C230Brit's C-Coupe
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 387
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From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1
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2003 C230
Just wondering with the aftermarket radio, did you lose the steering wheel controls? Was there an interface for the factory amp so that the cars did not have to be rewired? I was the avic Z2 in my 2003 C230 sedan, so I am trying to find out as much info as I can about pros and cons of an aftermarket system
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From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Hmmm interesting. I didnt realise it was that 'cheap'. I like doing things myself to the car, not sure I could do the springs though. I'll re-read the posts about it and probably add it to my 'list'.
PS. I love the way the car handles even now, with OEM parts. It really does feel solid and ready to 'move'.
PS. I love the way the car handles even now, with OEM parts. It really does feel solid and ready to 'move'.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: San Diego, California
2003 C230 Kompressor Coupe, 2003 E320, 2003 Chevy Corvette Z06
I have a manual as well, where did you get your shift knob and boot?
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 387
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From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
I got the shift knob here:
http://shop.vendio.com/crowderscusto...431/index.html
Seems the price is now $60 - it was 70 odd when i got it!
I didnt need to buy the shift boot, just kept the old one which I am happy with.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 387
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From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
My next projects are going to be 'cheaper' ones for a bit.
When winter is done with, before putting on the summer wheels again, I want to put on some spacers. I've no idea about the requirements for this yet though, so that will take some forum searching. I'm curious to know how much 'space' you can add before it gets silly / dangerous / unmanagable, etc.
PS. I saw another coupe at a local imax in reading recently, and it had the spoiler on the back (from 'formymercedes.com' i think). It actually looked pretty nice. Might get one!
When winter is done with, before putting on the summer wheels again, I want to put on some spacers. I've no idea about the requirements for this yet though, so that will take some forum searching. I'm curious to know how much 'space' you can add before it gets silly / dangerous / unmanagable, etc.
PS. I saw another coupe at a local imax in reading recently, and it had the spoiler on the back (from 'formymercedes.com' i think). It actually looked pretty nice. Might get one!
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From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 387
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From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
October Update - just waxed and looking shiney!
Been a while since I updated my own thread - figured I'd post some more pics. Nothing too major, just got done waxing the motor.
Rear spoiler and H&R spacers are my latest edition, unless you count the new heat cover under the hood!!! Oh and I got a chrome instrument cluster too. Definetly want to drop the car next and get sways. H&R or AMG. Not sure AMG appears to be way to go after reading.
Rear spoiler and H&R spacers are my latest edition, unless you count the new heat cover under the hood!!! Oh and I got a chrome instrument cluster too. Definetly want to drop the car next and get sways. H&R or AMG. Not sure AMG appears to be way to go after reading.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
Climatronic Installed!
Got Climatronic installed today for my coupe. Its a nice upgrade over the stock heating / ac controls. Was fairly easy to install too - thanks to Carlos for the additional help too 
I'll post some pics over the weekend, and of the chrome cluster surround...mines not labled AMG like Carlos' is.
One new button, I've yet to figure out on the climatronic on the (middle) top left. I'll play around with it over the weekend.
The temp goes down to 58F, where-as the stock version cools to 64F.
I'll post some pics over the weekend, and of the chrome cluster surround...mines not labled AMG like Carlos' is.
One new button, I've yet to figure out on the climatronic on the (middle) top left. I'll play around with it over the weekend.
The temp goes down to 58F, where-as the stock version cools to 64F.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Your car looks fantastic! Have you put 20mm spacers all round? or 10mm per side? rear only? - man the back track width now looks right! any vibration problems?
H&R hubcentric? Do you have a part number? What length bolts?
Keep cleaning man - the results are worthwhile
H&R hubcentric? Do you have a part number? What length bolts?
Keep cleaning man - the results are worthwhile
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 387
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From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
Quick Update
Firstly - Glyn, I just realised I hadnt answered your questions about the H&R spacers. Sadly, they are back on the car again now (summer wheels) - so I can't get the part number. They are hubcentric and its 20mm on the rear only. Might try 10mm on the front next year, but the front spacing is 'ok' for me. Also, no, there is no knocking / vibration, etc - very pleased with them.
So...Attached are some pics of my new front grill. I like it because its still retains a lot of the OEM look, but actually has silver along each slate, rather than the stock just being grey. Also its 3 slates, not 4. Aside from that its more or less the same. Just felt it looked a bit more updated (2005-esque) and my stock one had a chip in it that annoyed me.
I've also attached some pics of my mp3/tape deck solution related to this post for Bigian.
And finally, some pics of my gear stick and chrome bezel on the instrument cluster.
Apologies for the picture quality. Blackberry...
Thanks!
So...Attached are some pics of my new front grill. I like it because its still retains a lot of the OEM look, but actually has silver along each slate, rather than the stock just being grey. Also its 3 slates, not 4. Aside from that its more or less the same. Just felt it looked a bit more updated (2005-esque) and my stock one had a chip in it that annoyed me.
I've also attached some pics of my mp3/tape deck solution related to this post for Bigian.
And finally, some pics of my gear stick and chrome bezel on the instrument cluster.
Apologies for the picture quality. Blackberry...
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 387
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From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
Thanks - I've always liked these rims OEM 17" 5-spoke or the standard AMG ones (18's though) Carlos has on his coupe. In either case, I'd like an 18" version or 19" if I knew they would look ok. Aside from these, I'm having trouble finding something I'd like.
Last edited by C230Brit; Jul 27, 2009 at 09:30 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 947
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I drive a Toyota Hybrid...
don't forget Brabus front lip
you can get a replica one from Supershyguy for $2XX shipped
www.nextmod.com
you can get a replica one from Supershyguy for $2XX shipped
www.nextmod.com
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 387
Likes: 4
From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
don't forget Brabus front lip
you can get a replica one from Supershyguy for $2XX shipped
www.nextmod.com
you can get a replica one from Supershyguy for $2XX shipped
www.nextmod.com
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 387
Likes: 4
From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
Advice needed please...
I am looking to get some 18" wheels soon and have started thinking about lowering the car a little too.
Let me make some statements:
- I know coilovers appear to generally be the 'best' upgrade - however I cannot afford those and new wheels.
- I read the entire W203/CL203 suspension DIY and am considering just getting the H&R Sport springs (see here) and keeping the stock OEM shocks.
My questions are:
1. Has anyone had this setup? Feedback? Pics?
2. Is the combination of OEM shocks and H&R springs ok?
Granted its no coilover setup - to some degree I'm just looking for a visual improvement more than functional - provided there is danger of damaging something (I assume not).
Lastly, who has 18"s on the Coupe's stock suspension - how does it look?
Again, limited budget and cannot afford coilovers at the moment. Thank you for your input - appreciated.
Let me make some statements:
- I know coilovers appear to generally be the 'best' upgrade - however I cannot afford those and new wheels.
- I read the entire W203/CL203 suspension DIY and am considering just getting the H&R Sport springs (see here) and keeping the stock OEM shocks.
My questions are:
1. Has anyone had this setup? Feedback? Pics?
2. Is the combination of OEM shocks and H&R springs ok?
Granted its no coilover setup - to some degree I'm just looking for a visual improvement more than functional - provided there is danger of damaging something (I assume not).
Lastly, who has 18"s on the Coupe's stock suspension - how does it look?
Again, limited budget and cannot afford coilovers at the moment. Thank you for your input - appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 904
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From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, eh!
2003 C230 Sports Coupe, Paprika Metallic Red, Auto, Pano, Leather
My suggestion would be focus on the wheels first. How wide are the 18",.. 7.5", 8", 8.5", 9", 9.5"? What offset? How wide are the tires,.. 225, 235, 245, 255? Tire aspect ratio, 40, 35?
Once you figure out all that and actually have the 18" wheel and tires on your car,... then and only then will you have a good idea of how much you can and should lower your car by. As long as you keep the circumference the same as stock, speedometer should be fine,... it's the wheel width, offset, tire width combo that make it much wider and may produce rubbing if you lower too much.
Once you figure out all that and actually have the 18" wheel and tires on your car,... then and only then will you have a good idea of how much you can and should lower your car by. As long as you keep the circumference the same as stock, speedometer should be fine,... it's the wheel width, offset, tire width combo that make it much wider and may produce rubbing if you lower too much.
