What's the problem with 245/45-17 tyres on a pre 1998 SL500? SL500 Tyre size
 

What's the problem with 245/45-17 tyres on a pre 1998 SL500? The MB wheel cataolgue suggests some modification may be required.

RE: What's the problem with 245/45-17 tyres on a pre 1998 SL500? SL500 Tyre size
 

Front or back? Seems to me like those should fit. Maybe there's some unique quirk on MB wheels? I was going to put some 295-35 or 30 (I think) tires on the rear of mine, before I decided I was broke. My fronts are 245-45 now and they were going to be wider also.

RE: What's the problem with 245/45-17 tyres on a pre 1998 SL500? SL500 Tyre size
 

Thanks for your comments. It was the front I was worried about although I wanted a simple life with the same size all-round. The catalogue states that 235/45 is OK but that makes the wheel over a centimeter smaller which would have a slight affect on speedometer readings and gearing etc. Taking that your 600 setup is the same as my 500, 245/45 should be OK. I did wonder whether the steering lock stops may need adjusting. Is your offset 35?

RE: What's the problem with 245/45-17 tyres on a pre 1998 SL500? SL500 Tyre size
 

I don't know what the offset is. These aren't the original tires and wheels. The car came with 16" and has 17" now.

RE: What's the problem with 245/45-17 tyres on a pre 1998 SL500? SL500 Tyre size
 

Just as a point of reference. Go to the Tirerack web site and see what combination they would recommend. I brought 17in wheels with Micheline tires all balanced and ready to mount. They had a nice AMG style wheel that looked like Benz OEM. If you change wheels, you will most likely have to buy new lug nuts as well.

RE: What's the problem with 245/45-17 tyres on a pre 1998 SL500? SL500 Tyre size
 

I have them on my 96, no problem!