MooF

Have a 2009 CLS550 with the OEM 5spoke-split type rims (see image link). 8.5 front, 9.5 back staggered setup with 245/40/18 front, 275/35/18 rear (oem setup). I noticed my rear tires wearing unevenly on a new pair of Michelin PSS. Had an alignment done at the time the tires were new but didn't help the situation. I also notice a very distinct swaying/tracking motion when my staggered setup is on the car (as if the car is trying to find the groove in the road) when the tires were new and its worse when it rains, and now with the tires wearing unevenly its terrible. The airmatic suspension exaggerates the feeling I am referring to.
So I brought it to a tire specialist who looked at the setup and said the offset is incorrect on the rears. And I explained these are Benz Manufactured rims! He asked me if the problem goes away when I put my winter tires on which are the same size all around 8.5 rims, 245 tire. And he's right, it does go away..so its the offset. He suggested just putting a wider tire on my winter rims so now i have 265/35/18 Kumho Sport LE in the rear with the 245 PSS in the front.
The problem is different now, there is a oversteer feeling on the highway which I dont like and now the car doesn't look right because the rims are too far inset as the CLS body moves outward in the rear - I'm stuck with all these sets of tires and improper rims for the summer look.
What is the proper offset for this freakin car? And anyone else have this problem with the 2009 rims? I don't want to buy a 3rd set of rims just to get this freakin staggered look but it's bothering me!

cheers mates. (posting this to both BW and MBworld to get some coverage)
Rims:

K-Mac

(K-MAC manufactures front Camber and Caster and Toe precisely adjustable kits to suit virtually every model Mercedes 1968 to 2014 Sedans, SUV and Commercials)


Since the mid 90 model’s, there has been no Camber and Caster adjustment facility fitted OEM!


Only current adjustment is front and rear Toe.

To attempt to return vehicle to factory specs to resolve premature inner edge tire wear, improve traction, fix steering pull the only current alternative for Camber and Caster is to fit offset, slotted bolts. But these are inaccurate one only position bolts offering a minimal .3 of one degree adjustment (3mm).

It’s no wonder many owners continually change tire brands or go from one MB Dealer or alignment shop to another trying to get it right/fix the problem.
We saw the need therefore "to fix it right the first time" by designing, developing, patenting (and re-instating from the 1990's) fully adjustable front suspension for virtually all models.

The current K-MAC kits have up to 4 times the adjustment of the one position offset bolts (both Positive or Negative). And unlike these offset bolts they can be accurately adjusted - under load, direct on alignment turntable (no need to remove and reinstall each time).


Ongoing precise adjustment of both Camber and Caster settings if altering suspension height, fitting wide profile tires/wheels, curb knock damage or being able to quickly fine tune/change specs on race days. Extra negative (plus track width) to go deeper into the corners /lower lap times. With the unique K-MAC patented design it is just a single wrench/no disassembly.

For the rear, similar kits for precise Camber adjustment with additional Toe to compensate for the new Camber facility. Unlike the alternative adjustable Camber arms K-MAC rear kits do not move top of tire outwards - this reducing all important clearance to outer fender when adjusting to fix premature inner edge tire wear/improve rear traction.
Also at K-MAC we have developed long life, maintenance free elastomer bushings with just the right amount of flex to get power to the ground, maximum traction. Unlike the spherical bearings used in Camber arms that soon pound out allowing metal to metal contact.


Bonus with the four front and four rear bushes is that they are designed with twice the load bearing area and also replace the highest wearing suspension bushings. And with K-MAC no special tools are required to fit.

David_BlaqueDiamond

A set of Blaque Diamond BD-6 for the summer will suite you well!