CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Advice Needed: Lowering my CLK430

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Old Oct 31, 2005 | 11:53 AM
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CLK430
Advice Needed: Lowering my CLK430

I am totally new to lowering a car. My objective for this project is to get better handling/performance from car but I also do not want to slam the car to the ground. I want it to have that "lowered" appearance but I also want it functional as it is a daily driver. I must also mention that my girlfriend drives it and I don't think she would be as careful as I am about entering driveways, parking blocks, and speed bumps. FYI, my car is presently sitting on 18" Lorisnser LM-1s with 225/40 (front) & 255/35 in the rear.

From reading past posts, I know I will need lowering springs. I have seen the Eibach Pro Kit on ebay for about $250. First of all, is this a good kit and is the price right?

It seems that new shocks are not necessary to lower the car, but it is recommened that I replace the stock shocks if I will be going the trouble to lower the car. What shocks work well with the Eibach Pro Kit? Konis, Bilsteins?

Based on my above-mentioned objectives, which cup numbers do you recommend for the front and rear?

Is there anything I left out? Everyone's input is appreciated
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Old Oct 31, 2005 | 06:24 PM
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Considering that you can damage the front bumper even with a 208 at stock height, now might be the time to reconsider the lowering or the girlfriend (at least the part about her driving your car lol)

The price isn't bad for the springs. For shocks, I'd recommend the Koni's as they're adjustable. I've gotten the best results with the front shocks set to "1" and the rears left in the factory position.

As for spring pads, the point of them is to even out the fender gaps, so the applications will differ depending on your particular car.
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Old Oct 31, 2005 | 06:52 PM
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i have the same combo as joshk's...but my konis are set at 0 all the way around for now...rides smooth ....and like josh...i am also running 19's

Last edited by CurYousGee; Nov 1, 2005 at 11:22 AM.
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Old Oct 31, 2005 | 09:38 PM
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Thanks for the input guys. Are any of these jobs something I can do myself as a weekend project, or should I leave it to a pro? The shocks sound fairly simple to replace.
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Old Nov 1, 2005 | 10:59 AM
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theres a tread on the how to....seems pretty easy....if you have the right tools....and a lil effort and sweat
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Old Nov 1, 2005 | 12:20 PM
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I've heard horror stories about people trying to remove the springs themselves. Not only do they hurt themselves, but they damage their fenders from spring jumping out. I personally don't get that involved, as in doing work like that myself. I would rather pay $100 and know that the car is supported properly. My .02
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Old Nov 1, 2005 | 02:57 PM
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2000 CLK 430
ditch the broads right to drivin ur car...
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 01:45 AM
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Don't forget about the negative camber wear on your tires when you lower. You should consider upgrading your suspension to allow adjustment for camber.
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 04:04 AM
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Camber? What's that? What suspension upgrade, besides those already mentioned, will correct that problem?
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 09:16 AM
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If price is not an option that you must get the Kleeman speed sensitive suspension.
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 12:11 PM
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Cohiba, camber is the tilt of the tire/wheel in or out in relation to the road. To much negative camber will wear out the inside of tire rapidly, to much positive camber will wear out the outside edge of the tire. When car is lowered, usually the top of tire will be tilted in to much(neg. camber) causing abnormal wear to the inside of tire.
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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 01:12 PM
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Thanks guys Cost is a factor, so how can this be corrected in an effective but cost-effecient way?
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