By Torque, AIWheelTech vehicle & fitment specialist · 2002–2005
Mercedes M-Class wheel fitment at a glance — The Mercedes M-Class 163 (2002–2005) uses a 5x112 bolt pattern, 66.6 mm centre bore, M14x1.5 bolts. It accepts ~7.5J–11J wheels at ET35–ET60 front; staggered setups run 9J–11J rear (ET35–ET58).
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) is a first-generation body-on-frame SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz from February 1997 to December 2004. It was the company's entry into the mid-size luxury SUV market, positioned between the smaller GLC and larger GLS models. The W163 was manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant and briefly by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria from 1999 to 2002 for the European market. This generation featured a range of petrol and diesel engines including V6, V8, and straight-five options paired with manual or automatic transmissions. The M-Class was notable for being the first luxury SUV to feature electronic stability control and advanced airbag systems.
Mercedes M-Class wheel fitment
Mercedes M-Class wheel fitment for the Mercedes M-Class 163 (2002–2005): the factory PCD, centre bore and bolt spec, then the aftermarket width and offset window we fit to.
Bolt pattern (PCD)
5x112
Centre bore
66.6 mm
Bolt / thread
M14x1.5 (bolts)
Seat type
radius
Factory setup
staggered
TPMS
direct
Run-flat
Yes
Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:
Position
Width
Offset
Front
7.5J–11J
ET35–ET60
Rear (staggered)
9J–11J
ET35–ET58
As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8–10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.
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History & notable variants
Development on the W163 began in 1992 after a joint venture with Mitsubishi Motors failed due to technical issues. It launched globally as the ML 320 in September 1997, earning accolades such as Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 1998 and North American Truck of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show. Despite initial quality concerns, significant improvements were made by 2005 with a facelift that included updated styling and engine options like the ML 400 CDI and ML 350.
Reliability & owner notes
Pros: First luxury SUV with electronic stability control and advanced airbag systems; Range of petrol and diesel engines
