CLK W209 Picture Thread
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05-23-2010, 02:35 PM
#928
Super Member
I did a subtle (tasteful, I think) mod job on my H2 about 7 years ago because it was so darned plain, and I think I got that out of my system. Plus I'm an old fart. But mostly, I bought this for my wife because she was griping about the size of her own SUV when getting around in the local parking lots (though it is a killer highway vehicle). So I surprised her with something very nice. We are in our 50's so we've had enough vehicles that most are boring, so I needed something with some panache, but cheap, given that it was going to be a 3rd vehicle and especially in this economy. I watched AutoTrader for a while and found this is a 2004 with only 33,000 miles. I wanted something more exclusive and upscale than a C-class, and the E-class trip level on this car really makes all the difference. I think the styling is really holding up well over the years too. All of my efforts since the purchase have gone into restoration. I researched the detailing end of the car business and found the guys who take small dings and dents out with stainless steel rods (he was a miracle worker), and the guys who repaint seats, steering wheels and shift knobs with the factory coatings (another miracle worker). Then I found out which products take the fog, fading and scratches completely out of the acrylic headlight covers as well as those that remove coffee and coke from the carpet. Well it was all really reasonable and the result was essentially a new car for a song. It was so much fun that I almost want to do another one.
As to the car, even though it is hers, I look for excuses to drive it. It handles beautifully, with tons of grip and high speed emergency swerves are rock solid. That little six has plenty of zip and it sounds great when rev'd. Stops on a dime, but will obviously need to switch out the brake pads to get rid of the dust problem. The sound system sounds fantastic, particularly the CD when set on "driver". It takes for ever to figure out the electronics, even with the manual, mostly because they are so unintuitive that you can't remember what you need to do the next time any issue arises. Setting the clock was a challenge. I'm pretty sure the remote/seat memory is buggy. Sort of hit and miss. But it sure is comfortable, smooth, quiet and extremely capable, so lots of fun. This was an exterior color she had mentioned, as it is just starting to come back in style (kind of like an old tie) so it looks fresh again on the street. And I have always been partial to light interiors. The paint is beautiful, shines like a mirror. That headlight polish also works miracles on any little paint scratch, literally gone in an instant, and entirely invisible. I did get some license frames and color matched screw covers, then some new factory floor mats and a cushy aftermarket trunk mat (to test quality and color for next mat replacement) and ta-da! Sporting luxury. Plus, because of the shape and size, it is really easy to wash.
As to the car, even though it is hers, I look for excuses to drive it. It handles beautifully, with tons of grip and high speed emergency swerves are rock solid. That little six has plenty of zip and it sounds great when rev'd. Stops on a dime, but will obviously need to switch out the brake pads to get rid of the dust problem. The sound system sounds fantastic, particularly the CD when set on "driver". It takes for ever to figure out the electronics, even with the manual, mostly because they are so unintuitive that you can't remember what you need to do the next time any issue arises. Setting the clock was a challenge. I'm pretty sure the remote/seat memory is buggy. Sort of hit and miss. But it sure is comfortable, smooth, quiet and extremely capable, so lots of fun. This was an exterior color she had mentioned, as it is just starting to come back in style (kind of like an old tie) so it looks fresh again on the street. And I have always been partial to light interiors. The paint is beautiful, shines like a mirror. That headlight polish also works miracles on any little paint scratch, literally gone in an instant, and entirely invisible. I did get some license frames and color matched screw covers, then some new factory floor mats and a cushy aftermarket trunk mat (to test quality and color for next mat replacement) and ta-da! Sporting luxury. Plus, because of the shape and size, it is really easy to wash.
Last edited by JHouse; 05-23-2010 at 11:56 PM.
05-23-2010, 03:05 PM
#930
Super Member
Sorry, no pix. There was just some minor wear on the top of the shift ***, and at the previous (female) owner's favorite spot on the steering wheel, and on that exterior bolster you tend to slide down on when you get in and out (because you can't figure out how to set the seat so that it backs up for entry and exit).
There are several schools around the country that teach auto detailing to the cottage industry that supports the used car dealers' need to refurb cars. These guys are usually so tied up with dealer work that they don't even have websites. They are mostly "out of the back of a truck" businesses so they won't have offices (but they come to you most of the time). I did find mine on the net, and he lives 10 minutes from me (in a million and a half dollar house-so business must have been good over the years). I asked a friend of mine whose wife dings his cars up regularly who he used and got a referral on the paintless dent repair guy. If you ask a good dealer, they will give you the number for the various trades they use. It seems like there is a roving specialist for every problem. Some guys do two things, but that is about as broad as they get.
I edited my post above about 15 times, so more of the story is there now.
There are several schools around the country that teach auto detailing to the cottage industry that supports the used car dealers' need to refurb cars. These guys are usually so tied up with dealer work that they don't even have websites. They are mostly "out of the back of a truck" businesses so they won't have offices (but they come to you most of the time). I did find mine on the net, and he lives 10 minutes from me (in a million and a half dollar house-so business must have been good over the years). I asked a friend of mine whose wife dings his cars up regularly who he used and got a referral on the paintless dent repair guy. If you ask a good dealer, they will give you the number for the various trades they use. It seems like there is a roving specialist for every problem. Some guys do two things, but that is about as broad as they get.
I edited my post above about 15 times, so more of the story is there now.
Last edited by JHouse; 05-23-2010 at 03:08 PM.
06-13-2010, 09:24 PM
#938
I got Modulare M11c 19x8.5 and 19x9.5.
They are 3 piece forged wheels... I'm excited.
Peter from wheelexperts.com is who has helped me get them... he has definitely been great on helping me through the whole process.
They are 3 piece forged wheels... I'm excited.
Peter from wheelexperts.com is who has helped me get them... he has definitely been great on helping me through the whole process.
06-14-2010, 03:58 PM
#941
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
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2008 ML550 P2. 2010 E350 P2
