Wagz

Hey,
I'm new to this site.
Lots of good, useful information here.
I recently purchased a 2002 CLK55, and I'm in the process of selling my 2000 CLK430 (anyone interested let me know).
Anyway, I want to put some new wheels on the CLK55.
Can I put 19"X9.5 35mm offset wheels on this car? It normaly comes with
17"X7.5 37mm front and 17X8.5 30mm back. I dont understend all the terminology that relates to wheel sizes, but would love to put the 19" on the car. Any Help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh, here's a link the the 430 i'm selling:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMESE%3AIT

Chappy

Congrats on the new ride.

Sorry I can't answer your question (i've got 18s), but other here can help or you may check out the Wheels and Tires forum on this site.

Good luck.

rsr911

Tire rack can also help you thru their web site or you can call them. They will hep you and give you fitment help.

Wagz

Did a little research, called a couple of places, and finally ordered some new wheels in 19X8.5 and 19X9.5. I was advised that i should have no problems.

Hey, any suggestions on some aftermarket upgrades? both visually and performance wise?

Chappy

Sky is the limit bro...

Performance:

Supercharger w/ ECU upgrades
Headers
LSD
Cams
Race cats
Suspension
Brakes

Cosmetic:

Illuminated sills
Body kits
Smoked tails
Shifter
Wood/leather sport steering wheel
Leather dash and console
Flat hood bagde
Tint
Carbor fiber hood
Custom paint
Recaro racing seats
Alcantara headliner
ICE
Euro navi w/ tv tuner

You could easily let your imagination (and checkbook) run wild!

rsr911

As long as your offset spacing is correct for clearance of suspension and fenders you should be fine. Just don't go too far off of the factory specs. Possible wheel bearing fatigue is an issue.

Wagz

Thanks for your help.

Got MAYA STM wheels in 19X8.5 and 19X9.5.
I was told it would be ok.
tires were expensive for the back wheels.

have you guys heard of the CLK55 powerchip? I just started a thread on it?
It seems like a nice little performance booster but it's expensive $1190 for 23 additional horse power"

Improviz

Chips aren't going to get you 23 horses in a non-turbo motor. Car & Driver ran tests on several tuner chips in non-turbo (and one turbo) cars several years ago, including two from Dinan, the vaunted BMW tuner, and got pretty much no discernable performance gains from any of 'em, except the turbo car, which worked because the chip raised the boost of the turbo.

Better places to spend your money, that's for sure.

Wagz

Hey, off the subject.
does anyone know if the front seats in the CLK55 can be slightly altered?

I had a 2000CLK430 which I was always very comfortable in with the drivers side seat back around 80% of the way (I'm 6'4), and when I upgraded to my 2002 CLK55 (both W208) I thought that it would have the same exact seating layouts and seats. I was wrong. The seats on the CLK55 are different leather (maybe because of the heated seats option), but more importantly, they dont' go back as far as the ones in the CLK430 did. I used to be able to stretch my legs out with the seat back in the 430 and yet have access to the pedals. with the CLK55, and the seat all the way back, I find myself a little crunched in and my knees a little higher the i want them to be. Can anything be done? has anyone else noticed this? would the dealer or a mechanic be able to move back the seats a little?
I know it doesnt sound like a big deal, but it's bugging the hell out of me.

thanks

rmaufort

Get those Maya's on yet? Interested in seeing how they look!

Wagz

The place i purchased them from emailed me saying that it's going to be delayed. another 3 to 4 weeks for the size I need. They are giving me a $100 discount due to it, or the option for a full refund.

What do you think? I found a set of rims that look just as good if not better then the MAYA STM's and they're about 1/3 of the price and available right away. Take a look and let me know what you think:

http://www.mrrwheels.com/images/wheels/GT1_L.jpg

I'll post pics either way as soon as they're on.

blackbenzz

19x8.5 front with 235/35/19 tires. 19x9.5 or 10 in the rear with 265/30/19 tires. I believe the offset for both should be ET35 unless you have a BBK.

AMG_55

dont do it, there is a reason that they are 1/3 of the price

rmaufort

I too recently picked up a 2002 CLK55 and am looking for some new wheels. Is there something I should look for or stay away from? 3 part vs. 2 part vs. 1 part Rims make a difference? Why are some $1000/set while others are $3000/set?

I mean, these aren't race wheels - so weight doesn't matter that much. I'm sure that some types of manufacturing processes are more time consuming, but are some actually better than others?

blackbenzz

Forged wheels and more expensive and are stronger (harder to bend). So are 2 and 3 piece wheels. Custom made wheels cost more as well.

Wagz

This is actually a good point.

I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for", but do you guys really feel that wheels that look almost identical should have a price difference of approx $3K???

take a look:
MRR GT1 Wheels which can be purchased for around $1200 for the 4
http://www.mrrwheels.com/gt1.html

MAYA STM Wheels which go for around $4K
http://superbuytires.com/MAYA/STM/

what would the major difference be? are the parts/metals used for these that different? Will the cheaper MRR's break down or wear out quicker?
Has any publication or consumer group ever done a study on something like this???

Gullwing007

I recommend them. I have had BBS, Lorinsers, and Giovannas on a Yukon- the quality of Maya is excellent. (Look great w/ painted centers.) Understated in my opinion as well. I get alot of compliments. My photos are too large to upload so if someone can give me instructions I will gladly post- or email them...

btw Moderaters: I used to post as Benzo- for some reason my Username and PW stopped working after several years. Please advise. I have send emails to CS. Best.

Gullwing007

See if this works...

Gullwing007

Closer...

Gullwing007

one more,,,

Wagz

Benzo,
very very nice!
did you shell out 4K if i may ask? or did you find a deal somewhere?

Improviz

....that is a mighty fine lookin' paint job you've got there, Gullwing007....kudos for the wax and shine! What brand are you using? Really looks good....

Oh, yeah, and I like the wheels too!!

Gullwing007

Thanks alot- the photos were put through to optimizer program (except for the close ups) on the camera but the finish is still very nice. It has been garaged since inception and has 12,600 miles. As to the detail, it is done once a month by a mobile service- I know the product is british b/c he mentioned something but don't know the name. Will find out.

Thaks again!

Benzo,
very very nice!
did you shell out 4K if i may ask? or did you find a deal somewhere?

I shopped around and paid right at $4k but that was a year ago. They aren't cheap (unless you consider HRE) but I tried selling my vehicle on ebay- got really tired of the process and stopped. But while it was listed I got several offers of $2500+ for the wheels/tires alone. Hold on to your stock and resell them later- pretty classic design that won't go out of favor. my 2 cents...

btw Make sure you get them mounted somehwere proper to ensure they are straight/balanced. You wouldn't believe some of the jobs I've seen.

Gullwing007

Not sure if you placed the trade already, but you mentioned you were considering the Maya STM's. I was visiting a friend and he has the hyper black STM's wheels like mine(mine are silver)- not being used. I actually preferred these but when I bought mine I was told they were discontinued. Mine have 2,000 miles on them- mint. If you would like, I will buy his and I will make you a deal on mine. Again, I am not looking to profit and will pass the savings on- I would really prefer them in black. Just an FYI if you are interested!!!

Wagz

I have $600 deposit on the MAYA STM in Silver and graphite. MAYA does not carry them in all silver in 19", only 22".

I would be very interested if the price is right and the condition is good.
What car did you have them on? I need them to be able to fit a 2002 CLK55 with the large AMG brakes.
If possible, please send me some detailed pictures to wagie@aol.com and your asking price.
thank you.