Hey all...
1st post... finally got my 05 CLK550..... I want to upgrade the stock 17" wheels to either 19" or 20" wheels.... I've done a lot of reading on both and just would like to get some further information:

1.) My CLK isn't lowered at all & isn't going to be.... Will 20" rims work? If so what do I need to keep in mind.

2.) Are 19" rims the way to go? --- no fitment issues etc.......

Let me know
tj

 

Just curious as to why you wouldn't want to lower it?

19"s are definitely the way to go but if you don't lower it, it'll look weird. Unless you're into the bling bling look then 20"s is the way to go but even then you might run into some fitment/rubbing issues.

Good luck.

 

19's will fit without problems as long as the offsets and the width and size of tire is correct. There are a few people that are running with 20s but they require more work in getting them to fit.

As Jam55 asked, why wouldn't you lower it? With the increase size in wheels, your car automatically increases clearance from the ground. Depending on which size wheel you decide on, the height from the ground to your vehicle will increase as well. This will make your car sit higher than it is, and looks some what awkward; like someone added a lift kit to it for off roading. (ok that's slightly exagerated)

 

I think the 19"s will be your best bet...also a slight drop will make the car have the 'tucked' look--no gap from the top of the tire to the fender. By the way, you mentioned your car as an '05 CLK550...did you mean a CLK 55 (AMG)?

 

I have 19s" and it doesn't look too bad with the stock suspension...my brother always says it has the musclecar stance lol. You can get away with putting 19s on and not changing the suspension, plus it still rides nice and smooth and I can drive a little less careful than I would if my car was lowered.

 

...That's a good point. Just stay with 19"s (lowered or not) and stay away from 20"s...not enough tire to protect from pot holes..LOL. By the way ItalianStall. you've done a lot of mods on your car--any issues while using NOS??

 

The NOS is just pretty much a care-free way to get 75hp by pushing a button lol. I did have some problems but that was because the installer didn't hook up the MAF sensor right. Other than that, no problems.

 

that's good news...I was thinking of putting the same in my ride, but I have a custom sub-enclosure so I have to figure out the spacing needed for the bottle...thanks for the info..I will post some pix by tomorrow. peace bro!!

 

Go for 19,you may need to custom order for 20. I had 19 on my CLK and it runs ok. Just get the offset right and it will runs perfect. Try to get 35 all around. Good Luck