Why so few aftermarket parts for the W208?
09-29-2015, 12:19 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Why so few aftermarket parts for the W208?
Further confused since I have an '03 convertible... How 'bout some carbon fiber parts? Horsepower options? More exhaust options? 
Oh well, just wanted to vent a bit.
Oh well, just wanted to vent a bit.
09-29-2015, 04:36 PM
#2
SPONSOR/MBworld Guru
That's the problem with modding older models. No one develops new products for older models and production runs for developed parts have ended so limited to what items are remaining in stock. You really have to turn to used cars part outs or do something custom. The plus side is if there are inventory parts available, you can typically score great deals as vendors are looking to clear inventory. Also probably less demand for part out so you can equally score great deals. Just harder to source.
Last edited by AZN Optics; 09-29-2015 at 04:38 PM.
09-29-2015, 05:04 PM
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Why so few aftermarket parts for the W208?
Thanks. The frustrating thing for me is having a 2003 with the W208 body. There's lots of options for the 209's...
09-29-2015, 08:05 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Your performance options are to buy the same car, but a larger engine model. The cost of any available "mods" will quickly exceed the price difference of trading up with the age of these cars. You can find a nice W208 in a 55 AMG for a very reasonable price.
With any rare model, the returns for anyone who would venture to produce aftermarket parts are slim. If you want CF junk, then it's out there.
My recommendation would be to save a few grand, sell yours, upgrade to a 55, throw some nice rims on it, along with headlight and taillight upgrades, and call it a day. Nothing more needs to be done.
With any rare model, the returns for anyone who would venture to produce aftermarket parts are slim. If you want CF junk, then it's out there.
My recommendation would be to save a few grand, sell yours, upgrade to a 55, throw some nice rims on it, along with headlight and taillight upgrades, and call it a day. Nothing more needs to be done.
09-29-2015, 10:52 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Not sure what your looking for....or even why.
I've owned my CLK 320 2001 cabriolet since new.
Your cabriolet also came with the more aggressive W208 styling package.
I have no doubt that a 430 would have gotten me to my destination, maybe 2 car lengths sooner and maybe a 55. by 4 car lengths.
On the other hand, I enjoy the relaxing open air driving and at 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
What's not to like with your current situation?
Did I mention that DIY maintenance/repairs on the 320 are much easier and less expensive as well.?
I've owned my CLK 320 2001 cabriolet since new.
Your cabriolet also came with the more aggressive W208 styling package.
I have no doubt that a 430 would have gotten me to my destination, maybe 2 car lengths sooner and maybe a 55. by 4 car lengths.
On the other hand, I enjoy the relaxing open air driving and at 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
What's not to like with your current situation?
Did I mention that DIY maintenance/repairs on the 320 are much easier and less expensive as well.?
Last edited by Serndipity; 09-29-2015 at 11:02 PM.
09-29-2015, 11:22 PM
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Why so few aftermarket parts for the W208?
I do like the car and don't want to trade it for something else. I'm 50, so not really looking to have a Honda Civic fighter, either 😜. I'd really just be like a little exhaust rumble and a little more power. As for Carbon Fiber, I don't love the wood trim and would like an alternative.
09-30-2015, 01:06 AM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Before making the purchase, it may have been beneficial to do a little more research. A CLK320 cab is the heaviest of the US spec W208s with the smallest engine. The other models, 430 & 55, are quite a bit faster.
If you're looking to model some performance upgrades after another CLK320, you may want to look at some of Jimmy Williams' threads.
If you're looking to model some performance upgrades after another CLK320, you may want to look at some of Jimmy Williams' threads.
Trending Topics
09-30-2015, 04:16 PM
#9
It is frustrating at times having such a rare car. I for one would like some cost effective front bumper covers considering how often they get damaged. However, on the other hand, it's nice driving something that you don't see a million of on the road such as an E46.
The following users liked this post:
JAMD522 (01-19-2022)
09-30-2015, 06:06 PM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Not sure what your looking for....or even why.
I've owned my CLK 320 2001 cabriolet since new.
Your cabriolet also came with the more aggressive W208 styling package.
I have no doubt that a 430 would have gotten me to my destination, maybe 2 car lengths sooner and maybe a 55. by 4 car lengths.
On the other hand, I enjoy the relaxing open air driving and at 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
What's not to like with your current situation?
Did I mention that DIY maintenance/repairs on the 320 are much easier and less expensive as well.?
I've owned my CLK 320 2001 cabriolet since new.
Your cabriolet also came with the more aggressive W208 styling package.
I have no doubt that a 430 would have gotten me to my destination, maybe 2 car lengths sooner and maybe a 55. by 4 car lengths.
On the other hand, I enjoy the relaxing open air driving and at 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
What's not to like with your current situation?
Did I mention that DIY maintenance/repairs on the 320 are much easier and less expensive as well.?
Some people are happy with cruising, some want to push it a little harder and feel some excitement. The 320 feels weak compared to the 430, and I've never driven the 55, but probably just as much of a jump up from there. I'm happy enough with the power from the 430. I cut out the secondary cats, and it gives just enough exhaust note that you know it means business without being annoying in the cabin at all. Some will also cut out the exhaust resonator, or replace the muffler with Magnaflow or similar, but I've heard that it gets pretty loud that way.
The V8 engines are pretty simple to work on also. They are almost the same design as the V6, just 2 extra cylinders added on. I can get 30mpg just cruising on the hwy, but maybe 20 average normal driving, about the same as my wife's V6 SUV, but then again, I had no intention of buying a sports car for the MPG.
As far as the trim, I also hate wood grain. Mine has the wood trim wrapped in a nice carbon fiber vinyl, it looks awesome. It came to me that way. I emailed the vendor on here who makes custom carbon pieces, but they want wayyy too much money to justify a cosmetic upgrade on a car of this age and value.
The following users liked this post:
JAMD522 (01-19-2022)
10-03-2015, 01:52 PM
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCaL (LA / OC)
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
Received 21 Likes
on
19 Posts
E55 AMG (SOLD), EvoSport CLK (SOLD), 2013 GsxR 750 (SOLD)
Having owned a semi-heavily modded W208 CLK320, it was difficult to gain the horsepower i did. It took months of searching and researching, and waiting till something was available (performance and cosmetic).
With the stock power being 215HP & 229TQ, i was able to bring both numbers right around 300. I was able to pass up stock 350z's / G35's.
I'm guessing you're probably not wanting to spend a whole lot of money modifying the car, but I thought I'd help out by showing you what has been / could be done. Also cause i miss the car. LoL.
The car had gone through a major transformation, lots of money spent (and wasted). But at the end of the day, it'll probably looks better than most cars that pull up next to you.
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...work-done.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...-been-fun.html
Performance mods, it's very difficult to do (especially now). Many companies and brands are discontinuing certain parts. Some modifications I had that I can remember off the top of my head were...
Although I spent what I spent. I believe I had a descent return. At the time, the car had 207k miles. I was able to sell it for $10k cash.
Sorry, didn't meant to put such a lengthy post. It's just good to know that there are still plenty of options out there for modding your car. If someway somehow you're able to get your hands on the pulleys, tune, and custom made headers, you'll be surprised at how much power you'll pick up.
With the stock power being 215HP & 229TQ, i was able to bring both numbers right around 300. I was able to pass up stock 350z's / G35's.
I'm guessing you're probably not wanting to spend a whole lot of money modifying the car, but I thought I'd help out by showing you what has been / could be done. Also cause i miss the car. LoL.
The car had gone through a major transformation, lots of money spent (and wasted). But at the end of the day, it'll probably looks better than most cars that pull up next to you.
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...work-done.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...-been-fun.html
Performance mods, it's very difficult to do (especially now). Many companies and brands are discontinuing certain parts. Some modifications I had that I can remember off the top of my head were...
- BBS LM wheels (replicas)
- W203 C55 AMG calipers - powder-coated gunmetal with white "Brembo" lettering
- AMG drilled rotors - front and rear
- Akebono dust-free performance brake pads
- Goodridge steel braided brake lines
- Projectors headlights with halos - chrome housing
- 6000k HID headlights
- Clear fog-light housing (non-oem)
- 6000k HID fog lights
- "Rebuilt" / cleaned engine - cleaned up the internals
- EvoSport underdrive pulley kit - discontinued (made a lot of power to the wheels)
- AMS crank pulley kit - discontinued (made a lot of power to the wheels)
- Custom fabricated headers - (made a lot of power to the wheels)
- Speed Innovations Performance Tune - discontinued (+29HP / +24TQ)
- - OE Tuning is still available - (+23HP / +25TQ)
- Denso iridium spark plugs
- Denso spark plug wires
- Custom mandrel-bend air intake setup
- Custom front engine strut bar
- Custom rear trunk strut bar
- H&R Sport Cup Kit - 1.9" lowered front / 1.6" lowered rear
- #3 spring pad in front / #1 spring pad in the rear
- H&R 28mm sway bars - front and rear
- Resonator delete
- Custom fabricated E.S. Tuning muffler
- Custom fabricated quad exhaust setup
- Custom AMG quad tips
- LED tail lights
Although I spent what I spent. I believe I had a descent return. At the time, the car had 207k miles. I was able to sell it for $10k cash.
Sorry, didn't meant to put such a lengthy post. It's just good to know that there are still plenty of options out there for modding your car. If someway somehow you're able to get your hands on the pulleys, tune, and custom made headers, you'll be surprised at how much power you'll pick up.
Last edited by babyboigsxr; 10-03-2015 at 01:55 PM.
10-04-2015, 04:39 PM
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCaL (LA / OC)
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
Received 21 Likes
on
19 Posts
E55 AMG (SOLD), EvoSport CLK (SOLD), 2013 GsxR 750 (SOLD)
^
Thanks bro.
I wish I had money to keep the car. It was probably one of the more fun daily drivers out there. Easy on gas, very sufficient power, and looked mean.
If I didn't let my CLK go, I wouldn't be driving what I drive now.
Thanks bro.
I wish I had money to keep the car. It was probably one of the more fun daily drivers out there. Easy on gas, very sufficient power, and looked mean.
If I didn't let my CLK go, I wouldn't be driving what I drive now.
10-04-2015, 10:53 PM
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by ;6571674
Some people are happy with cruising, some want to push it a little harder and feel some excitement. The 320 feels weak compared to the 430, and I've never driven the 55, but probably just as much of a jump up from there. I'm happy enough with the power from the 430. I cut out the secondary cats, and it gives just enough exhaust note that you know it means business without being annoying in the cabin at all. Some will also cut out the exhaust resonator, or replace the muffler with Magnaflow or similar, but I've heard that it gets pretty loud that way.
The V8 engines are pretty simple to work on also. They are almost the same design as the V6, just 2 extra cylinders added on. I can get 30mpg just cruising on the hwy, but maybe 20 average normal driving, about the same as my wife's V6 SUV, but then again, I had no intention of buying a sports car for the MPG.
The V8 engines are pretty simple to work on also. They are almost the same design as the V6, just 2 extra cylinders added on. I can get 30mpg just cruising on the hwy, but maybe 20 average normal driving, about the same as my wife's V6 SUV, but then again, I had no intention of buying a sports car for the MPG.
Your profile wasn't complete, but here in the Northeast, by far, the cars that are the most fun to drive, by far, before /after being modified by far are BMWs, followed by Honda Civics.
Additionally, despite being a long BMW owner, given local and/or state state speed enforcement, I have yet to find an issue with any MB, BMW AUDI, Infinity that gets anywhere before I do .
Lastly, I'm very wrench handy and an avid DIYer and as such, really appreciate the extra inches vs. HP available to me.
If you have yet to chane the plugs/wires, CPS, or idler pulley on your W208, you'll understand.
Last edited by Serndipity; 10-04-2015 at 11:00 PM.
