Comments on lowering and wheel/tire size 4 my 02 CLK55 - Benzworld.org

indyhiggie · 08-16-2005, 08:17 PM

I am new to the forum, and just bought my 02 CLK55 Cabriolet in June. Recently I curb rashed the pass. front rim, and while I am researching repair, I started reading posts about wheels and lowering.

To date, I haven't figured out a good source to learn about AMG specific differences in an 02 CLK55 Cab.. It seems that this car has a unique two piece rim, 17"s.

My question:
What is the best 18" combo I can run, and how do I do it. I am seriously considering a blower, as soon as I sell my two wheel toy (the convertible purchase was intended to give me a safer open air ride, so I won't miss the motorcycle). With the blower in mind, as much rear tire that doesn't rub is warranted.

I do a week night drag race here in Indy on occassion, at the local NHRA track. It is a lot of fun, because so many locals read the American Muscle car mag.s, and think their 14 second car will run in the 11's.

Any replies based on personal experience is greatly appreciated.[8D]

Gorilla Beast · 08-16-2005, 08:39 PM

I have a CLK55 also.

You can run a 18x8 or 8.5 front and a 18x9 or 9.5 rear. Offset is key and so is caliper clearance. There are not a lot of "off the shelf" wheels for CLK55, especially if you dont want to run a spacer to clear the caliper.

Tire in front 225/40/18 or 235/40/18
Tire in rear 255/35/18 or 265/35/18

All will fit w/o body mod like rolling fenders.

I have some 19" stagger DPE's almost ready, hopefully another week or so. Ill post pics when on the car.

indyhiggie · 08-16-2005, 08:47 PM

Thanks for the info.

I am excited about your 19's and their fit. If the ride quality is still good, I may go that route.

They will certainly have the LOOK !!

[:D]

**ThrillKill** · 08-17-2005, 06:46 AM

I'm running staggered 19's. 9.5 with a 10mm spacer in the rear. It's a little sensitive on bumps but that's it. Car is lowered and there is no rubbing at all. Go for it!

TMG · 08-18-2005, 12:58 PM

Indyhiggie,

First im glad to see another member in the Indy area. I wanted to let you know I handle motorsport operations for OZ Racing, and would be happy to help you with your fitment and questions regarding wheels and tire sizes.

I just installed a set of OZ Galileo III on my CLK in 8.5x19 Front and 9.5x19 Rear. The ride quality is great and I really enjoy the look of the 19's.

Let me know if I can be of any help or if you would like to come by and take a ride in the car to see if it is the kind of ride you are looking for.

Thanks,

Bryan

**Phade** · 08-18-2005, 03:10 PM

if you get 18's you will wish you had 19's.. linh's clk is the only one i've seen that looks really good with 18's.. and linh is just the man anyways..

Gorilla Beast · 08-18-2005, 07:22 PM

Correct, if you want a nice lip on a multipiece wheel, you have to get a 19" on this car.

DANDADA_CLK55 · 08-19-2005, 05:29 AM

Yea, you can't beat 19's....I just got some 19" carlsson 2/5's on my cl55....235/35/19 8X19 in the front and 265/30/19 10X19 in the rear...They dont rub at all...I can't wait to get it dropped.