finally got a build date...but have some questions about lowering my vehicle
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: ATL
CLK 550
finally got a build date...but have some questions about lowering my vehicle
Finally got a build date from my dealer...January 20...so i should be receiving my 320 sometime in mid-February.
I know I have a full 3 months before my car gets here, but I want to make sure I get all the modifications planned out so I make sure everything is ready to be installed when my car gets here.
Given that the 320 sits so high, I want to lower it to give it a more agressive appearance. I need some guidance as to what springs to use to lower the vehicle. I plan on going plus 2 to 18" wheels.....18x8 front and 18x9 rear.
As a point of reference, I don't drive my car very hard, it is more so for the look as opposed to performance. And as a level set, the attached pictures in this and the following 2 posts give my thoughts as to how I want my 320 to look. I think Shine's car (the silver one) and the Carlsson demo car (black car w/ the rear 3/4 view) are ideal in terms of lowering. The final black car shown is a bit too low for my tastes.
Also, do I need to get new shocks as well, or am I in good shape going with the springs alone?
Also, does anyone have any idea when the Carlsson 1/16 wheels (the wheels on the black Carlsson demo car) will become available and their approximate cost? I can't seem to find any information on them at any online dealer.
Thanks...
here's the first pic....this drop would be ideal (also, you can see the Carlsson 1/16 wheels here)
I know I have a full 3 months before my car gets here, but I want to make sure I get all the modifications planned out so I make sure everything is ready to be installed when my car gets here.
Given that the 320 sits so high, I want to lower it to give it a more agressive appearance. I need some guidance as to what springs to use to lower the vehicle. I plan on going plus 2 to 18" wheels.....18x8 front and 18x9 rear.
As a point of reference, I don't drive my car very hard, it is more so for the look as opposed to performance. And as a level set, the attached pictures in this and the following 2 posts give my thoughts as to how I want my 320 to look. I think Shine's car (the silver one) and the Carlsson demo car (black car w/ the rear 3/4 view) are ideal in terms of lowering. The final black car shown is a bit too low for my tastes.
Also, do I need to get new shocks as well, or am I in good shape going with the springs alone?
Also, does anyone have any idea when the Carlsson 1/16 wheels (the wheels on the black Carlsson demo car) will become available and their approximate cost? I can't seem to find any information on them at any online dealer.
Thanks...
here's the first pic....this drop would be ideal (also, you can see the Carlsson 1/16 wheels here)
Last edited by atl2nyc; Nov 24, 2002 at 08:25 PM.
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clk 500
i purchased the brabus kit. on the box it says "w203/209" or something like that.
havent taken any pics though. if you look at the brabus website, thats basically what the car will look like once lowered.
the ride though is still kind of soft.
havent taken any pics though. if you look at the brabus website, thats basically what the car will look like once lowered.
the ride though is still kind of soft.
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I have a 208 CLK but I think my comments still apply to the newer model. I'd recommend H&R sport springs. To the average car enthusiast it looks just different enough, more aggressive but not excessive. The H&R Cup Kit is IMHO just a little too low to be practical since I live in DC. I believe Brabus as well as AMG use a specific H&R or Eibach spring. Also check into spring pads (a little rubber ring that sits on top of the spring). On the 208 there are 3-4 different thicknesses which affect both ride height and harshness.
I would also recommend changing the shocks as well. The Koni adjustable shock is great because you can choose the ride/handling balance depending on how firm a ride you want. The H&Rs with the stock shocks was a bit "bouncy". Not quite fast-and-furious-Civic-bouncy but annoying nonetheless. I also understand that stock shocks wear out faster with stiffer springs. Additionally, sport shocks are shorter and thus a better compliment (work better??) with the shorter spring.
I would also recommend changing the shocks as well. The Koni adjustable shock is great because you can choose the ride/handling balance depending on how firm a ride you want. The H&Rs with the stock shocks was a bit "bouncy". Not quite fast-and-furious-Civic-bouncy but annoying nonetheless. I also understand that stock shocks wear out faster with stiffer springs. Additionally, sport shocks are shorter and thus a better compliment (work better??) with the shorter spring.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: ATL
CLK 550
LOH...
that's a tight ride you got there...IMO, I think your drop looks ideal.
Thanks for the insight and comments. I am assuming that based on your comments, you have H&R sport springs and koni shocks on your vehicle.
I live about 2 miles outside of NYC, so I drive in the city a lot, and the roads, like in DC, are terrible too.
With your suspension configuration, do you have any problems with rubbing?
Also, how much did it cost to get your shocks and springs installed? And what type of shop did you go to to get it done...dealer, performance shop, etc?
that's a tight ride you got there...IMO, I think your drop looks ideal.
Thanks for the insight and comments. I am assuming that based on your comments, you have H&R sport springs and koni shocks on your vehicle.
I live about 2 miles outside of NYC, so I drive in the city a lot, and the roads, like in DC, are terrible too.
With your suspension configuration, do you have any problems with rubbing?
Also, how much did it cost to get your shocks and springs installed? And what type of shop did you go to to get it done...dealer, performance shop, etc?
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atl2nyc...
Thanks for the compliment. I guess I didn't say what I had but you're right, I have the H&R sport springs with Koni adjustable sport shocks. I also used the thickest spring pads. The Konis I have had three possible stiffness settings available and I put it on the middle setting. It rides a little harsh at times (rarely) but it's not unbearable and definitely worth it for the much much improved handling. I did it for the performance first and looks second so your priorities may be different. I had it in NYC a few months ago and it wasn't bad although Canal St had me creeping at one point. I'd just recommend a larger gap between you and the car in front so you can see what's coming. Anyway, bottom line, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again or recommend it to others.
I have the stock wheels and tire widths and don't experience any rubbing at all. My dealer installed everything for $270. As an aside, I thought about the Kleeman suspension but the parts are about twice as much. Good luck and have fun with your new car but beware, this modifying thing gets addictive.
Thanks for the compliment. I guess I didn't say what I had but you're right, I have the H&R sport springs with Koni adjustable sport shocks. I also used the thickest spring pads. The Konis I have had three possible stiffness settings available and I put it on the middle setting. It rides a little harsh at times (rarely) but it's not unbearable and definitely worth it for the much much improved handling. I did it for the performance first and looks second so your priorities may be different. I had it in NYC a few months ago and it wasn't bad although Canal St had me creeping at one point. I'd just recommend a larger gap between you and the car in front so you can see what's coming. Anyway, bottom line, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again or recommend it to others.
I have the stock wheels and tire widths and don't experience any rubbing at all. My dealer installed everything for $270. As an aside, I thought about the Kleeman suspension but the parts are about twice as much. Good luck and have fun with your new car but beware, this modifying thing gets addictive.
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From: California
CLK320 (w209)
Atl2nyc,
I have very similar goals as you. Also like the Carlsson 1/16, and was searching where to buy them. I think the problem is that Tirerack, their current main Carlsson importer into US will stop carry them. The Carlsson 1/16 was my first choice, but i gave up, and just bought Brabus VI.
As for lowering, could be wrong but the silver car doesn't appears to be lowered. It looks very similar to mine now. The Carlsson (or the Brabus on the other post) are undoubtedly both lowered just the right amount.
The CLK appears to have same springs as the new C-class. I searched that board and found the Eibach seems to have the most comfortable ride and lower the car the least (about 1"). There is a nice thread on before/after of a C-class lowered with Eibach. Looks perfect to me, and i'll probably do it within a couple of weeks.
Cheers
I have very similar goals as you. Also like the Carlsson 1/16, and was searching where to buy them. I think the problem is that Tirerack, their current main Carlsson importer into US will stop carry them. The Carlsson 1/16 was my first choice, but i gave up, and just bought Brabus VI.
As for lowering, could be wrong but the silver car doesn't appears to be lowered. It looks very similar to mine now. The Carlsson (or the Brabus on the other post) are undoubtedly both lowered just the right amount.
The CLK appears to have same springs as the new C-class. I searched that board and found the Eibach seems to have the most comfortable ride and lower the car the least (about 1"). There is a nice thread on before/after of a C-class lowered with Eibach. Looks perfect to me, and i'll probably do it within a couple of weeks.
Cheers
