Does anyone have 18" wheels on their SLK? Does that destroy the nice ride with the lower profile tires? Thanks!

 

Hi,

!8" wheels look great, improve cornering (on the race track) but ruin the ride.
In order to maintain a common overall diameter of the wheel tyre assembly (due to available space under wheel arch and also keep the same speedo gearing) 18" wheels have to be fitted with lower profile tyres. e.g. 245/40 - 18 vs 225 - 16 where 40 is the profile ratio. If there is no ratio quoted it is usually something like 70 or 80%.
Profile refers to the ratio of the tyre width to it depth. The depth of the tyre is what absorbs road shocks.
Race cars run on 30% or less.

In general terms low profile tyres generate more noise.

So what do you want, looks or refinement?

In the SLK I go for Refinement since it isn't really a "sports" car in the true sense of this word. Its too refined.

Stuart

 

I have 18's on mine. Previously 17" from sport pack. A little bit more bumpy on drain covers etc. Actually quieter but thats due to tyre design and tread pattern.
a little more tramlining but Im used to it now.

https://mercedesforum.com/m_35912/tm.htm

Bazzle

 

18" wheels looks fine. it really depends on your preference.