count_schemula

Any special precautions for autocrossing a car like CLK430?

A friend of mine just got a 99 and I want to trick him into hanging the tail out on a sunny Sunday afternoon!

We usually overfill the oil by a half quart to help out for some of the sustained .g force turns.



[edit] I saw in another thread that these cars have oil overfill warning lights. Can you overfill a half quart or so without harm for autox or track work?

Chappy

You don't need to add any oil, just make sure it is topped off.

Switch off ESP and he'll be very 'tail happy' if he wants to

D42

If you do that (gettin squirly), you might:

blow the air mass sensor
get 3 lights to pop up (ESP, BAS, ABS)

the air mass sensor might happen when you gun the crap out of the car.

the other 3 lights will happen probably just once, and go away after restarting or reseting the car.


I mean uh so I've heard....

count_schemula

Help! What does all this mean, I'm new to the CLK430 world.

Are these known issues, or did you just have a rotten experience after some spirited driving?

How can you blow the MAF by driving hard?

D42

gunning it on a uturn one too many times. hehe. But seriously the only real thing from gunning it was the air mass sensor. The other 3 were just warnings and the sensors were fine. Just got thrown off a bit due to the traction control firin up. Normal driving everything is great.

LowRydeR

I've autocrossed in my 320 before and nothing happened after having some fun.

-Bruce

count_schemula

Great.

I think you learn so much about your car during an autox and the autox schools that I really have to recommend them to everyone. You will look at your car with new eyes.

$25 to $50 and if your local MB club does not hold them, look at BMW and Porsche clubs. They do and they are open to all makes after they let their club members have first crack at registration.

Very safe too. Just a big parking lot and some cone drills.

Chappy

Count_schemula,

Do you think your friend would be interested in auto-x this weekend?

If so PM me and I can get you the details.

count_schemula

I'd like to think so. I'll use the power of the Ga Tech victory tonight to UConn him into saying yes when he's all crazy and out of his mind.

Can I come too?

Basically the tires are half worn Pilot Sports. I say wear them out! Hopefully the front tire is passable, I'll have to check it out, it has a little outer edge wear from being underinflated at some point in its life.

Mach430

Make sure you have at least 1/4 tank of gas at all times. On turn 2 @ Willow Springs, with slightly under 1/4 tank of gas, my car ran out of gas as result of the lateral acceleration.

Chappy

At this event, they are only allowing MB members (he's got to join MBCA if he want's to drive). Events costs $35. It's $45 to join MBCA for a year. You are welcome as a spectator, if you want.

I'm at home now. Reply (my PM and e-mail notify goes to the office) here if interested. The deadline is already passed, but I may be able to squeeze him in.

count_schemula

Sweet I'll hit up him tonight, and let you know ASAP.

If not or if it's too late, I'll point him towards the MBCA anyhow.

Thanks!

Chappy

Anytime.