I need help with wheels!

jimojameso · 05-22-2007

Next week i finally pick up my slk 280. I can't lower it but want to stick some alloy wheels on. Want 19s really but dont want the car to look high. Should i buy 18s or 19s and has anyone got any pics of a standard slk with 18s or 19s. Thanks for any help. Im pulling my hair out trying to decide!!

DansSlk · 05-22-2007

19s look fine on the SLK mate nothing bigger tho.

There are lots of members on here with aftermarket wheels check out Ynot's images to start cause he has some real high res pics of em

**Ynot** · 05-22-2007

My vote goes to 19"s, it will look high, look at bmwnomore's recent pic of 19"s DCR w/o springs, it looks okay but will look much better lowered. Also, the 280 has smaller brakes, with 19"s your brake's going to look even smaller, don't know if that's an issue for you, so 18"s might be a better option.

412driver · 05-22-2007

Plenty of pictures around here, if you find someones car you really like, PM them for info. Its hard to tell sizes from photos. Anyone got the website for the wheel place that allows you to view on the car? I saw it a while back but can't find it now. You and Webslinger are our 2 expectant fathers, hope you two survive the stress. Enjoy my friend, tou are in good hands here....

**Ynot** · 05-22-2007

www.tirerack.com is what I think you are looking for.

**-1-** · 05-22-2007

Yup, I'm a wheel nut. Minimum 18" and maximum 19" wheels for the SLK. Depending on brand and style, they sometimes dictate whether you can get 18" or 19" wheels. I believe Doug is referring to the TireRack.com. They have many wheels available and you see what they look like on the SLK. Check the picture threads in the various forums for what others have gone with. Almost everyone has a suggestion or a preference. GET WHAT YOU LIKE.

**Cold Shot** · 05-22-2007

Dan, if I go to the MB dealer for the work, will they lower the car and later honor the warranty on my new 55? I want 19's as well, and would consider lowering if I am not screwing myself later.

DansSlk · 05-22-2007

That depends on what you use to lower the car mate.

Using non approved parts will void the warranty on the surrounding components also because they can tie it all back to the replaced part but (and i really don't mean for this to sound like a sales pitch i assure you) if you use a Brabus approved place and the stuff they sell i.e Brabus marked parts no matter who actually makes them then you will have a Brabus warranty on them and any parts related basically keeping your warranty intact.

That of course also applies to other makes who offer a warranty that has all the coverage of MB's the only problem is finding fitters for instance if the dealer fits a COMAND to your car its covered under warranty if you do it the quality of the work will be the same / better but no warranty same with most aftermarket stuff so you need to find an approved place to do the work.

Hope this helps mate,
Dan

412driver · 05-22-2007

Tire Rack.com is it. Just found it. Thanks guys.

Banned · 05-23-2007

Im driving 19´´ without lowering, just no.1 spring rubbers in the back. 19´´ rims are lifting your car a little bit. Former: 6400rpm at 260km/h now 5950rpm at 260km/h.

There is no problem with the warranty if you lower the car if you take springs from the good brands. Brabus is buying springs from them like everyone - they just sell them for double, that´s the only difference.

N4PWJ · 05-23-2007

i'd go 18's if you cant lower yoru car mate. i have 19's and drove aournd for a few weeks minus lowering and it doesn't look half as good with the large gaps. 18's give a smaller gap if your not lowering. ideally 19's and springs work a treat.
I would def lower it as it doesnt ruin your warranty.

Banned · 05-23-2007

Really too high Peter ?

http://www.slkworld.com/attachments/...covered051.jpg

MCFaisal · 05-23-2007

On my R170 I am putting H&R Springs and Bilstein shocks, then im gonna throw some 17s on it. The springs and shocks together lower the car 2'' both front and back. Springs and shocks wont void the warrenty. Rare case result when you dont know what your doing and either buy crappy aftermarket parts or just get springs and not shocks or shocks and not springs. Make sure if you get high performance springs, have good shocks to match them.

**alroumi** · 05-23-2007

Go with Monoblock V1's Brabus in 19" with Brabus lowerin springs they look terrific on the slk and suite it well.

N4PWJ · 05-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by OWL-SLK

Really too high Peter ?

http://www.slkworld.com/attachments/...covered051.jpg

wow Gero i never knew yours wasn't lowered. it looks spot on without being lowered.
I know for a fact when mine sat standard on 19's i thought it was far too high, but yours seems to sit alot squatter than mine did.

**Cold Shot** · 05-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

That depends on what you use to lower the car mate.

Using non approved parts will void the warranty on the surrounding components also because they can tie it all back to the replaced part but (and i really don't mean for this to sound like a sales pitch i assure you) if you use a Brabus approved place and the stuff they sell i.e Brabus marked parts no matter who actually makes them then you will have a Brabus warranty on them and any parts related basically keeping your warranty intact.

That of course also applies to other makes who offer a warranty that has all the coverage of MB's the only problem is finding fitters for instance if the dealer fits a COMAND to your car its covered under warranty if you do it the quality of the work will be the same / better but no warranty same with most aftermarket stuff so you need to find an approved place to do the work.

Hope this helps mate,
Dan

Thanks Dan. My MB dealer is a Brabus shop as well, so it looks like I will be in good shape.

DansSlk · 05-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cold Shot

Thanks Dan. My MB dealer is a Brabus shop as well, so it looks like I will be in good shape.

Yep you will be fine mate.

jliu · 05-24-2007

But while I respect Brabus ... their rims are crap. Heavy heavy heavy and weak weak weak. I've had multisets of brabus rims and I don't even want to get into how many times I've bent #'s of rims.

I've used Renntech 19s, Carllsson ULs 19s and Renntech 18s. I don't believe the car looked higher using 19s vs the 18s. If anything the overall diameter of the 19s is great than the 18s slightly. As such the gap is almost unnoticably slimmer.

If you want to decide between 18s and 19s ... it comes down to 3 or 4 things :
1. Looks - without question IMHO 19s look better
2. Comfort - 18s by far more comfortable.
3. Tires - you get many more choices with 18 vs 19
4. Weight - obviously a 18 vs 19 of same make and model 18 will be lighter.

I have gone down to 18s recently and will look to see what size spring pads I have. If I can I'll go to the thinner ones. It won't make that big a difference though.

Instead of spending all that money on expensive Brabus Rims ... either save money and get some a lot cheaper for the same quality OR take the same amount of money and get really good rims. Fiske, Renntech, HRE, Carlsson ULs, BBS just to name a few.

DansSlk · 05-24-2007

I agree Brabus don't exactly make the best wheels mate i was just referring to using a Brabus suspension setup (or at least Brabus branded since they don't make them themselves) for warranty purposes as far as i am aware rims can be changed to basically whatever you want without warranty problems so the choice is huge.

Personally i like 19s and whenever i am working on M cars or the AMG's fitted with them i do find myself thinking damn they look good, not sure what it is about 18s they just don't appeal to me so much.

jliu · 05-24-2007

Yeah the 18s just seem a bit small ... even though the slk is a small car.

Of course the brakes look that much bigger on 18s

I went down to 18s because of tire selection. While there are some R compound tires in 19s there is more selection for 18s. Also for drag slicks I don't think anything is made for our sizes in 19s.

Right now even the Michelin cup tires don't give enough traction on launch.

05-22-2007	#1 (permalink)
jimojameso SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: London Posts: 10 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I need help with wheels! Next week i finally pick up my slk 280. I can't lower it but want to stick some alloy wheels on. Want 19s really but dont want the car to look high. Should i buy 18s or 19s and has anyone got any pics of a standard slk with 18s or 19s. Thanks for any help. Im pulling my hair out trying to decide!!

05-22-2007	#2 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	19s look fine on the SLK mate nothing bigger tho. There are lots of members on here with aftermarket wheels check out Ynot's images to start cause he has some real high res pics of em __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

05-22-2007	#3 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	My vote goes to 19"s, it will look high, look at bmwnomore's recent pic of 19"s DCR w/o springs, it looks okay but will look much better lowered. Also, the 280 has smaller brakes, with 19"s your brake's going to look even smaller, don't know if that's an issue for you, so 18"s might be a better option. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-22-2007	#5 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	www.tirerack.com is what I think you are looking for. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-22-2007	#6 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,224 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	Yup, I'm a wheel nut. Minimum 18" and maximum 19" wheels for the SLK. Depending on brand and style, they sometimes dictate whether you can get 18" or 19" wheels. I believe Doug is referring to the TireRack.com. They have many wheels available and you see what they look like on the SLK. Check the picture threads in the various forums for what others have gone with. Almost everyone has a suggestion or a preference. GET WHAT YOU LIKE. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

05-22-2007	#4 (permalink)
412driver Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salisbury North Carolina USA Vehicle: 99 SLK230 Other Toys: TOO MANY TOYS Posts: 1,010 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Plenty of pictures around here, if you find someones car you really like, PM them for info. Its hard to tell sizes from photos. Anyone got the website for the wheel place that allows you to view on the car? I saw it a while back but can't find it now. You and Webslinger are our 2 expectant fathers, hope you two survive the stress. Enjoy my friend, tou are in good hands here....

05-22-2007	#7 (permalink)
Cold Shot Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Vehicle: 2007 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 ML 350 Posts: 615 Country: Thanks: 83 Thanked 67 Times in 33 Posts	Dan, if I go to the MB dealer for the work, will they lower the car and later honor the warranty on my new 55? I want 19's as well, and would consider lowering if I am not screwing myself later. __________________ "Like a Cold Shot, baby" - Stevie Ray Vaughan To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2007 Black/Black SLK55 AMG (Green Filters, SmartTop V1, Eurolight Clear Side Markers, R170 Modded Antenna) 2007 Pewter/Black ML350 19xx White/Blonde Wife (Lmtd Edition Model)

05-22-2007	#8 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	That depends on what you use to lower the car mate. Using non approved parts will void the warranty on the surrounding components also because they can tie it all back to the replaced part but (and i really don't mean for this to sound like a sales pitch i assure you) if you use a Brabus approved place and the stuff they sell i.e Brabus marked parts no matter who actually makes them then you will have a Brabus warranty on them and any parts related basically keeping your warranty intact. That of course also applies to other makes who offer a warranty that has all the coverage of MB's the only problem is finding fitters for instance if the dealer fits a COMAND to your car its covered under warranty if you do it the quality of the work will be the same / better but no warranty same with most aftermarket stuff so you need to find an approved place to do the work. Hope this helps mate, Dan __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

05-22-2007	#9 (permalink)
412driver Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salisbury North Carolina USA Vehicle: 99 SLK230 Other Toys: TOO MANY TOYS Posts: 1,010 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tire Rack.com is it. Just found it. Thanks guys.

05-23-2007	#10 (permalink)
Banned Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,167 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Im driving 19´´ without lowering, just no.1 spring rubbers in the back. 19´´ rims are lifting your car a little bit. Former: 6400rpm at 260km/h now 5950rpm at 260km/h. There is no problem with the warranty if you lower the car if you take springs from the good brands. Brabus is buying springs from them like everyone - they just sell them for double, that´s the only difference.

05-23-2007	#11 (permalink)
N4PWJ Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Belfast,N.Ireland Vehicle: 2006,slk280,carlsson Other Toys: Caterham Posts: 1,417 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	i'd go 18's if you cant lower yoru car mate. i have 19's and drove aournd for a few weeks minus lowering and it doesn't look half as good with the large gaps. 18's give a smaller gap if your not lowering. ideally 19's and springs work a treat. I would def lower it as it doesnt ruin your warranty.

05-23-2007	#12 (permalink)
Banned Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,167 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Really too high Peter ? http://www.slkworld.com/attachments/...covered051.jpg

05-23-2007	#13 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	On my R170 I am putting H&R Springs and Bilstein shocks, then im gonna throw some 17s on it. The springs and shocks together lower the car 2'' both front and back. Springs and shocks wont void the warrenty. Rare case result when you dont know what your doing and either buy crappy aftermarket parts or just get springs and not shocks or shocks and not springs. Make sure if you get high performance springs, have good shocks to match them.

05-23-2007	#14 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	Go with Monoblock V1's Brabus in 19" with Brabus lowerin springs they look terrific on the slk and suite it well. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

05-24-2007	#18 (permalink)
jliu Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bay Area, SF Posts: 184 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	hate to disagree But while I respect Brabus ... their rims are crap. Heavy heavy heavy and weak weak weak. I've had multisets of brabus rims and I don't even want to get into how many times I've bent #'s of rims. I've used Renntech 19s, Carllsson ULs 19s and Renntech 18s. I don't believe the car looked higher using 19s vs the 18s. If anything the overall diameter of the 19s is great than the 18s slightly. As such the gap is almost unnoticably slimmer. If you want to decide between 18s and 19s ... it comes down to 3 or 4 things : 1. Looks - without question IMHO 19s look better 2. Comfort - 18s by far more comfortable. 3. Tires - you get many more choices with 18 vs 19 4. Weight - obviously a 18 vs 19 of same make and model 18 will be lighter. I have gone down to 18s recently and will look to see what size spring pads I have. If I can I'll go to the thinner ones. It won't make that big a difference though. Instead of spending all that money on expensive Brabus Rims ... either save money and get some a lot cheaper for the same quality OR take the same amount of money and get really good rims. Fiske, Renntech, HRE, Carlsson ULs, BBS just to name a few.

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05-24-2007	#19 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I agree Brabus don't exactly make the best wheels mate i was just referring to using a Brabus suspension setup (or at least Brabus branded since they don't make them themselves) for warranty purposes as far as i am aware rims can be changed to basically whatever you want without warranty problems so the choice is huge. Personally i like 19s and whenever i am working on M cars or the AMG's fitted with them i do find myself thinking damn they look good, not sure what it is about 18s they just don't appeal to me so much. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

05-24-2007	#20 (permalink)
jliu Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bay Area, SF Posts: 184 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	18s vs 19s Yeah the 18s just seem a bit small ... even though the slk is a small car. Of course the brakes look that much bigger on 18s I went down to 18s because of tire selection. While there are some R compound tires in 19s there is more selection for 18s. Also for drag slicks I don't think anything is made for our sizes in 19s. Right now even the Michelin cup tires don't give enough traction on launch.