R129 on 20's?

[C270 CDI]

Hi all, probably been asked many times but I can't seem to find any information on the subject - but can I fit a set of 20's to my 96(P) 320SL?
I'm looking at a set of Calibre CC-V 20 inch wheels, they're selling them to fit the CLS (and apparently they fit SL all models 1990 on), and are 8.5 front and 10 rear.
Does anyone know if they will fit the SL without having do do any mods?

Thanks.

20" MERCEDES CLS ALLOY WHEELS AND TYRES WITH 10X20 WIDER CONCAVE REARS

 

[Doodle]

8.5 and 10 are standard width for AMG split wheels so no issues there. The unknown factor is the offset, which they haven't mentioned. You might also find the cruise control and traction control grumble about the differential between front and rear sizes.

Oh, and it'll ride like a bag of spanners.

 

[C270 CDI]

Why would it ride like a bag of spanners? To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed with the ride anyway - I know it's an old car and the suspension isn't up to the standard of a more modern car, but it wallows around like a boat. I was hoping if I put bigger wheels on it and stiffen up the springs (or even go down the coilover route) then it might drive a little bit sharper.
So what offset would I need for correct wheel fitment?

 

[AkisGr]

Hi all, probably been asked many times but I can't seem to find any information on the subject - but can I fit a set of 20's to my 96(P) 320SL?
I'm looking at a set of Calibre CC-V 20 inch wheels, they're selling them to fit the CLS (and apparently they fit SL all models 1990 on), and are 8.5 front and 10 rear.
Does anyone know if they will fit the SL without having do do any mods?

Thanks.

20" MERCEDES CLS ALLOY WHEELS AND TYRES WITH 10X20 WIDER CONCAVE REARS

The offset is 33 and 35 (front/rear) but even though i think 20's will fit your SL,there is no info on 20's on here:
Mercedes-Benz Fitting Chart and Wheel Fitment Guide | Alloy Wheels Direct

You will have no issue with the offset. Even if u do,just use some spacers and your done.

 

[Doodle]

Why would it ride like a bag of spanners? To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed with the ride anyway - I know it's an old car and the suspension isn't up to the standard of a more modern car, but it wallows around like a boat. I was hoping if I put bigger wheels on it and stiffen up the springs (or even go down the coilover route) then it might drive a little bit sharper.
So what offset would I need for correct wheel fitment?

Big heavy wheels mean lots of unsprung weight, which is bad. Microscopic sidewalls will simply make the ride harsh with zero performance benefit. Leave them to the pimps and drug dealers.

If you want it to drive better, sort the root cause - tired suspension. Renew bushes where required, H&R springs and Bilstein shocks. 17 or 18" wheels with good performance tyres. Tried, tested and proven - I've been running this setup for the last 4 or 5 years.

Standard offset for the multi-piece AMG wheels ranges between ET17-ET25

 

[AkisGr]

Big heavy wheels mean lots of unsprung weight, which is bad. Microscopic sidewalls will simply make the ride harsh with zero performance benefit. Leave them to the pimps and drug dealers.

If you want it to drive better, sort the root cause - tired suspension. Renew bushes where required, H&R springs and Bilstein shocks. 17 or 18" wheels with good performance tyres. Tried, tested and proven - I've been running this setup for the last 4 or 5 years.

Standard offset for the multi-piece AMG wheels ranges between ET17-ET25

You don't understand. The Op dosn't mention anything about comfort,performance or better drive. He just want it to look better.And seeks answer for his question ,not for something else.
Just saying..

 

[C270 CDI]

Cheers Doodle, I get where you're coming from and your answers are helpful - I think a full bush change although pricey can only have a positive effect.
But Akis made the point that what I want more than anything is to make the car look a lot better - at the moment it's on 17's and the wheels are hidden in the arches, I want to go for a much more aggressive look, and to be honest can put up with a slightly harsher ride. I know it's not what the purists agree with but if I was after keeping everything stock and original I would have bought a better car to start with. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to look like a boy racer or a drug dealer, but I like cars with bigger wheels.

 

[Doodle]

You don't understand. The Op dosn't mention anything about comfort,performance or better drive. He just want it to look better.And seeks answer for his question ,not for something else.
Just saying..

Really?

So you completely failed to read the bit where I gave him answers to his original question regarding sizes and the subsequent

Why would it ride like a bag of spanners? To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed with the ride anyway - I know it's an old car and the suspension isn't up to the standard of a more modern car, but it wallows around like a boat....then it might drive a little bit sharper.

where he directly asks about making it handle better. Only after your post does the issue of appearances come to bear. Someone needs to go to Specsavers, I think.

I totally agree that the stock wheels are hidden in the arches - there's space there for 9-10" wide with ET20 where the stock 17s are only 8" ET34, so they simply disappear at the rear especially.

I've borrowed a shot of Bill's car, is this more like it?

Otherwise you will likely need to go larger to get the look you want, but with the caveat that it will have a detrimental effect on the handling - priorities only you can balance.

 

[BTB 500]

As Doodle said, width and offset make a huge difference in appearance ... particularly at the rear. Make sure you get those right if you do go for big rims. I'm obviously biased but I think staggered 18s work pretty well.

 

[AkisGr]

Really?

So you completely failed to read the bit where I gave him answers to his original question regarding sizes and the subsequent

Indeed i didn't.Guilty as charged.
I would also never go with 20's on an R129.Not even for looks cause i think 19's is the best for his car (looks-alike).
I could also refer to a package of joints,bushes,bump stops,and 17's with larger profile tyres to transform ride quality and comfort,but i didn't cause he didn't ask about it.
Anyway,as said,i didn't notice it was your second comment.It's just internet,don't get offended,we're all in the same boat.

 

[Doodle]

Offended? Can't be true, nothing appears to be on fire and nobody has been killed yet.

 

[Pitts Pilot]

Here is my info on tyre sizes, sourced from an old SL User manual if memory serves:

View attachment SL Class Tyre and Wheel sizes and Offsets.pdf


As already stated, 20" are not listed, but folk fit them every day.

Having said that, I agree with earlier comments that 20"s might not look so good.


How about lowering the car a little? You'll get an aggressive look there!**
Olly at PCS will do a Renntech Lowering Module for £850 fitted - (to be checked). Apparently the module is better than 'links' as it does not alter the damping....Olly's words, not mine . So comfy ride retained....
[He is going to order two modules this week, so call asap if you want to save on shipping costs with a 'bulk' order....]

** Assuming ABC suspension. Forgive my ignorance; others advise & help me please


On the question of the ride, I've been researching 20" wheels for my R230 for weeks now.

As stated by others, the question of 'unsprung weight' is an important one, but as F1BHP has said in a different Thread, his ultra lightweight 20" Carlsson 1/10 wheels have meant that there has actually been a reduction in unsprung weight, so the ride quality has not suffered!


Now, I am not suggesting you spend £1,500 per wheel but going for forged wheels rather than regular cast ones is a way or reducing wheel weight.

So, I've been looking at TSW wheels. They manufacture "Rotary forged" wheels that seem to have the lightweight I/you need, but at a fraction of the cost. See:


Rotary Forged wheels and Rotary Forged rims | TSW Alloy Wheels


For example, their TSW "Panorama Silver Polished" can be had for £1,088 for FOUR staggered 19" alloys. That's 8.5 fronts 9.5 rears - same size as my AMGs!


Food for thought?

Robert

 

[C270 CDI]

I'm liking the TSW wheels, although I can't help thinking I prefer the more aggressive looking Calibre ones from my first post. I know not everyone will agree with whatever choice I make, and to be honest I think it's fair to say that whether I go for 19 or 20 inch wheels they'll both look better than the standard ones. So I'm going to have a bit of a rethink, look at prices, and then take it from there.
I haven't really thought about lowering the car, I was hoping that the bigger wheels would give a bit of a lowered look without making the ride suffer too much, so again I'll give that some more thought.
All replies are welcome, and I value other people's opinions even if I don't agree with them!

 

[AkisGr]

I'm liking the TSW wheels, although I can't help thinking I prefer the more aggressive looking Calibre ones from my first post. I know not everyone will agree with whatever choice I make, and to be honest I think it's fair to say that whether I go for 19 or 20 inch wheels they'll both look better than the standard ones. So I'm going to have a bit of a rethink, look at prices, and then take it from there.
I haven't really thought about lowering the car, I was hoping that the bigger wheels would give a bit of a lowered look without making the ride suffer too much, so again I'll give that some more thought.
All replies are welcome, and I value other people's opinions even if I don't agree with them!

Yeah TSW have upped their game considerably. I love the TSW mirabeau(elegant but aggresive) for my car but there are plenty more to choose.
Lowering it will improve the looks drastically.Much more than larger wheels without lowering.
So my suggestion to you is (as i said before) to just get a set of springs to lower it a bit. They're cheap.
Leave the original shocks on since you're on a budget and don't care much about comfort.
After you lower it,you will see that it will look much better even with the 17's you now have.
Don't buy wheels before lowering the car.
So,lower it with springs first and then check on how much bigger wheels you want.
I'm sure it will look great even with 18's on,but i think you can also go for 19's as well without making it look like a ghetto ride.

 

[C270 CDI]

That's a fair point Akis. Any advice as to which springs to go for, and a recommended supplier?

 

[Doodle]

** Assuming ABC suspension. Forgive my ignorance; others advise & help me please

No ABC on a R129. Highly unlikely a 320 would have ADS (not even sure it was an option) so old fashioned springs and shocks.

That's a fair point Akis. Any advice as to which springs to go for, and a recommended supplier?

2 primary options for the 129 - Eibach or H&R. The latter are usually felt to be the stiffer option - Olly @ PCS will be able to give you a good price.

 

[Doodle]

A visual comparison of the H&Rs for you.

Standard:

H&R:

 

[C270 CDI]

Yeah I think the H&R could be the way to go. What size are the wheels in those pictures?

 

[Doodle]

Those are 8.5/10x17. ET18/17

 

[chubb509]

r129 on 20" wheels

Hi,

New to this forum after reading this post, I had a 95 SL320 with sport package and I fitted some 20" TSW alloys, spec's were 20x8.5 ET25 with 255/30/20 Falken452 front, 20x10.5 ET25 With 305/25/20 Falken452.

The car was lowered(not by me so don't know the drop) car was nice drive, big dips at high speed saw bottoming out but other than that was much like stock, guards were rolled, had no rubbing issues on front or rear and got full lock. hope this helps, I know when I was looking at doing setup there was nothing available.

The car is sold now but as we speak I have made an offer which was accepted on a pano roof 2000 SL320 and will view tomorrow and if I like it will be in the shed next week, with this SL I will be fitting some very wide 19" alloys and trying to do research atm for best options on suspension drop as this vehicle is bone stock.