Technical help for wheels
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Vaansterdaam, BC, Canada
W209 CLK
Technical help for wheels
I am a little confused about wheels.
This is my understanding. Although all Mercedes share the same 5x112 bolt patterns, there are two different lug sizes (12mm & 14mm) depending on the model. Smaller vehicles with the likes of C, SLK, and CLK use the 12mm width bolts while E, SL, CLS etc uses 14mm wide bolts. Offsets are different depending on the yeah and model as well but are very similar. Because of the different width bolts, these wheels are not interchangeable. This is because 14mm bolts will not fit in the holes meant for a 12mm bolt and using wheels that require 14mm wide bolts on a car that uses 12mm is dangerous because of the excess spacing around the bolts.
How is it that people are using wheels from say a W211 E class on a C class without any issues?
If the manufacturer uses the same wheels for all models? For example Renntech monolites have the same parts number for all the vehicles so I am assuming they would be the same rims. I would assume the wheels for the SL will be the same for a CLK?
I've come close to purchasing wheels but backed out in fear of the bolt issue. Sellers on eBay always seem to claim that their wheels fits across the board which I don't believe. I read what some members post regarding their rims and it doesn't seem to make sense. Can someone ie Luke or an expert put this issue of mine to rest?
Thanks!
This is my understanding. Although all Mercedes share the same 5x112 bolt patterns, there are two different lug sizes (12mm & 14mm) depending on the model. Smaller vehicles with the likes of C, SLK, and CLK use the 12mm width bolts while E, SL, CLS etc uses 14mm wide bolts. Offsets are different depending on the yeah and model as well but are very similar. Because of the different width bolts, these wheels are not interchangeable. This is because 14mm bolts will not fit in the holes meant for a 12mm bolt and using wheels that require 14mm wide bolts on a car that uses 12mm is dangerous because of the excess spacing around the bolts.
How is it that people are using wheels from say a W211 E class on a C class without any issues?
If the manufacturer uses the same wheels for all models? For example Renntech monolites have the same parts number for all the vehicles so I am assuming they would be the same rims. I would assume the wheels for the SL will be the same for a CLK?
I've come close to purchasing wheels but backed out in fear of the bolt issue. Sellers on eBay always seem to claim that their wheels fits across the board which I don't believe. I read what some members post regarding their rims and it doesn't seem to make sense. Can someone ie Luke or an expert put this issue of mine to rest?
Thanks!
TR Moderator & Tire God
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 5
From: SouthBend, IN USA
depends on the weather
here is a picture of the 12/14 bolt issue
as you can see the 12mm bolt does not seat properly in the 14mm seat. Many aftermarket wheels use conical seats rather the the OE designed ball seats so, the 14/12 problem does have any effect since the cone shape is the same for both sizes. Larger MB's run higher offset due to the needed load capacity
as you can see the 12mm bolt does not seat properly in the 14mm seat. Many aftermarket wheels use conical seats rather the the OE designed ball seats so, the 14/12 problem does have any effect since the cone shape is the same for both sizes. Larger MB's run higher offset due to the needed load capacity
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
clarification, in part....
E series will use either 12mm or 14mm bolts, depending on year. Seems the
W210s came from factory with 12mm/12mm bolt diam/ball....whereas the W211s
came with 14mm/14mm.
E series will use either 12mm or 14mm bolts, depending on year. Seems the
W210s came from factory with 12mm/12mm bolt diam/ball....whereas the W211s
came with 14mm/14mm.
