2001CLK

I see some people using spacers to fill in the gap on rear wheels to make it look like a 9” or 10’ wheel... Do these things affect the performance??
What size spacer do you recommend to fill in the gap in the rear for a 18x8 on a 01CLK320. Also who makes the best??

Thanks for your thoughts, experience, and help….

Bouncer

Hmm.. I'm interested as well but for a different reason. I think I finally found the wheels I want to put on my 99 CLK 320, but they will require 5mm spacers in the front.. I'm a doofus when it comes to this stuff. So help a doofus out. What are these? How hard are they to install? Where can you buy them?

Regards,
-Bouncer-

CLK_Ivan

I just put 12mm spacers on the rear and they look great. I doesn't seem to affect handling but you do end up with a wider track. H&R makes "hub centric" lightweight spacers for MB's. The 5mm are not hub centric, but anything above the 5's (10mm,12mm,15mm etc) are. They are simple to install:
Take off your tire, place spacer on hub, (it only fits one way), replace tire.
Auto Class is having a special on H&R spacers. Make sure you get the longer bolts too ($1.99 each). They will ship the correct ones with your order.

https://autoclass.net/subcat.asp?cat...BENZ%20SPACERS


Here's a pic with the 12mm's

2001CLK

Thanks for the response! just need a few more details...what rim size do you have?? also can you post a pick..

Thanks agian!

2001CLK

>

CLK_Ivan

I've got the stock AMG rims 17x7.5 up front, 17x8.5's rear.
I don't have a pic of the spacers though........

2001CLK

I have 18x8 so what mm do you recommend...??

Thanks in advance..

CLK_Ivan

Good question. I've had 8.5's on the front and they stuck out a little too much for my taste. 12mm or 15mm would look great on the rear (with 18x8's I'd go with 15mm), but probably not more than 5mm or 10mm in the front, if at all. I like the staggered look with just the spacers on the back. My friend was over last weekend with his 300CE and he LOVED the look. He also liked the staggered look and said it was my best mod yet!

2001CLK

..

nickv

CLK_Ivan,
I'm confused, you have spacers with stock wheels?? Is this to eliminate the slight gap between the fender and the face of the wheel? If so, please post a pic!!
Thanks!!

CLK_Ivan

Yes, I have spacers with the stock wheels in the rear. It does fill in the gap between the fender and the face of the wheel. It's now flush at the top, and out slightly at the bottom (due to the camber). It also seems to help the gap at the top too, but I don't really know how to explain that. It's not a HUGE difference, but certainly noticable when you see it in person (pics dont do it justice)

I just didn't like the fact that the rear wheels (stock) were actually sitting "inside" the rear fender and wasn't about to spend the money on bigger wheels/tires etc... For $89 including the bolts, It was a much better solution for me.

If you are having trouble viewing the pic below, just right click on it, copy the url, and paste it in your browser address. Not sure why it's not showing up for everyone.

nickv

Great info, thanks! I need to order mine soon!!

Shine

You can also check my pics of W209 forum for reference.
F 5 mm 8.5J 18' 245/40
R 20 mm 9.5J 18' 275/35
One thing remind, those screws need replace by longer ones
to hold the rims as well as factory setup.
It's part of the spacer installation & have them from the same dealer.
Now, you can image the tradeoff when lengthen the screws.
Anyway, handling & look are improved.

BANSASN

Ivan,
Hi, I have a question on that. I have 18" x 8.5" wheels and they are not staggered. However for the rear I have a 265/35/18 tires and for the front I have 225/40/18. Now If I were to put the spacers only for the rear, will that make my rear tires stick out too much? My front already flushed and level to the fenders. I have not lowered my ride yet. Thanks.

jon

nubomb

Isn't 265 pusing it on a 8.5 rim?

Look to see how much of a gap remains on the rear. You might only need 5mm spacers.

CLK_Ivan

Bansasn,

I tried 8.5's in the front and they stuck out a little bit (which I didn't care for). If yours are flush, I bet it looks great. With 265's on the rear, are they flush with the fenders? If not I would definately try spacers. Since your front are flush I'd try to get them just a little wider than the fronts (1/2 inch or so) Although mine a pretty much flush in the rear, I think it would look even better if they were out just bit. For only about $100 I think it's worth a try.......

Also remember the 5mm spacers are not hubcentric like the larger ones.

CLK_Ivan

Update,

I just ordered H&R 20mm spacers for the rear and will move the 12mm's to the front (or sell them). After furthur observation, the top of the rears are not really flush with the fender. I think the 20mm will fit the bill. I'll post pictures after I get them installed.

BANSASN

Ivan,

My rear tires are not flushed with the fenders. You might be right, it might look better if I add the spacers to the rear. Thanks for the tips Ivan.

Jon