jmeyers

This afternoon, I got a copy of the new data sheet on the 030 performance package from Mercedes-Benz. Those of us who had been reading about all the wonderful enhancements -- limited slip differential and Nurburgring suspension, et.al. -- supposedly in this package are going to be disappointed. Folks, they just aren't included.

The 030 package consists of:

15.4" compound two-piece perforated and ventilated front disc brakes with AMG 8-piston calipers

13.7" compound two-piece perforated and ventilated rear disc brakes with AMG 4-piston calipers

The same 19" two-piece AMG double-spoke alloy wheels (with a Sterling Silver finish) that are on the 65 series cars

Alcantara-trimed AMG sport steering wheel

186-mph top track speed (electronically limited)


That is it! Nothing else!!

For one, I am disappointed, as the limited slip differential was what I wanted most of all. I do not know what the price of the 030 performance package is.

cte430

That's interesting since Rob Allan discussed the 030 at the AMG challenge a few weeks back and specifically mentioned the 'ring suspension. can't remember about the LSD though. We also got literature but I don't have them any longer.

jikjak

how much bigger are those rotors compared to the ones we have now?

id really like that steering wheel though hehe. it would match nicely with the alcantara roofliner

vraa

And I quote mbusa.com

Brakes: AMG-enhanced 4-circuit electrohydraulic 4-wheel disc brakes. 14.2" perforated and ventilated front discs. 13.0" perforated and ventilated rear discs. AMG 8-piston fixed front and AMG 4-piston fixed rear calipers.

adx

I am going to check with my sales rep. If that what's included in the 030 package, I am dropping it since I will be getting after market rims and paying $10k for brakes and steering wheel upgrade is deifinitely not worth it.

vraa

Seriously man, might as well go for a Brembo kit for a lot less and a RENNtech steering wheel so you can customize all the stuff to your liking.

20C4S

problem is u don't know who to trust. US dealer network including MBUSA are not very knowledgeable. how hard is for them to figure out what exactly is including in the package then let the buyers know? this is just non-sense. if this is indeed true then it'd be really funny to pay 10k extra for ''the'' package.

Frank Wiesmann

This was the official release in Germany:

2. CLS 55 AMG Performance Package

2.1 Content
• Internally ventilated composite brake discs measuring 380 x 36mm on the front axle
• Multiple-disc limited slip differential incl. reinforced final drive unit
• 19" AMG multi-piece twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, (front: 8.5 x 19 ET 25 with 255/35R19, rear: 9.5 x 19 ET 28 with 285/30R19)
• Maximum speed limitation (Vmax) increased to 300 km/h
• AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather /Alcantara (black)

2.2 Price
Code 030 Performance Package CLS 55 AMG (219.376): 9,860€ incl. 16% VAT

The Performance Package for the CLS 55 AMG is available only with the payable equipment code 475 (Tyre pressure monitoring)

2.3 Availability
The Performance Package for the CLS 55 AMG is available from September 2005.

The brakes are different from the ones listed above at the beginning of this thread (15.4 inch front, 13.7 inch rear), which correspond to the CL 65/S 65 brakes.

Tony007

Well, I guess in about a month well know for sure when they start rolling a few of them out.

First guy who gets their car with the 030 and posts will win a paid free vacation!!

jmeyers

I concur that the US dealer network is not very knowledgeable. My information comes from reading the content of the new flyer that was just prepared by the marketing department of MBUSA-AMG. My sense is that this package is no bargin; rather, it is just standard pricing for the type IV two-piece alloy wheels (which are magnificent, by the way), upgraded brakes (justifying the lifting of the speed limiter to 186 mph, or 300 kph) and a nicer steering wheel.

Maybe the 030 should be called the Speed Package. Performance would come from one that included limited slip differential and an upgraded suspension.

jmeyers

I think I have found the basis of the confusion -- the elements of the performance package depend upon the model; the SL gets the package we really want. Please click on the following link and you can read for yourself what I mean:

http://www.amg-owners-club.org/board...0f1bb16c3c3f35

idrive

I am curious about the Alcantara steering wheel. I had this option on my wifes 2004 330i. Personally I have found the wheel to be more difficult to drive with. And there are wear spots showing where you hold the wheel. (only 8000 miles)

I prefer the steering wheel with the smooth leather wrap

I know it wears much better and over time looks much better.

Has anyone else had an Alcantara wrapped wheel? Did/do you like it?

Tony007

The new steering wheel is going to have BOTH leather and alcantara material. The alcantara is going to positioned at the top and bottom, kinda like the wood steering wheel option on the CLS500. Leather is still going to be on the sides.

idrive

and that makes sense. The 330i is a full wrap.
sounds like a sharp looking steering wheel

FloridaE55

Hmmm, I don't get it..
In your opening post you tell us that we won't get the LSD and later you provide us with a link that includes LSD. In addition, the bigger brakes you posted don't show up at all. Doesn't make sense to me?

Evolution Marine

When I ordered my CLS55, with the 030 Performance Package, my salesman read to me, from a MBUSA documant, that included the LSD, suspension, fender modification, and the different front bumper for the CLS55. I hope MBUSA has not changed their mind on what will be included. - Bob

FloridaE55

I JUST (1 minute ago) called MBusa (1-800-FOR-MERCEDES) and requested info about the CLS55 AMG Performance Package. That's what he told me is included:

* AMG front bumper wth special mesh inset and body modifications for rear tires
* Alcantara AMG sport steering wheel
* 186 mph (300 km/h) top speed (electronically limited)
* AMG "Nurburgring" suspension system (control arms and stabilizers)
* AMG "Compound" braking system
- AMG Compound front brakes: cross-drilled, internally-ventilated
15.4" two-piece discs with AMG 8-piston calipers
- AMG rear brakes: cross-drilled, internally-ventilated
13.7" two-piece discs with AMG 4-piston calipers
* AMG 19-inch twin-spoke multipiece alloy wheels with high performance tires
- Front: 8.5 x 19 inch 255 35 ZR 19
- Rear: 10 x 19 inch 285 30 ZR 19
* AMG Locking rear differential

He told me this package has a MSRP of $9,500 and requires Tire Pressure Monitor.

I highly doubt they give out wrong information!!!

Evolution Marine

FloridaE55 - Thanks for calling MBUSA and clearing up this DEALER MISS-INFORMATION Being the "Motor Head" that I am this bad news was seroiusly affecting me. Now I can breath easier! - Bob

FloridaE55

You're welcome..

I simply don't believe that MBusa gives wrong info to their customers. It takes them quite a while to pick up new info (especially on their web-page) but IF they give you detailed info on a specific question I don't recall an issue when those informations were wrong (the rep. was reading this down from his system and he wasn't refering to "I guess" etc.).

Evolution Marine

I think this puts a "CAP" on any misunderstanding about what is included in the 030 Performance Package. - Bob

paul928

The limited slip is available from Kleemann. It would not be covered by the MB warranty of course, but Kleeman is a high quality manufacturer

Evolution Marine

paul928 - It has been confirmed by FloridaE55 that the OEM Lmited Slp Dif. will be included in the 030 performance package. - Bob

Tony007

I was just poking around on the amg website and looking at the CLS accessories. You can download the entire 86 page pdf. file. On page 58 it shows that there are 3 different sizes for the 19" Two Piece Style IV wheels.

They are shown available in sterling silver

8.5" x 19"
9.5" x 19"
10" x 19"

Previously posted details regarding the wheels which will come with this 030 pkg stated that the rear wheels will be 10" diameter. After seeing conflicting posts on the wheels this info. confirms that AMG does in fact make the wheels in that larger size!! The part # is (B6 603 1093)

Earlier this afternoon I called & spoke with a gentleman "Mariano" @MBUSA. He read through the details of the 030 pkg that he had & he confirmed the larger wheel size coming with the pkg..

FloridaE55

I'm not the "tire and wheel"-guy, so my question might sound a bit stupid:

Why does the CLS get a body-modification for the "larger" rear-wheels/tires although the tires are still 285 and what's actually the difference between the 9.5x19" compared to the 10x19". If the wheels are different, shouldn't the tires be different as well (difference to 8.5 sounds logical since the front wheels are only 255-tires)?

Maybe somebody can close my knowledge-gap..

Tony007

I'm no expert but I suspect that there might be difference in the offset of the wider wheels causing them to stick out even further, more than 1/2", as a result fender flares being required.

This is just a guess..


Regarding tire sizes, page 58 says that both the 9.5 & the 10" wheels fit 275/30's and 285/30's