Wald Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Black Bison (2009) Wheel Fitment
Wald Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Black Bison (2009): 5x112 bolt pattern, 66.6mm center bore, OE F 18x8.5J ET43 / R 18x9.5J ET43.
✓ Verified by ANKUSI's Engineering Team — IATF 16949 & ISO 9001 certified forged wheel manufacturer, TÜV/SFI/VIA compliant. See our factory & certifications →
Wheel Size & Offset at a Glance
| Configuration | Wheel Size & Offset |
|---|---|
| Flush Fitment | F 22x9J ET32 / R 22x10.5J ET38 |
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
A sedan's wheel spec is a balance point the factory tuned between ride comfort, steering feel, and everyday durability. Forging lets us hold that same structural margin while cutting rotational mass, which is where most of the real-world benefit — quicker steering response, marginally better ride — actually comes from.
The Wald Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Black Bison ships from the factory on a 5x112 bolt pattern with a 66.6mm center bore and a F 18x8.5J ET43 / R 18x9.5J ET43 wheel. Our flush reference for the Wald Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Black Bison is F 22x9J ET32 / R 22x10.5J ET38.; our maximum aggressive reference is F 22x9.5J ET28 / R 22x11J ET35. — beyond that, expect clearance issues against the fender liner without further modification.
Wald Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Black Bison OE Wheel Specs
The Wald Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Black Bison ships from the factory on 5x112 bolt pattern wheels with a 66.6mm center bore. The stock wheel size is F 18x8.5J ET43 / R 18x9.5J ET43, offering a balanced ride that suits most owners without any rubbing or clearance concerns.
Why the factory spec works for most owners:
- Balances ride comfort with steering response and highway efficiency.
- Wide tire and wheel availability at the factory diameter keeps replacement costs low.
- Lower unsprung weight than larger aftermarket wheels helps ride quality and acceleration.
- Guaranteed clearance against brake calipers and suspension components.
Flush Fitment
For a flush look without any body modification, most Wald Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Black Bison owners run F 22x9J ET32 / R 22x10.5J ET38. This setup tucks the wheel face closer to the fender lip while staying within safe load and clearance limits.
Maximum Aggressive Fitment
Owners chasing a more aggressive stance push to F 22x9.5J ET28 / R 22x11J ET35. Wald Black Bison body kit; lowering links for air suspension; 22-inch Wald Mahora multi-piece wheels; Brembo 8-piston front brakes; Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (F: 245/30 R22, R: 295/25 R22) tires. Note: W221 executive sedan featuring unmistakable Wald front bumper design with LED daytime running lights and roof spoiler. Clearance should be verified before ordering, especially on lowered cars.
5-Tier Configuration Options
A – Factory-Style: 18x8.5J ET43
Recommended setup: Factory-matched forged replacement
Economy impact: None
Best for: Daily drivers, warranty-conscious owners
Appearance 5/10 | Comfort 10/10 | Install difficulty ★☆☆☆
Estimated cost range: $$ (OE replacement)
B – Comfortable Upgrade: F 20x9J ET38 / R 20x10J ET41
Recommended setup: Direct bolt-on, factory suspension
Economy impact: Minimal
Best for: Owners who want a mild upgrade with no compromise
Appearance 6/10 | Comfort 9/10 | Install difficulty ★☆☆☆
Estimated cost range: $$ - $$$
C – Balanced / Flush Fit: F 22x9J ET32 / R 22x10.5J ET38
Recommended setup: Flush forged wheels, stock or mild lowering
Economy impact: Slight increase
Best for: Enthusiasts wanting a flush look daily
Appearance 8/10 | Comfort 7/10 | Install difficulty ★★☆☆
Estimated cost range: $$$
D – Aggressive: F 22x9.5J ET30 / R 22x11J ET37
Recommended setup: Wider forged wheels, coilovers or lowering springs
Economy impact: Noticeable increase
Best for: Show-and-drive builds
Appearance 9/10 | Comfort 5/10 | Install difficulty ★★★☆
Estimated cost range: $$$$
E – Max Aggressive: F 22x9.5J ET28 / R 22x11J ET35
Recommended setup: Wald Black Bison body kit; lowering links for air suspension; 22-inch Wald Mahora multi-piece wheels; Brembo 8-piston front brakes; Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (F: 245/30 R22, R: 295/25 R22) tires. Note: W221 executive sedan featuring unmistakable Wald front bumper design with LED daytime running lights and roof spoiler.
Economy impact: Significant increase
Best for: Show builds, weekend cars
Appearance 10/10 | Comfort 3/10 | Install difficulty ★★★★
Estimated cost range: $$$$$
Performance Comparison Matrix
| Wheel Spec | Tier A | Tier B | Tier C | Tier D | Tier E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Spec | 18x8.5J ET43 | F 20x9J ET38 / R 20x10J ET41 | F 22x9J ET32 / R 22x10.5J ET38 | F 22x9.5J ET30 / R 22x11J ET37 | F 22x9.5J ET28 / R 22x11J ET35 |
| Economy Impact | None | Minimal | Slight increase | Noticeable increase | Significant increase |
| Appearance | 5/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Comfort | 10/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 |
| Install Difficulty | ★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆ | ★★★☆ | ★★★★ |
| Cost Range | $$ (OE replacement) | $$ - $$$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ |
| Best For | Daily drivers, warranty-conscious owners | Owners who want a mild upgrade with no compromise | Enthusiasts wanting a flush look daily | Show-and-drive builds | Show builds, weekend cars |
Real-World Reference Cases
The following builds are compiled from typical ANKUSI customer configurations for this platform and are illustrative, not individually verified real-world builds.
Case 1: Daily Driver (Factory-Style)
Profile: Commuter prioritizing comfort and reliability.
Setup: F 18x8.5J ET43 / R 18x9.5J ET43 forged wheels, factory suspension.
Cost: $$ (OE replacement)
Outcome: No clearance issues, factory ride quality retained.
Case 2: Balanced Enthusiast (Balanced / Flush Fit)
Profile: Weekend driver wanting a flush stance without sacrificing daily usability.
Setup: F 22x9J ET32 / R 22x10.5J ET38 forged wheels.
Cost: $$$
Outcome: Flush fitment with acceptable ride comfort for daily use.
Case 3: Show Build (Max Aggressive)
Profile: Show-and-shine build prioritizing stance over comfort.
Setup: F 22x9.5J ET28 / R 22x11J ET35 forged wheels. Wald Black Bison body kit; lowering links for air suspension; 22-inch Wald Mahora multi-piece wheels; Brembo 8-piston front brakes; Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (F: 245/30 R22, R: 295/25 R22) tires. Note: W221 executive sedan featuring unmistakable Wald front bumper design with LED daytime running lights and roof spoiler.
Cost: $$$$$
Outcome: Maximum aggressive stance; clearance verified case-by-case.
Decision Guide
Offset & Backspacing Reference
Backspacing is calculated as: wheel width (in) / 2 + offset (mm) / 25.4 + 0.5.
- OE 18x8.5J ET43: backspacing ≈ 6.44"
- Flush 22x9J ET32: backspacing ≈ 6.26"
- Max 22x9.5J ET28: backspacing ≈ 6.35"
Use our offset & backspacing calculator to fine-tune your fitment, or contact ANKUSI for a custom forged wheel quote for your Wald Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Black Bison.