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

Front Bumper Upgrade

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Old Apr 1, 2021 | 10:12 AM
  #1  
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2002 CLK 430
Front Bumper Upgrade

Good day to everyone... So I still have my trusty (‘02 CLK 430 Supercharged) steed in the stable and after the slowdown of the past year getting back to some long overdue mods. I am at the bodywork stage of things where I need to fabricate some fender lips to make just a tad bit of room for the custom 3pc wheels I bought that ended up having about 1/2” - 3/4” of poke. I don’t want to negative camber the wheels too much, maybe 1-2mm at most). While I’m working on the fender / body lines I am also thinking to upgrade the front bumper to something that keeps the classy look but spices it up a bit similar to the attached from another member. Been told by many to stay away from fiberglass because it chips easily and some of the aftermarket options are a pain to fit / finish. Any thoughts from the group on how to achieve this would be GREATLY appreciated and welcomed.

Desired look:



My Current State:



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Old Apr 1, 2021 | 04:31 PM
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'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
Gonna look pretty good once completed!
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Old Apr 1, 2021 | 05:44 PM
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2002 CLK 430
Thanks, 2MERKS! I definitely have more of a connection to this one than any of the others probably because you just don’t see too many of them out there these days. Going to find a dry ice machine / shop to restore the undercarriage and engine bay as close to factory new as possible.



Last edited by MNT02CLK; Apr 1, 2021 at 05:47 PM.
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Old Apr 1, 2021 | 07:19 PM
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From: Merkville the galaxy of Stars
'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
To clean engine bay? It doesn't look to bad to me. Oh wow, I read the writing lol supercharger! How much HP did you gain from the 275 stock?
R
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Last edited by 2MERKS; Apr 1, 2021 at 07:26 PM.
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Old Apr 1, 2021 | 07:52 PM
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2002 CLK 430
Yes, sir! I will admit I did not know anything about dry ice cleaning until about 3 months ago. Much safer on an engine bay than running water especially for older engines that are not almost completely sealed and even then not a guarantee of no electrical issues.




On the HP front I am up about 100hp to the wheels and 125hp to the crank. A real sleeper 😉
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Old Apr 1, 2021 | 10:59 PM
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'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
That's amazing to say the least! Wonder what the cost would be? Seems like a "Winterized version for the car! Pretty cool!
R
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Old Apr 2, 2021 | 06:36 AM
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1998 CLK 320
I wouldn't dare step on 2Merk's toes, but I think that thing is already beautiful. I also enjoyed the elegance of your post. The Facebook groups are killing me. lol. Sorry I can't offer any solutions. I like it as is.
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Old Apr 2, 2021 | 05:36 PM
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From: Merkville the galaxy of Stars
'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
Originally Posted by convicted
I wouldn't dare step on 2Merk's toes, but I think that thing is already beautiful. I also enjoyed the elegance of your post. The Facebook groups are killing me. lol. Sorry I can't offer any solutions. I like it as is.
I appreciate the love!
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Old Apr 2, 2021 | 07:45 PM
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1998 CLK 320
And I appreciate the help!
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Old Apr 2, 2021 | 08:55 PM
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From: Merkville the galaxy of Stars
'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
Originally Posted by convicted
And I appreciate the help!
The w208 to me is like the forgotten step-child. Easy to fix up, but not too many on the roads! I have a '99 with 121k on the dail. I only drive her on sunny days mostly during the seasons. I love the power that she has, and still throws me back in my seat. This is a car I could never part with..Ever!
R
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Old Apr 2, 2021 | 11:46 PM
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1998 CLK 320
I agree completely. I love my '98 - and I've got 163k on the dash.
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Old Apr 6, 2021 | 08:25 PM
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2002 CLK 430
Apologies, was out of town when you both responded so thank you for your gracious input and seal of approval. I could not agree more, it is a forgotten treasure in most circles but when I got back behind the wheel yesterday it took me back to simpler times. She’s got 147k on the odometer but runs like she’s got half that. The biggest challenge is finding new parts like rear bumper, side skirt adhesion kits and the like. Just takes some time and good ol’ fashioned determination.
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Old Apr 7, 2021 | 11:25 AM
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1998 CLK 320
Originally Posted by MNT02CLK
Apologies, was out of town when you both responded so thank you for your gracious input and seal of approval. I could not agree more, it is a forgotten treasure in most circles but when I got back behind the wheel yesterday it took me back to simpler times. She’s got 147k on the odometer but runs like she’s got half that. The biggest challenge is finding new parts like rear bumper, side skirt adhesion kits and the like. Just takes some time and good ol’ fashioned determination.
I'm in the same boat. I would love to have 430 sport bumpers and skirts, but I also love the stock look as well.

.
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