CLK55 AMG, CLK63 AMG (W208, W209) 2000 - 2010 (Two Generations)

Help! What are the *widest* tires/wheels (18") that will fit W208 CLK55 w/no rubbing?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 21, 2003 | 02:01 PM
  #1  
Improviz's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,679
Likes: 0
CLS55 AMG
Help! What are the *widest* tires/wheels (18") that will fit W208 CLK55 w/no rubbing?

I desparately want to upsize, because I'm sick and tired of traction issues!!

Last edited by Improviz; Apr 21, 2003 at 02:04 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2003 | 02:25 PM
  #2  
Ronald's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Munich, Germany
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R 230) and CLK 55 (W 209)
Two of my friends have the AMG Style I multi-piece rims

8,5x18 ET 25
10x18 ET 25

which are really wide and look great, but require quite some fender work. However, they can be fitted by most Mercedes-Benz dealerships.





Inden Design also offers 9,5x18 and 11x18 BBS rims, but I don't think they look good on a CLK 55 and fitting them requires even more effort.



There are also some 8,5x18 / 10x18 rims from Carlsson and if you want to avoid any fender rolling, get 8,5x18 / 9,5x18 rims from Brabus (single- or multi-piece).

Ronald

Last edited by Ronald; Apr 21, 2003 at 02:30 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2003 | 03:25 PM
  #3  
ndabunka's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 740
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
Good info but... I think he meant TIRES, not wheels guy

He was asking what are the largest TIRES, not wheels guys. He also asked for options that DO NOT require modifications to the wheel wells. I think the answer to this depends on the actual BRAND of tire selected but for a CLK55, I think you can put on T1 275's, If they are S-03's then the largest you can go is 265. But I think we need Luke (from Ture rack) direction on this. Maybe a search on the wheel section ould provide the details. I think he said he already had the 18" wheels so I think he wants the tire sizes...

Last edited by ndabunka; Apr 22, 2003 at 02:35 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2003 | 03:40 PM
  #4  
Ronald's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Munich, Germany
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R 230) and CLK 55 (W 209)
Sorry, the subject said "tires/wheels" so I thought that the word 'wheels' included rims as well.

However, if you want to go for 275's (which I think is too wide), you would need wider rims as well.

Ronald
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2003 | 04:10 PM
  #5  
Improviz's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,679
Likes: 0
CLS55 AMG
Yes, I am planning on using an 18" rim, and want to see how wide I can

Get in both wheels *and* tires without having to roll the fenders.

I know that the E55 rims are 18x9, which would allow me to fit a 275-series, but I'm not certain that even these would fit without mods to the fenders.

Otoh, I'd be willing to roll the fenders a bit if it's fairly easy and doesn't cost a bunch of $$. I've never done it before and am not sure what's involved, so any info on this would also be greatly appreciated!!

I really don't want to get any larger than an 18" rim to keep from ruining the ride quality.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2003 | 05:15 PM
  #6  
Ronald's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Munich, Germany
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R 230) and CLK 55 (W 209)
Re: Yes, I am planning on using an 18" rim, and want to see how wide I can

Originally posted by Improviz
Otoh, I'd be willing to roll the fenders a bit if it's fairly easy and doesn't cost a bunch of $$. I've never done it before and am not sure what's involved, so any info on this would also be greatly appreciated!!
I don't think fender rolling is such a big deal. Why don't you just get a quote from your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for the AMG 8,5 / 10 x18 rims including tires and fitting?

Ronald
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2003 | 06:12 PM
  #7  
Improviz's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,679
Likes: 0
CLS55 AMG
I'll consider the 18x10s. In the meantime, will the 18x9/275-35 combo work?

I am thinking of putting the E55 rims/tires on the rear only, staying with the 17s on the front. Again, I do not wish to suffer a significant degredation in ride quality, and am thinking that by going with the 18s on the rear only this will help.

Also, the rims will match design-wise, so I will not have to replace the fronts.

So, does anyone know whether the E55 wheels/tires for the rear fit without rubbing?
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2003 | 02:32 AM
  #8  
Ronald's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Munich, Germany
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R 230) and CLK 55 (W 209)
Re: I'll consider the 18x10s. In the meantime, will the 18x9/275-35 combo work?

Originally posted by Improviz
I am thinking of putting the E55 rims/tires on the rear only, staying with the 17s on the front. Again, I do not wish to suffer a significant degredation in ride quality, and am thinking that by going with the 18s on the rear only this will help.
Don't even start mixing rim sizes!

Ronald
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 22, 2003 | 10:32 AM
  #9  
Improviz's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,679
Likes: 0
CLS55 AMG
There is nothing wrong with mixing them. Corvettes have 17"/18" f/r stock.

So long as the sizing is OK, it won't hurt anything. Plus, I feel that the 17's adequately fill the front wheel wells, while on the rear they're a bit too small. Going to a slightly larger size will help this imo.

Thanks for the suggestions, though!
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2003 | 02:40 PM
  #10  
ndabunka's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 740
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
Two different rims sizes is OK

It's done all the time on the Vette's. 17's on front and 18's on rear. No problem. Since you have a CLK55, the wheel wells are ALREADY rolled (Feel inside the fender near the top of the arc) so you don't need to do anything. You may have a problem with the E55 rims however as I believe the offset is slightly different than the CLK's. Therefore you will probably need spacers.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2003 | 11:19 PM
  #11  
bodyart27@aol's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
CLK55
rolling fenders

I don't think anyone has definitively proven that the 55's are pre-rolled.... though I guess I can sart "feeling-up" a bunch of cars and see how they feel

Seriously though - I've heard that before, but no one has been able to confirm. I thought w/ 18s - 265 was the limit. Any 55 owners out there gone bigger with no issues?
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2003 | 01:50 PM
  #12  
lee2375's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, TX
W212 E63, Audi R8 4.2, Panamera S, Range Rover Sport GT
55 fenders are rolled - no doubt.

widest I have put is a 18x10 with a 265/35/18 - anything more is unnecessary.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2003 | 02:04 PM
  #13  
Larry Sonsini
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Re: rolling fenders

Originally posted by bodyart27@aol
I don't think anyone has definitively proven that the 55's are pre-rolled.... though I guess I can sart "feeling-up" a bunch of cars and see how they feel

Seriously though - I've heard that before, but no one has been able to confirm. I thought w/ 18s - 265 was the limit. Any 55 owners out there gone bigger with no issues?
There is at least one person on this forum that has a 235/275 Carlsson 1/5s 18" setup on his CLK55. Only rubs on harsh dips. no fender mods.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2003 | 09:18 PM
  #14  
ndabunka's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 740
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
275 with WHICH tires?

Larry - Good to know your 235/275's fit with no mods but we also need to know WHICH tires you have. This is because the manufacture's 275's from one mfg to another are not the same proportions. WHICH brand (and model) of tire do you have? I can see Toyo T1's fitting but Pontenza S-03's probably don't work.
Reply
Old May 1, 2003 | 03:29 AM
  #15  
Larry Sonsini
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
not my car...and I can't remember what tire brand he's running, definitely not toyos nor bridgestone
Reply
Old May 1, 2003 | 09:13 AM
  #16  
Chappy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 65
From: Hotlanta
AMG
Originally posted by Ronald
Two of my friends have the AMG Style I multi-piece rims

8,5x18 ET 25
10x18 ET 25

which are really wide and look great, but require quite some fender work. However, they can be fitted by most Mercedes-Benz dealerships.


Ronald

Ronald, are these from the R129 SL?

Other than fender work, are there any other modifications necessary?

Thanks for your help.
Reply
Old May 12, 2003 | 03:44 AM
  #17  
Ronald's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Munich, Germany
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R 230) and CLK 55 (W 209)
Originally posted by Chappy
Ronald, are these from the R129 SL?

Other than fender work, are there any other modifications necessary?
Hi Chappy,

yes, these rims were originally made for the R129 SL. The amount of fender work depends on your local safety regulations. In Germany, some modifications are necessary.

Ronald
Reply
Old May 12, 2003 | 07:59 AM
  #18  
Chappy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 65
From: Hotlanta
AMG
Thanks!
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:13 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE