merceBENZ

Same here. They are expensive but I got everything from them.

JimVonBaden

I am quite capable of doing it myself, and even the pros use the same paint if it is good. Why would I pay a pro to do what I can do just as well for just the cost of materials?

JimVonBaden

What about

Rudeney

I still like Griot's. When I run out, and can't find it locally, I will fall back to Meguiar's.

merceBENZ

Amazon got your back

merceBENZ

I meant total restoration. Removing all paint, repairing, paint job. If you can do all of that than you are a pro! Way to go. I found this particular process unreal for me so I sold all 4 and bought brand new. I didn't like style either.

JimVonBaden

When I am done you won't know they were done. Then again, it is a $9200 car. No point in $2K in wheels. Plus I like the AMG wheels.

merceBENZ

Then I can't wait to see some pics! Very intriguing. You got some skills.

tw2

Sorry I realize this is a threadjacking and no one else is interested but I wasn't aware of this until you posted it. I have since done a search and most opinions are that the MB lawyers thought it would be a good idea and many people change mode constantly in motion. Several people have said even the MB techs say it is perfectly fine. And of course being a completely electronic system you would assume it wouldn't allow you to do it if there was the possibility of damage. I know I like to switch to manual mode and back to S frequently.

Back on topic, I have had an OEM wheel repainted (PO curbing), it looks brand new. One day I will get the other 3 done. It really makes the car look great.

merceBENZ

I guess I'm very precautious. I still wouldn't do it. I see no point in it. I drive always is S mode and once in a while use in tiptronic manner.

floridawriter

There is nothing in the owner's manual to say you can't switch modes while the car is moving.

merceBENZ

It is. I read it before I got car in possession.

JimVonBaden

I got emissions and safety inspection this morning. The car looks like it only has 20K sunny miles on it. Not one spec of rust, everything is tight and clean, new pads and rotors, new shocks, just outstanding. Of course it passed both inspections. I registered it 30 minutes later.

floridawriter

I suppose my AMG is different. I just checked my owner's manual and it had no such warning.

merceBENZ

I guess AMG is a whole different story.

Starchaser

The "C" stands for "Comfort", and it starts the car off in second gear, so it is doggy off the line. Says so in the manual.

Key fobs are that expensive. They have to be sent to a regional facility that programs them.

Cup holders: The wife gets the one in the dash, I hold mine between my legs. Has worked well since high school when cup holders were an option.

JimVonBaden

More:

Is this indicitive of a top seam beginning to come apart? It is less than 1/2" and barely visable.



Top down photos.





By the way, Tuff Stuff is an excellent leather cleaner. Took out 90% of the grime the seats had.

Now if only I could find a way to get the seat belts clean.

sailorben

When I bought my first CLK after passing my test just over a year ago, the seat belts on my light grey interior were pretty mucky too. I used some stain remover powder, mixed up a paste, and used kitchen towel paper to mask the belt in the paste. Worked nicely. Now on my second, I've a full black Napa and aluminium interior, so my seat belts dont show any dirt.
Be weary of any heavy cleaners tho'. You don't want to risk the integrity of the fabric.

JimVonBaden

Thanks, do you remember what brand ow powder?

sailorben

Yes it was Ariel Stain remover. A biological one. Though I don't know whether such Ariel products are available in the US.

JimVonBaden

Thanks!

NewShockerGuy

Nice buy Jim!


I have a strange feeling we know each other from somewhere....lol ;-p *rolls eyes*


Merc looks great! Looks very similar to ours that we have. They are fun cars!


I also have the same gripe on the cupholder.
I was looking at ebay months ago and found a perfect condition center console that DID come with the top, only piece that was missing was the wood trim/shifter part. I should have bought it since it was so cheap (under 200) but I said naaa...


-Nigel

JimVonBaden

Hey Nigel,

Nice to see a friendly face. I take it you own a CLK as well?

Great car so far!

NewShockerGuy

Yes sir, we picked up our friends clk320 a year or so ago because he was upgrading to a Tesla and my wife always liked it.


I needed to do some work on it since I wasn't willing to pay Mercedes dealership prices, as you can see in the picture below... but if ya ever need a hand and it needs to go on the lift you know we're close by :-)


I only did minor things to the car as far as mods. I swapped out the halogen headlights to oem bi-xenons that I got a decent score on, and changed out the orange bumper reflector to smoke ones that blend right in. Just got a wood steering wheel like yours has which makes it look so much nicer inside, and changed the interior lighting to led so it's super clean. From everything I've read and researched on the w209, it's pretty much a solid Merc!


-Nigel

Rudeney

It may depend on model year, but for MY2007, the OM states:

"Never change the program mode when the gear selector is out of park position P. This could result in a change of driving characteristics for which you may no t be prepared."

Basically, something written by lawyers. The worst thing that will happen is an abrupt upshift or downshift.