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I blew my shock!
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
I blew my shock!
Well, my car is out of commission for a while. Last night I noticed my car was slightly higher on the front right than the front left. It got progressively worse throught the night, and the steering became soft in the front. I decided to take a look at midnight when I got home, but besides it being extremely dirty, everything looked in place. When I put the jack back down, the car was higher than it was before. Same thing happened again this morning. I can now stick more than a fist between my fender and tires on my lowered CLK. I checked again, and the junk on the front right shocks is actually dirt and gas (gas shocks). The only thing keeping me from becoming any more furious is that I'm going to order Kleemann shocks now.
Anyone else blow a Koni? What was the warranty experience like?
Anyone else blow a Koni? What was the warranty experience like?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 454
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From: Bay area
'01 CLK 55
Yes, I have had a similar experience...Blew a right front adjustable Koni in my 911. I had no change in ride height but the car definitely felt uncontrolled in anything less than smooth turns or transitions. I went back to the shop that did the installation and they called their Koni rep and described what had happened. They didn't believe that it was possible and requested the shock insert be sent to their facility for inspection. End result...Got a replacement free of charge.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
I don't think it makes a difference which brand. Koni has a good reputation. I was just interested in their warranty procedures.
Did you not get a replacement until they saw your shock? Or was the shop's word enough?
Did you not get a replacement until they saw your shock? Or was the shop's word enough?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Why does AMG use Bilsteins? This is what Bilstein claims:
Driving a vehicle equipped with
Bilstein Gas Pressure Shock
Absorbers is an exhilarating
experience. There is, quite
literally, nothing like it.
Unbelievable control and stability.
Precise handling. Ultimate
performance. And incredible
comfort.
I do agree, after 5,000 miles of driving pleasure.
Driving a vehicle equipped with
Bilstein Gas Pressure Shock
Absorbers is an exhilarating
experience. There is, quite
literally, nothing like it.
Unbelievable control and stability.
Precise handling. Ultimate
performance. And incredible
comfort.
I do agree, after 5,000 miles of driving pleasure.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Bay area
'01 CLK 55
I have had extensive experience with Bilstein and Konis going all the way back to 1974. I've used them in four Porsches, three BMW's, and two Mercedes and a mulitude of motorcycles from motocrossers and road bikes (before the awsome Ohlins were available ). The Porsches, BMWs and bikes were tracked. I find both companies produce a great shock absorber. I've also destroyed products made by both and they always stood behind their product. if I were to sum up the performance of both, I would say a very slight nod goes to Koni for their adjustability, while Bilstein, although also very good, requires you to choose the correct shock for your application. (sport, comp or normal) I like the Konis as all I need to do when I hit the track is essentially crank the damping up....Much easier to tune for a specific purpose or event. Btw, Mach 430, my Koni was replaced SIX years after installation.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 628
Likes: 6
2018 E400 COUPE SOLD -> Porsche Taycan 4S
i have to agree, my friend has a 320 and he has koni and have the bilstein. i've gone almost 30,000 miles on them and still no problelm. i even went 80 mph over railroad tracks i didnt see and nothing happened sorry to hear about your shocks though. get them replaced before you shell out more dough for kleeman ones. can anybody in this forum tell me how the kleeman ones perform. harder/smoother than bilstein shocks and struts?
B
sorry to hear about your shocks though. get them replaced before you shell out more dough for kleeman ones. can anybody in this forum tell me how the kleeman ones perform. harder/smoother than bilstein shocks and struts?B
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
I've only heard from Mr. V, but supposedly they're worth every penny. He said it's amazing. I'll let you guys know in a couple weeks. I'm selling my koni's and getting kleemanns.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 411
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From: Los Angeles
Originally posted by Brian Yee
....Be hilarious if they were subcontracted to Bilstein or Koni...Worse yet; Boge. They ARE a German shock producer. Hmmmm........Food for thought??
....Be hilarious if they were subcontracted to Bilstein or Koni...Worse yet; Boge. They ARE a German shock producer. Hmmmm........Food for thought??
Brabus and all the rest subcontract their suspension parts. They claim they've got special specifications, which sets them apart from the rest, but whatever.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
Of course they're subcontracted. How many shocks do you think Kleemann sells each year? It would most likely turn out to a loss if they were to spend all of their money on production.
I both know and trust Mr. V who has taken a Kleemann E class on the Willow Springs Race Track. He, who has Koni's on his E55, was throughly impressed, and his driving experience far outweighs my own.
I both know and trust Mr. V who has taken a Kleemann E class on the Willow Springs Race Track. He, who has Koni's on his E55, was throughly impressed, and his driving experience far outweighs my own.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
KLEEMANN SPORT SUSPENSION
The KLEEMANN Speed Sensitive Sport Suspension systems utilize CNC precision wound springs that are shot peened, phosphate treated and powder coated.
They are true progressive rate springs, providing a comfortable ride while reducing body roll and lowering the vehicles center of gravity.
Giving the car the ultimate in handling are the very innovative Speed Sensitive dampers, providing performance unlike any other damper can offer!
High pressure nitrogen gas charge and Variable Aperture technology allows the KLEEMANN damper to have a variety of compression and rebound rates. The quicker and farther the damper is compressed, the stiffer it becomes.
The end result is a suspension that performs like no other, giving a comfortable ride on the street, while providing unmatched handling dynamics during spirited driving.
The KLEEMANN Speed Sensitive Sport Suspension systems utilize CNC precision wound springs that are shot peened, phosphate treated and powder coated.
They are true progressive rate springs, providing a comfortable ride while reducing body roll and lowering the vehicles center of gravity.
Giving the car the ultimate in handling are the very innovative Speed Sensitive dampers, providing performance unlike any other damper can offer!
High pressure nitrogen gas charge and Variable Aperture technology allows the KLEEMANN damper to have a variety of compression and rebound rates. The quicker and farther the damper is compressed, the stiffer it becomes.
The end result is a suspension that performs like no other, giving a comfortable ride on the street, while providing unmatched handling dynamics during spirited driving.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Bay Area, CA
I spoke to Mr. V about these shocks when I was test driving his Kleeman CLK430. I'm not sure about the specific mechanism used in these shocks, however, I believe they are mechanically auto adjusting shocks that independently adjust based on the way that the car is being driven. I assume however, that they are always pretty firm. Mr. V said that with the Kleemans, he took a turn tightly at 120mph that he normally would have gone wide on with his existing setup. He was definitely impressed. I'm sold.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 454
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From: Bay area
'01 CLK 55
Not to start a "shock" flaming discussion, but "Independent adjusting", "auto adjusting"," Variable" this and that...yada, yada, yada.....Has anyone seen ANYTHING tested on a shock dyno and actually seen results of one shock being "more adjustable", has the most consistent damping characteristics over a broad range of loads, or more resistant to to performance deterioration due to heat, etc?? Has anyone even taken a few apart to compare a difference in visable build quality??
Many years ago, I can't remember the exact publication, I had the opportunity to read an extensive test of numerous shocks on a shock dyno that gave results of shock damping qualities from various manufacturers. You would be very surprised to see which manufacturers did well and which didn't. Seat of the pants can be quite subjective ....Kinda like taking a placebo. "Yeah, I'm feelin' high now!...Yeah baby, it's kickin' in now man"...."Dude, you're so full of s#it, I just gave you a placebo; a suger pill, man"...." ah, yeah; I knew that! I don't REALLY feel anything; kinda".... Once again, food for thought before you guys blow hard(?) earned $$$. If the hard research has been done, then I stand humbly corrected....Could someone email me a copy? Thanks.
Many years ago, I can't remember the exact publication, I had the opportunity to read an extensive test of numerous shocks on a shock dyno that gave results of shock damping qualities from various manufacturers. You would be very surprised to see which manufacturers did well and which didn't. Seat of the pants can be quite subjective ....Kinda like taking a placebo. "Yeah, I'm feelin' high now!...Yeah baby, it's kickin' in now man"...."Dude, you're so full of s#it, I just gave you a placebo; a suger pill, man"...." ah, yeah; I knew that! I don't REALLY feel anything; kinda".... Once again, food for thought before you guys blow hard(?) earned $$$. If the hard research has been done, then I stand humbly corrected....Could someone email me a copy? Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 628
Likes: 6
2018 E400 COUPE SOLD -> Porsche Taycan 4S
i agree. the first time i sat in a friend's car that got suspension work done, i couldnt even tell. my friend had a m3 and upgraded it to bilstein setup. i didnt even notice a difference after and didnt realize until after he had told me. it was still pretty unforgiving though. i felt every pebble on the road.
B
B
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
Replaced my shock, took 20 min. I still have the Kleemann shocks on order. I think that Sleestack and I will be the first in the US to put the shocks on a CLK. Shocks cost $1680, and I've heard that they're worth every penny.
