So I’m about to order some new rims for my W209 (8.5” wide in front and 9.5” wide in the back; both with 35 ET offset) and I’ve been told that I’ll need shorter lug bolts (to avoid rubbing against parking brake). But since I’m also planning on installing coilovers, I’m going to need some wheel spacers to push the rims out a bit. I’m thinking something around 5mm in front and 10mm spacer in the back. I’ve been told that wheel spacers require longer lug bolts.

So my question is will I need shorter/longer/same sized lug bolts given that I’m going with a wider rim but using wheel spacers? I know it’s somewhat trial and error but I’d hate to get all my new suspension and wheels only to not be able to drive the car for a week while I wait for new lug bolts to arrive!


Thanks for the help.

When I installed my coilovers, I needed to install longer bolts both in the front and rear. I don't know exactly how long your bolts are going to need to be, but also make sure you get tapered seated bolts for your aftermarket wheels.

Here's a thread that might be helpful:
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...-w209-clk.html

Thanks astropat

So you had to use longer lugs when installing the coil overs, but what about when you installed the rims? Did you have to use longer or shorter lugs then?

Where's your common senses? If you use anything thicker then 5mm spacer will need to use longer bolts. Since many company designed their wheel seat bolt differently, you will have to wait until you get your wheels to determine how long your bolt will be.

Can you explain a little bit more clearer? Suspension (coilover, spring, shock...etc) have NOTHING to do with longer bolt or shorter bolt.

Unless you've seen his wheels, it not alway the case. There are two different "seat" style bolt for Mercedes wheels, "ball" and "tapered" seat.

35 ET offset is the right offset for the Clk but I've seen on some wheel "spoke design" caused rubbing to the front brake calipers. My wheel is one of the example. If you can order 32 ET offset for the front would be a sure thing not to rub. But you plan to use spacers anyway, so don't worry about it.

I obviously realize that wheel spacers will require longer bolts. But without spacers, I'm being told I will need shorter bolts. Logically, I'm wondering what the net effect is. Will I still need longer bolts, shorter bolts, or same sized.

Also, I've been told that with coil overs, I might need longer bolts. This part I don't understand and am therefore asking the question in case anyone here has had experience or can answer my question.

It sounds like I'm better off waiting until I get the wheels to see what works for lugs since there are so many variables that affect it.

By the way Klinh – I am ordering the same style of rim as yours (19” C63/CLK63/E63 AMG style rims) but since it might be a different manufacturer, they might fit slightly differently. You are using 3mm spacer in front and 10mm in back if I remember correctly? I think your car has a great stance so I’m probably going to order similar sized spacers.

Thanks for the advice and help guys – much appreciated.

Sorry... to be clear... When I installed the coilovers, I put it on the lowest setting, so I needed to install spacers or the tire would rub with the springs. Since I installed spacers, I needed longer bolts.

I didn't necessarily need spacers in the rear when I did mine, but it looked comical... like a reverse stagger or something, so I had to get spacers for the rear... and then inevitably longer bolts.

Make sense?

So even Mercedes 'Style' wheels have a ball seat? I'm asking cause I really have no idea.

Oh yeah... you haven't told me where you got your sidemarker bulbs from too!

That makes sense. I guess I'll order some spacers, wait for my rims and suspension to arrive and go from there. Hopefully the shop that installs it all has a decent selection of bolts in stock so I don't have to wait too long for appropriate sized bolts to be shipped in.

... or ask the seller about the recommended bolt size and seat type. They should have these specs handy. This way you can purchase your spacers and bolts before the wheels arrive.

Good idea. He suggested 12mm lug bolts if I don't use any spacers so we should be able to figure out what size lugs once I decide what sized spacers.

thanks Coin!

Here's an idea....

Get the wheels and the spacers you are going to run. Make sure the bolts are either ball or taper seats, the wheels will dictate that. If the wheels are like MB with a ball seat take a stock bolt and put it in a wheel with the spacer held against the wheels hub and check how much thread is exposed. A good rule of thumb is about an 1"of thread or 6-7 turns to clear the rear e-brake. Worked for me. Mike

That is the best way but I guess most people don't want to wait. They want to have every there to install and enjoy it right away.

Instant gratification rules the day. Just wanted to add my .02. M

that's pretty much it

Thanks for the tip M ... guess I'm gonna have to learn to be more patient.

Bilstein PSS9 coilover is the way to go if you decided to go with coilover. Here's the link..........



https://mbworld.org/forums/clk55-amg...ml#post3923874

Thanks Klinh.

Ordered the Bilsteins last night. Got a pretty good deal from shox.com.

They should have 2 left after filling my order at $1205 plus shipping. Not a bad price for PSS9 coilovers IMO.

Damn.........$1205 is very cheap. It used to retail for $1850 back then when I was looking but when with KW 2 instead because the KW were $400 cheaper.

Most places are charging $1700+ for the bilsteins right now, so $1200 is pretty good IMO.

I'm pretty psyched. Ordered my rims/tires this morning too. 19" CLK63/E63/C63 AMG reps (same as yours Klinh).

Can't wait to throw it all on the car!

hey mbfancda

let me know the size spacers your going to get cuz my wheels of 35 offset front and rear. thinking 3 to 5 mm in the front and 10 in the back. but seems like everyone is doing that too.