Mercedes-Benz CLC (2009) Wheel Fitment
Mercedes-Benz CLC (2009): 5x112 bolt pattern, 66.6mm center bore. Factory wheels: 16x7.0J F/R. Reference fitment ranges.
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Wheel Size & Offset at a Glance
| Configuration | Wheel Size & Offset |
|---|---|
| Factory (OE) | 16x7.0J F/R |
| Flush Fitment | 17x8.0J at ET35 offset |
| Maximum Aggressive | 18x8.5J at ET32 offset |
How to Read Wheel Offset & Measurements
Use these two references before ordering: the left diagram shows where each spec (PCD, center bore, offset, width and diameter) is measured on the wheel; the right diagram shows how positive, zero and negative offset shift the wheel face relative to the hub centerline.
ANKUSI Engineering Expert Advice
Coupes and performance platforms are where rotational mass shows up fastest — in acceleration, in braking, and in how quickly the chassis changes direction. Forging lets us build to the same strength spec as the factory wheel at a meaningfully lower rotational weight, which is where the performance gain actually comes from, not just the visual one.
The Mercedes-Benz CLC runs a 5x112 bolt pattern, 66.6mm center bore, and a 16x7.0J, front and rear, wheel from the factory. Our Flush Fitment reference is 17x8.0J ET35, which tucks the tire under the fender lip on a stock-height Mercedes-Benz CLC. Our Maximum Aggressive reference is 18x8.5J ET32 — beyond that offset, expect rubbing against the inner fender liner under compression without further trimming.
Mercedes-Benz CLC OE Wheel Specs
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC (Hatchback / Coupe) uses a 5x112 bolt pattern with a 66.6mm center bore. Factory wheels are 16x7.0J F/R.
Why the factory spec works for most owners:
- Keeps unsprung weight low to preserve the factory handling balance
- Matches the wider, performance-oriented tire sizing typical of this platform
- Maintains clearance for the factory brake package and suspension geometry
- Balances grip with ride comfort for daily and spirited driving
Flush Fitment
For a flush look with minimal rubbing, F/R 17x8.0J ET35 is the recommended starting point on a stock or mildly lowered Mercedes-Benz CLC.
Maximum Aggressive Fitment
F/R 18x8.5J ET32 is a more aggressive reference setup. Beyond this, expect rubbing under compression without fender rolling or camber correction.
5-Tier Configuration Options
A Factory-Style 16x7.0J ET37
Recommended setup: 16x7.0J ET37 | Economy impact: Negligible | Best for: Daily commuting, family use
Appearance: 7/10 | Comfort: 9.5/10 | Install difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Estimated cost: $450-800 (wheels + tires + install)
B Comfortable Upgrade 17x7.5J ET36
Recommended setup: 17x7.5J ET36 | Economy impact: -2 to -4% | Best for: Daily / street
Appearance: 8/10 | Comfort: 9/10 | Install difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Estimated cost: $1,950-2,550 (wheels + tires + install)
C Balanced / Flush Fit 17x8.0J ET35
Recommended setup: 17x8.0J ET35 | Economy impact: -4 to -6% | Best for: Street
Appearance: 8.5/10 | Comfort: 8/10 | Install difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Estimated cost: $2,600-3,400 (wheels + tires + install)
D Aggressive 18x8.5J ET34
Recommended setup: 18x8.5J ET34 | Economy impact: -6 to -9% | Best for: Show / occasional track
Appearance: 9/10 | Comfort: 6.5/10 | Install difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Estimated cost: $3,900-5,000 (wheels + tires + install)
E Max Aggressive 18x8.5J ET32
Recommended setup: 18x8.5J ET32 | Economy impact: -8 to -12% | Best for: Show only
Appearance: 9.5/10 | Comfort: 4/10 | Install difficulty: ★★★★☆
Estimated cost: $4,800-6,200+ (wheels + tires + install)
Performance Comparison Matrix
| Metric | Tier A | Tier B | Tier C | Tier D | Tier E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Spec | 16x7.0J ET37 | 17x7.5J ET36 | 17x8.0J ET35 | 18x8.5J ET34 | 18x8.5J ET32 |
| Economy Impact | Negligible | -2 to -4% | -4 to -6% | -6 to -9% | -8 to -12% |
| Appearance | 7/10 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Comfort | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | 4/10 |
| Install Difficulty | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cost Range | $450-800 | $1,950-2,550 | $2,600-3,400 | $3,900-5,000 | $4,800-6,200+ |
| Best For | Daily commuting, family use | Daily / street | Street | Show / occasional track | Show only |
Real-World Reference Cases
The examples below are compiled from typical ANKUSI customer configurations and are labeled as reference cases, not individually verified real-world builds.
Case 1: Daily Driver (Factory-Style)
Profile: Everyday driving, prioritizes comfort and low running cost.
Setup: 16x7.0J ET37
Cost: ~$620
Outcome: Minimal visual change, ride and fuel economy essentially unaffected.
Case 2: Balanced Enthusiast (Balanced / Flush Fit)
Profile: Wants a sportier stance without sacrificing daily usability.
Setup: 17x8.0J ET35
Cost: ~$3,000
Outcome: Noticeable visual upgrade, fuel economy drop within the expected range.
Case 3: Show Build (Max Aggressive)
Profile: Built primarily for shows or occasional track/show use.
Setup: 18x8.5J ET32
Cost: ~$5,500
Outcome: Maximum visual impact; daily comfort and fuel economy are heavily compromised, physical test fit required before production.
Decision Guide
Offset & Backspacing Reference
Backspacing is calculated as wheel width (in) ÷ 2 + offset (mm) ÷ 25.4 + 0.5 (flange allowance):
- OE: 16x7.0J ET37 → ~5.46″ backspacing
- Flush: 17x8.0J ET35 → ~5.88″ backspacing
- Max: 18x8.5J ET32 → ~6.01″ backspacing
Want to check a different width or offset before you order? Use our Offset & Backspacing Calculator to solve the numbers yourself, or looking for your exact Mercedes-Benz spec, or want a wheel built to a custom offset for your Mercedes-Benz CLC? Contact ANKUSI with your bolt pattern and offset target and we will confirm the correct forged wheel spec for your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bolt pattern (PCD) does the Mercedes-Benz CLC use?
How many lug bolts does the Mercedes-Benz CLC use?
What is the center bore size on the Mercedes-Benz CLC?
What size are the factory (stock) wheels on the Mercedes-Benz CLC?
What is the biggest wheel size I can fit on my Mercedes-Benz CLC without rubbing?
What does a flush wheel fitment look like on the Mercedes-Benz CLC?
Do I need wheel spacers for my Mercedes-Benz CLC?
How do I calculate wheel backspacing for my Mercedes-Benz CLC?
What's the difference between wheel offset and backspacing?
Can I run staggered wheels (different sizes front and rear) on my Mercedes-Benz CLC?
Wheel Installation Reference: Torque, Thread & TPMS
Thread & Fastener: M14x1.5, ball-seat lug bolt.
Factory Torque Spec: 130 Nm (96 ft-lb). Sedan/coupe platforms (E-Class, CLS, SL and similar) generally use the shorter 27mm bolt at this spec.
TPMS: TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) has been federally mandated on all new light vehicles sold in the US since the 2008 model year. If your wheels use OE-style sensors, have them transferred or cloned to the new wheels at installation.
Tire Pressure: Always set tire pressure to the value on your vehicle's tire placard (driver's doorjamb or glovebox), not the max PSI printed on the tire sidewall — this is trim- and tire-size-specific and stays the same reference point when you switch to a different wheel and tire combination.
Reference data compiled from published OEM service specifications and cross-checked against independent repair sources; always confirm against your owner's manual or door-jamb placard before installation.