the C32 setup with the OEM drilled C32 rotors would look mean. In due time, though. I'm not in a terrible hurry to do all of this, but I'm hoping to have most of it installed by the time the spring Dragon run takes place.

 

sounds like a good plan john.
something to consider. and this is no razz on the car.... do you really need 555r tires? its a limited so you wont have the power of the srt-6 unless you go turbo or the like. i dont see you racing the car as much as cruizin and showing the car, so mybe a more comfortable all season tire that wont be quite as expensive. just a thought.

oh yeah my bottecellis will be here tues!!!! ho ho to me!!

 

Believe it or not, the 555s are the 3rd/4th cheapest tire on Discount Tire's list for the tire sizes I specified. I wouldn't be opposed to running the Gerneral UHP tires, I think they're just a hair cheaper but currently not stocked at our location. The Nittos are in stock, however. I've always been a strong supporter of Nitto so I figured I might as well get great tires for the same price as "good" tires.

But you're absolutely right, I won't be racing this one. As for tearing it up in the twisties, I'll most certainly be doing that. But that only accounts for 5% of my driving so the UHPs may prove adequate after all.

I think that is the tire maxcichon is running, if memory serves me correctly. He seems to love them.

**EDIT** By the way congrats on the Botticellis!!! That's awesome bro. You'll have to swing by and show 'em off once you get them installed.

 

John,
Make sure you have clearence on your wheels if you want to use the C32 brakes up front. I put the C32 rotors and calipers on my SRT6 and had to add 10mm spacers with factory SRT wheels. They do work very good and look good too.

 

f the cost isnt to high then the 555r are a great tire. i love mine on the track and driving them home was decent even in the rain.
when i get my oz's and rotors on we will have to do a foto shoot!! should be fun!

 

john check this nlink out. the offsets are 44 and that may be the killer ofn the deal but he is only asking 750 shipped for the set with tires!FS: W209 H&R Springs and CLK63 Rep Rims - MBWorld.org Forums

heres some forge star rims. flow formed series run about 1500 a set. http://www.forgestar.com/v1/f05.php

 

John, Max is running the Falken 452's, as am I (on my summer rims). They are a fantastic tire and although the MSRP is high, they are usually available considerably cheaper (check ebay to see if they have your sizes). The last 2 dragons when everyone else was sliding around and Tom almost went off the mountain, those 452s kept me GLUED to the road. Just my 0.02

 

I'll vouch for the "glued to the road", and the N/A's have plenty of HP for the mountain twisties...

 

heres your brabus vi's baby!!

FS: Brabus Monoblock VI 18" staggered for C-class & C32/C55 AMG with TOYO tires - MBWorld.org Forums

check out this company.
dont be rubbin on them slr wheels!!!!
http://www.powerwheelspro.com/shop/index.php?cPath=23

 

Couldn't see the pics, I have to be a member.

This guy's set is all 18's tho, and he's pretty adamant about not shipping these things, and he's in NYC.

Here's the Brabus model I was referencing...

Brabus_VI_multi_S_3.jpg

To catch everyone else up, Steve and I were talking about the Monoblock VI as an alternate. Having a big fat lip in the rear sure would be nice!!