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

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

I have them on my 96, no problem!