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

suspension issue

Old Dec 10, 2003 | 05:17 PM
  #1  
benzinoben's Avatar
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99 CLK 320, 2000 GSXR 750
suspension issue

Gents...
I just had my Eibach Pro Kit with #1 pads installed keeping my stock shocks. The car looks amazing and I will soon post the before and after measurements. I didn think it would be this low, but it came out lower then what I was told this kit would do.

Anyhow, the problem is that now when I hit a dip at highway speeds or a rut, the car bottoms out and I get a bad thud sound. I know that is the suspension bottoming out. It hits so hard that you can hear the coins rattleing in my ash-tray.

Question..should I get some bilestiens or Koni's and will this fix the problem. My best guess is that the stock shocks are already in a "compressed" resting point, thus cannot offer anymore dampening when I go across obvious bumps or ruts.

Any advise would be great...

Thanks in advance...
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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 05:43 PM
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Im selling my Koni basically brand new only used for 3 days for $335 shipped anywhere in the states.

the reason your car is bottoming out is because of you shocks dude. Get the koni and set them at there softest of first click and you'll be happy.

check me in the classifieds I was suppose to sell them to J Lucas but never called back so I quess he doesnt want them.


Lou
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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 05:54 PM
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W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
you have to also realize that with the #1 pads, it lowers your car approx another .25" or more...

and because the pads are thinner, you will also feel more shock/impact when you run over a pot hole or something...

so, what you may be feeling may also be something else outside of your shocks bottoming out
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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 06:32 PM
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2002 CLK 430/2002 325i
Fender wells

I would also check inside the fender wheel area and verify if your tires rub with the plastic guard as a result of the minimal clearance due to the travel of the shock. You might consider adjusting your shocks (if adjustable) or changing out your spring pads to thicker pads to obtain more clearance.
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 01:29 AM
  #5  
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99 CLK 320, 2000 GSXR 750
cool..thanks for the info. I just ordered a set of the adjustables for the front. I figure I will start with those, then get another set for the rear. Budget issues. I am going with a new set of Koni's from shox.com.

Thanks for the reply...
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 02:04 AM
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Weird, I've never bottom out before... even going 100+

-Bruce
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 11:42 AM
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Update....

Had the car checked out and found out that the shocks in the front couldnt handle the ride height the car is currently. The were 75% compressed from the original position of the shock pre-eibach. Also the thuding sound was my A-arm hitting my bump stops. I was running on spring only with 15% shock. Now that I have the Koni's in at second to last click (4) I have no bounce issue or bottoming out on my bump stops....

Problem solved....
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 12:22 PM
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Originally posted by benzinoben
Update....

Had the car checked out and found out that the shocks in the front couldnt handle the ride height the car is currently. The were 75% compressed from the original position of the shock pre-eibach. Also the thuding sound was my A-arm hitting my bump stops. I was running on spring only with 15% shock. Now that I have the Koni's in at second to last click (4) I have no bounce issue or bottoming out on my bump stops....

Problem solved....
that sounds like great news...

btw, did the dealer make this diagnosis for you??
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 02:28 PM
  #9  
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99 CLK 320, 2000 GSXR 750
The custom alignment shop did. These guys are awesome. All they do is SCCA cars and custom alignments.
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 03:07 PM
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Im glad everything worked out but what I dont understand is why buy new if I have a 3 day old same suspension for 3/4 the price





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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 04:44 PM
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W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Originally posted by lou430
Im glad everything worked out but what I dont understand is why buy new if I have a 3 day old same suspension for 3/4 the price
Lou430, are those the Koni Yellow adjustable shocks?

If they are, send me and EMAIL....
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 04:48 PM
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Originally posted by mmgrad
Lou430, are those the Koni Yellow adjustable shocks?

If they are, send me and EMAIL....
you got mail
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 04:50 PM
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W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Originally posted by lou430
you got mail
right back at cha....
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 05:00 PM
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Originally posted by mmgrad
right back at cha....
check again
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Old Dec 11, 2003 | 05:40 PM
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From: BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA
99 CLK 320, 2000 GSXR 750
Your stuff is top notch, but I had already ordered the shox before I received any replies. Sorry for the confusion. If you are willing to part with the rear two for a good price PM me.

thanks...
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