Greetings, CLKs!
Will you be able to assist with the wheel? Wheels and tires are completely foreign to me, but mechanics, engines, hydraulics, etc. are all within my skill set.
Please, if you are familiar with CLK and its users, give me some advice on this matter. I have 205s up front and 225s in the back on my 2005 200K cabriolet, along with the standard suspension and 16" wheels/rims from MB. 8Js don't appear to be manufactured in 16" anymore by any brand that I'm aware of, so I would like to know the following so that I can replace the extremely outdated 16" wheels with 17" ones:
Is it possible to install 17-inch alloys (with naturally lower profile tyres) without compromising handling or putting unnecessary stress on the steering components? I only drive my car on regular streets.
Will the ride comfort be noticeably improved with the lower profile tyres?
Will steering wheel alignment be necessary?
Should I use the same ET offset for the front and back wheels and tires of the same size, or should I use different ones?
Most importantly, will the new wheel/tire combination cause any clearance problems? I have already checked the diameter of the new tires.
My apologies for the barrage of questions; I would greatly appreciate any information you men (and women!) could provide.
Posts: 73
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Posts: 52
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
I switched it up and went with 16-inch wheels instead of 17s for a smoother ride, but it didn't make much of a difference.
Cheaper and lasting longer, 16-inch tyres are just as good for everyday driving as they are in the rain.
The wheel specifications can be found in the driver's handbook.
Cheaper and lasting longer, 16-inch tyres are just as good for everyday driving as they are in the rain.
The wheel specifications can be found in the driver's handbook.
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
The ride quality, gas mileage, and noise level will all suffer marginally when you upgrade to larger wheels with lower profile tires.
You can get cars with 17-or 18-inch wheels, which won't put any unnecessary mechanical strain on the vehicle.
In any case, CLKs do come with good non-run flat tires, and 17s aren't very big—as mentioned before, consult your handbook or search online for the MB-recommended size and tires.
My CLK was perfectly functional with 18s on it.
Plus, if you think 17s will look better than 16s, you're right.
You can get cars with 17-or 18-inch wheels, which won't put any unnecessary mechanical strain on the vehicle.
In any case, CLKs do come with good non-run flat tires, and 17s aren't very big—as mentioned before, consult your handbook or search online for the MB-recommended size and tires.
My CLK was perfectly functional with 18s on it.
Plus, if you think 17s will look better than 16s, you're right.
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Perhaps you've seen this before:
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Posts: 73
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Hello Everyone
Much obliged for the prompt responses. Thank you very much. This is fascinating information. It is high time for me to take this seriously now!
Much obliged for the prompt responses. Thank you very much. This is fascinating information. It is high time for me to take this seriously now!
Posts: 73
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Hey there,
I appreciate your patience because I'm just starting out.
I can almost hear you breathing a sigh of relief as I ask you one last question before I say goodbye.
Would it be an issue if, in the event that I am unable to locate the precise solution I am seeking, I were to install the tyre size one size below the original? For example, instead of 245/50s on a 17" rim for the rear, I were to install 235/50s?
Asking because I haven't been able to track down a manufacturer of 8.5J rims that can accommodate 245 rubber without putting too much strain on the sidewalls. Unless I'm completely mistaken.
Much obliged for bearing with me.
PS: Through reputable dealers and agents, you can find an unbelievable variety of wheels. However, I continue!
I appreciate your patience because I'm just starting out.
I can almost hear you breathing a sigh of relief as I ask you one last question before I say goodbye.
Would it be an issue if, in the event that I am unable to locate the precise solution I am seeking, I were to install the tyre size one size below the original? For example, instead of 245/50s on a 17" rim for the rear, I were to install 235/50s?
Asking because I haven't been able to track down a manufacturer of 8.5J rims that can accommodate 245 rubber without putting too much strain on the sidewalls. Unless I'm completely mistaken.
Much obliged for bearing with me.
PS: Through reputable dealers and agents, you can find an unbelievable variety of wheels. However, I continue!