The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 sits in the grand touring side of the modern Mercedes coupe lineup, blending big-coupe presence with the kind of speed, refinement, and road manners buyers expect from a flagship two-door. Tire choice on this car starts with one key fitment question, because the CL550 uses either 255/45R18 or 255/40R19 radial tires depending on sub-model. That means wheel diameter and package identification matter before anything else. From there, the available choices branch into blackwall performance-oriented options as well as RWL and redline treatments in select series. For a stock car, the smartest approach is matching the exact size to the exact setup, then choosing the look and driving character that suit the car's use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 uses two primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The 4Matic uses an 18-inch setup with 255/45R18, while the 4Matic w/Sport Pkg. uses a 19-inch setup with 255/40R19. Before comparing brands or sidewall treatments, confirm which wheel package is on the car, especially if it has been changed from stock.
A 255/45R18 tire is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch rim. On the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550, this size is used on the 4Matic and keeps the tire in the modern radial format expected for this chassis. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options, with blackwall, RWL, and redline sidewall treatments depending on series. This size is the right place to focus if the car retains its 18-inch wheel setup and you want to compare appearance and performance character within the proper fitment.
A 255/40R19 tire uses the same 255-millimeter section width but pairs it with a lower 40-series profile on a 19-inch rim. On the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550, this size applies to the 4Matic w/Sport Pkg., so the wheel package is the deciding factor before tire selection begins. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Pro-Trac offerings across blackwall, RWL, and redline presentations, with series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and Street Pro III. This size makes sense only after confirming the car is on the correct 19-inch wheel setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 because tire size changes with the wheel package. The first step is confirming whether the car is a CL550 4Matic or a CL550 4Matic w/Sport Pkg., since that determines whether it uses an 18-inch or 19-inch tire.
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2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic uses the 255/45R18 radial size. For this sub-model, tire selection is mainly about staying with the correct 18-inch fitment while comparing blackwall, RWL, or redline options and checking wheel width compatibility if the car has aftermarket wheels.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic w/Sport Pkg. uses the 255/40R19 radial size. That makes the 19-inch wheel setup central to the tire decision, after which the choice becomes one of series, sidewall appearance, and confirming the car still has the intended sport-package wheel configuration.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 Tires for Sale
Available CL550 tire choices span 255/45R18 and 255/40R19 radial sizes from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. The main differences in the product grid are tire series, blackwall versus RWL or redline sidewalls, and rim-width compatibility tied to each wheel package.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550, how the 18-inch and 19-inch setups differ by sub-model, and what to compare when choosing among available radial tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550?
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 uses two tire sizes: 255/45R18 and 255/40R19. The CL550 4Matic uses 255/45R18, while the CL550 4Matic w/Sport Pkg. uses 255/40R19, and both are radial tire fitments.
The important detail is that these sizes are tied to different wheel diameters, so the first check is the actual wheel package on the car. A CL550 that has had wheels changed over the years may no longer match its original setup, which is why measuring the wheel and confirming the exact sub-model should come before comparing brands or sidewall styles.
What size rim does a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 use?
A 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 uses either an 18-inch or 19-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The CL550 4Matic pairs with the 255/45R18 size on an 18-inch rim, and the CL550 4Matic w/Sport Pkg. pairs with the 255/40R19 size on a 19-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the first fitment checkpoint because an 18-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 19-inch wheel, and vice versa. Once diameter is confirmed, it also helps to check wheel width against the tire's acceptable range, especially on a car with replacement wheels, custom offsets, or any previous suspension and wheel package changes.
Why does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 have more than one tire size?
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 has more than one tire size because the fitment changes with the sub-model and wheel package. The standard CL550 4Matic uses 255/45R18, while the 4Matic w/Sport Pkg. uses 255/40R19.
Those two sizes are close in overall diameter, but they are built around different rim diameters and different wheel setups. That means the right choice is not a matter of preference alone. Identifying the exact version of the car and confirming the wheels currently installed will keep the selection process focused on tires that match the car's actual fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 255/45R18 tire for a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550?
A 255/45R18 tire for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 should first match the CL550 4Matic's 18-inch fitment. After size is confirmed, the main points of comparison are radial construction, brand, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility within the available product range.
This size is offered in blackwall, RWL, and redline styles, so appearance can be part of the decision along with how the car is driven. BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options give the buyer a mix of series and specifications to compare, and checking the installed wheel width is especially worthwhile before narrowing the field.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 tires?
The available sidewall styles for 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 tires include blackwall, RWL, and redline, depending on tire size and series. Those choices appear across both the 255/45R18 and 255/40R19 fitments, giving the car a more understated or more distinctive visual presentation.
Sidewall style does not replace the need to match the correct size and wheel diameter for the sub-model. Once fitment is settled, the sidewall becomes an appearance decision that can shift the car toward a modern performance look or a more expressive custom presentation without changing the underlying radial construction.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550?
Tires for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac across the applicable 255/45R18 and 255/40R19 sizes. Those brands cover several series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, Street Pro III, and Nitto NT555 G2.
The practical difference is not just the brand name but the combination of series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. A good comparison starts with the correct sub-model size, then narrows to whether a blackwall performance look or a more distinctive RWL or redline treatment better suits the car and its intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550?
A period-style 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 tire choice starts with the correct factory-era size for the exact sub-model: 255/45R18 for the 4Matic or 255/40R19 for the 4Matic w/Sport Pkg. Since this is a modern luxury coupe, the period-appropriate foundation is already a radial tire rather than a vintage bias-ply format.
From there, appearance comes down to the character you want the car to project. A blackwall usually keeps the look closest to a restrained modern grand touring coupe, while RWL or redline choices create a more personalized presentation. If originality matters closely, compare the current setup with authoritative Mercedes reference material for the exact car.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550?
On a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550, tire construction is straightforward because the applicable fitments are radial. That means the visible appearance difference is less about choosing between bias-ply and radial construction and more about selecting the right size, profile, and sidewall treatment for the car's original wheel package.
A properly sized radial keeps the CL550's proportions in line with its intended luxury-performance stance, especially when matched to the correct 18-inch or 19-inch wheel. The bigger visual change comes from choosing blackwall, RWL, or redline styling, so restoration-minded buyers should treat sidewall appearance as a styling decision rather than a construction issue.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 even when the tire size appears close to stock. Wheel changes, different offsets, lowered suspension, replacement springs, and body or brake upgrades can all alter the clearance available for either the 255/45R18 or 255/40R19 setup.
A car that has been modified should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension travel before assuming any tire choice is suitable. Verifying wheel diameter, wheel width, and the space at the fender and inner chassis helps prevent rubbing issues and keeps the tire decision tied to the car's actual current setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and width, confirm tire pressure, and look over the suspension and steering for obvious wear. It also helps to make sure the tires have even seating on the rims and adequate clearance around the fenders and inner wheel wells.
A short, careful road test is a smart final check after installation. Pay attention to vibration, pulling, rubbing, or unusual noise, especially if the car has different wheels than it left the factory with. Catching those issues early helps confirm that the chosen 18-inch or 19-inch setup matches the vehicle as it sits today.
How often should tires on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 should be inspected regularly, not just when tread appears low. A visual check for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, cracking, and pressure loss is worthwhile throughout the driving season, and it becomes even more important on a car that is driven infrequently or stored for stretches of time.
Collector-minded or low-mileage ownership can hide tire age and condition because the tread may still look usable. Looking at the sidewalls, checking pressure consistency, and watching for flat-spotting or storage-related aging will tell you more than tread depth alone. Regular inspection also helps confirm that alignment and suspension issues are not wearing the tires unevenly.
