Custom Fenders, Hood and front fascia for CLK 550 AMG Cab!
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
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From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
You only need spacers if you buy the wrong offset or the specific wheels you want don't have the right specs - or if you're looking for the flush fitment. But there are a lot of 1 piece / monoblock wheels that will clear big brakes with the right offset. If you're looking for a lip and move into 2 piece and 3 piece terrotory, then your options increase but so does the price. But even around 2800-3200 you can pick up at HIGH qulaity japanese wheel set that will fit. And I've been using the AMG and BBK as an example. Are the 550 brakes that big?
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My CLK550 has the 17" AMG 5-spoke wheels and that is a very tight fit, both in depth and radius. I can see where wheels that have a more shallow offset would not fit. Honestly, I've never been much of a "wheel guy" - I've never put aftermarket wheels on a car as I've always been satisfied with the looks and performance of MBZs factory wheels. I do know that from following the forums, the guys who do get into aftermarket wheels seem to always have issues with offsets, even on the W203's that have smaller brakes.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 50
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From: Jupiter, FL
2009 CLK550 Convertible, 2015 Infinite Q70
I guess i should reword this. I personally don't like the style of the choices out there enough to pay the higher price for them other than a set that Chip Foose makes and would cost me $4,000. Anything else, just doesn't get me excited so far... and to pay that much, I need to be excited. I am very excited about the hood, fenders and front fascia conversion that i am doing and feel they are worth the money to spend for the appearance that i am after.
A lot of the wheels right now, just aren't my style.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter, FL
2009 CLK550 Convertible, 2015 Infinite Q70
My CLK550 has the 17" AMG 5-spoke wheels and that is a very tight fit, both in depth and radius. I can see where wheels that have a more shallow offset would not fit. Honestly, I've never been much of a "wheel guy" - I've never put aftermarket wheels on a car as I've always been satisfied with the looks and performance of MBZs factory wheels. I do know that from following the forums, the guys who do get into aftermarket wheels seem to always have issues with offsets, even on the W203's that have smaller brakes.
I took a pair of "06 c class 5 spoke wheels and put them on my '99 e-class to update it and i loved it. It gave the car a whole new look and since i hated my 05 e class, i ended up putting new wheels on the older one and keeping it until MB got rid of chrysler and i bought another.
I loved a lot about the slk convertible, but again needed the 4 seats, so this is why i am doing all the changes to this one. besides, my husband has always been into cars and I decided to get interested with him.
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Syosset, NY
CLK & GL
What style of wheel are you looking for? And what size do u want? i can call some of my contacts and see what's out there for you. Plus if your going to spend around 4k i would go with forgeline wheels not chip foose
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
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From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
1. buying used rims and trying to make an offset not meant for their car fit
2. buying rims off the internet
3. dealing with a shop that doesn't have much experience with mercedes and aftermarket rims. Often times shops need to have a certain volumne to allow them to test fit rims on vehciles so they have a better fitment knowledge. Some wheel manfacturers actually don't really know if certain rim styles will fit specific cars and so will just say it's a no.
trust me, go to a shop that has expereience and they will tell you exactly what will and won't fit. But they will have options.
Sounds like the issue isn't options here. its taste and budget.
But still curious - what brakes does the 550 have? are they using 6 pot brakes? or is it larger 4 pot brakes?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 31
From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 2
From: Syosset, NY
CLK & GL
I've observed that too, and usually it's becasue people are either:
1. buying used rims and trying to make an offset not meant for their car fit
2. buying rims off the internet
3. dealing with a shop that doesn't have much experience with mercedes and aftermarket rims. Often times shops need to have a certain volumne to allow them to test fit rims on vehciles so they have a better fitment knowledge. Some wheel manfacturers actually don't really know if certain rim styles will fit specific cars and so will just say it's a no.
trust me, go to a shop that has expereience and they will tell you exactly what will and won't fit. But they will have options.
Sounds like the issue isn't options here. its taste and budget.
But still curious - what brakes does the 550 have? are they using 6 pot brakes? or is it larger 4 pot brakes?
1. buying used rims and trying to make an offset not meant for their car fit
2. buying rims off the internet
3. dealing with a shop that doesn't have much experience with mercedes and aftermarket rims. Often times shops need to have a certain volumne to allow them to test fit rims on vehciles so they have a better fitment knowledge. Some wheel manfacturers actually don't really know if certain rim styles will fit specific cars and so will just say it's a no.
trust me, go to a shop that has expereience and they will tell you exactly what will and won't fit. But they will have options.
Sounds like the issue isn't options here. its taste and budget.
But still curious - what brakes does the 550 have? are they using 6 pot brakes? or is it larger 4 pot brakes?
