Hi,
I have yet to find a definitive answer as to what the ideal width and offset would be for a set of 19" wheels. It seems like width should be around 8.5 front and 10 rear while offset should be around 32 front and 35 rear.

Basically what I am asking is if you could order a fully custom spec set of 19" wheels for the CLK63 cabriolet what would be the width and offset?
Thanks!

 

19x9.5frt and 19x11rear fit flush depending on wheel and spoke type

 

With what offsets?

 

depends on wheel

 

I was thinking HRE FF15 (http://www.hrewheels.com/wheels/hre-flowform/ff15) Do you know what offset I should get for these? It says they offer high offset and medium offset for this wheel.

 

tell them to send you a blue print of both, print to scale and test fit....heres a print of mine I had sent from Germany when I did my wheels

 

Unfortunately the HRE FF15's are one of two models that HRE offers that are not completely custom meaning you cannot pick and choose widths or offsets. In addition, I just checked that they do not make a fitment for the CLK63 with this wheel, they only have a fitment with the FF15 for the CLK63 Black Series.

The fully custom forged version would be the Classic 303M, Classic 309M, or RS103M.

 

Well looks like I will be going with the OZ Racing Superturismo LM which has a max width of 9.5", Should I do front and back 9.5" or would it be better to have narrower front wheels?

 

Why would you move from HRE, the industry standard, to OZ?

A square setup would be better as you can rotate the tires. Having a staggered setup is better for performance but this is a winter setup after all.

 

I can barely afford HRE FF considering the value of the car I am putting them on, it simply isn't worth it to put forged wheels on a car thats worth less than a new Honda civic.

The OZ Racing wheels are the closest I have seen to the FF15 and I know they will fit, I just need to decide on a width and offset.

I never said this would be a winter setup, I live in CA so I want maximum performance year round and I don't really care about being able to rotate tires.

Would 8.5" front 9.5" rear perform significantly better than 9.5" all around?

 

I have OZ Superturismo LM as my winter set...you can only fit a 19x8.5 on the front
19x8.5et30
19x9.5et30

 

Thank you!
Do you have pictures of this setup? Any need for spacers? What size tires do you run with this?
I am likely going to do the same setup.

 

19x8.5 ET26
19x9.5 ET27

HRE - I have been really happy with them

235/35 and 265/30

I think ET25 all the way around would be flush if I was to do it again.

I had Forgestar CF5 19x10 ET22 and looked sweet but the 265 was stretched way too much for me, it looked crazy.

 

Front Wheels: 8.5Jx19 ET25 (p/n AMG B66031209 - A2194011502)
Rear Wheels: 9.5Jx19 ET28 (p/n AMG B66031210 - A2194011602)

This is what I am putting on my Cab...CLS 63 AMG rims.

 

Staggered rims are NOT better for performance...a car will handle best with equal size and width tires and rims all around.

 

Lolll please... do not spread such type of "knowledge". Every serious Manufacturers of high end sports car, race drive team, and science says otherwise. Staggered - on RWD cars - is necessary for a performance ride.
That being said, let me follow with an informative answer in the next post ..

 

Guide for your CLK for the Biggest wheels / Wider Tires [ W209 Cabrio (A209) ]

So my 07 CLK63 Cabrio is undergoing some work, so I had a set of SL55 AMG style IV wheels under my hand, and I tried them on my 04 CLK320 Cabrio. Car is basically same dimensions, suspension geometry than the 63, other than ride height.
I'm looking to fit the widest Tires, not Wheels, I want a lot of rubber.
Wheels are:
18x8.5 ET30. with 255/40/18
18x9.5 ET33 with 285/35/18
Tires fitted and then i crawled under to witness how they fit, turned wheels etc . Results are very interesting

Fronts:
18x8.5 ET30. tried it with 255/40/18 --> correction: 255/35/18
255 is the Absolute Maximum that would fit on a 8.5 without risking rubbing. HOWEVER: 40 is the wrong ratio, it's TOO high and at turns it rubs with the little plastic protecter of the half bottom in the wheel well ( the one protecting the Fogs).
Plus, on STOCK 320 cabrio they did not hit the strut tower BUT the Clk63 is LOWER, therefore one more reason to stay at 35 (255/35/18 = 225/40/18 (OEM) = 25" )
The BEST offset IS ET30.
ANY HIGHER offset (32++) and it would hit the inside strut body with the 255s. With this setup there is actually about 2-3mm between to the 255 and the strut. 265 would hit.
ANY LOWER offset (28 --) and the wheel would be itself at level with the fender, meaning you'll be penalizing yourself and would need to fit narrower rubber (245 or less) to avoid chuffing on the fender.
a wider wheel "might" work aka 9.0, but it would need a higher offset ET25-28 and would yield to the same results.. 255 would still be the max and your wheel would stick.
In My case, I'm not afraid rub on the fender with the 255 on the Clk63 since its suspension is much firmer, I do Not recommand you go 255 on a mushy soft Clk320 or Clk500 suspension, you risk to bottom down more frequently.









Rears:
18x9.5 ET33 with 285/35/18 . Possibility? : infinite! Probably 305 on 10.5" with a high offset.
The SUPRISE !!
I was very doubtful the 285 would fit.... HAHA... there is PLENTY of space INSIDE the wheel well for SO MUCH MORE!!!!
(Mind you, ratio could be 285/30 to match the factory gearing but it doesn't change anything).
On the exterior, the tire is at the limit of chuffing on its side but not on the tread, so it works fine.
In its current configuration: at ET33 the 9.5 wheel is at it's max before it starts to peak out of the side and manages to tuck-flush.
HOWEVER.. Here's what you have to know: THE ARE 2 INCHES left inside the wheel well !!!!
What does that mean? Well... give me a 10.5" wheel with an offset of 45 (18x10.5 ET45) or maybe even 18x11 with a bit higher offset +- 50, and that sucker could EASILY fit a 305 tire!!!!
I couldn't tell you exactly, but i'd tell you to go and explore. I don'T have access to any wider than a 9.5 wheel to try wider tires, but if you want Meeaat, you'll be served.