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

Cabriolet's and vibrations?

Old Oct 21, 2011 | 11:37 AM
  #1  
LAWYER2's Avatar
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15' W222
Cabriolet's and vibrations?

So i've picked up from threads here and there that there is an inherent design flaw in the Cabriolet's which cause vibrations at highway speeds, and pretty much there is nothing that can be done about it.

Does this pretty much sum it up?

Its to the point where I absolute dread getting on the highway, and when I do I have go at least 80 MPH to get rid of the vibrating.

Any work arounds?
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Old Oct 21, 2011 | 09:31 PM
  #2  
Ruination Fan's Avatar
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From: San Diego
02 CLK430
More info??? Where is the vibration coming from, front end, trans tunnel area, wheels, etc..??? Does it make the steering wheel shimmy? Are the wheels true??
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Old Oct 23, 2011 | 02:41 AM
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From: St. Paul, MN
2010 E550, 02 CLK55 Cabrio - sold
It sounds like it could be something wrong with your car or perhaps the 320's in general. The CLK55 cab has some extra cross-members underneath to stiffin it up a bit. I get some noticeable shimmy when i hit small to large potholes, but for the most part, the car is very solid and smooth feeling - although, definitely not up to the rigidity of a hardtop. I am buying some Strut braces from a forum member to stiffin it up more, but can live with the car as it is.
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Old Oct 26, 2011 | 12:07 PM
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mint's Avatar
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From: Los Angeles
2013 FIAT Abarth 500
As someone who has fought this for over a year, it's probably not a design flaw. I'm sure it's either tire/wheel combos or suspension related. Sure, the chassis flexes more hitting bumps and going around turns but I didn't have any of the problems I've moaned and groaned about until I lowered and put new wheels on.

Also, all cabs have the undercarriage crossbraces -- even the 320s. Make sure those are nice and tight or the flex is significantly worse.
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