LexDiamonds

Hello all. New guy here with a few questions. I have a new to me 2004 clk500. black with grey interior. Love the car.

1. I've never been into the "mod" scene for car parts. Can anyone recomend some basic performace upgrades? I'm talking real simple things like K/N filter, better spark plugs, etc. Anything worth doing thats under $1000?

2. From the reading I've done, one exterior piece that really impresses me is the AMG rear spoiler. I understand there is a factory black edition piece availble, but its too expensive. There are also a lot of cheap knockoff parts out there for MBZ. Which one to get? Carbon fiber doesnt do it for me, I just want a 040 black paint matching piece. Are these OK? Double sided tape seems a little mickey mouse to me... do these have a tendancy to come off over time?

3. I need to tint the windows. I understand this can be a tricky proposition on the W209. What are peoples experiences? I am thinking %25 on the sides and 30/35 on the back window. Is there an issue with the heating element in the rear window? How much does the stock blue tint amplify an aftermarket film? Pics would be much appreciated.


Thanks for reading my noobie post. I had a much more well written one composed, but lost it when I tried to install that stupid IE spell checker. ... This is kind of a condensed version. Really looking forward to peoples feedback on the spoiler.

buffyclk500

there r lots of parts for under 1000

do u want 2
look sound or b fast

bheng

welcome to the forum.

1. sprint booster- not much of a performance upgrade but will make your driving experience more enjoyable.
you can get headers, change up your exhaust for a more free flowing one. its hard to make power on the clk like enormous power. if your into that, wrong car if you want parts for cheap.

2.double sided tape works fine.
3. why would you go darker up front and lighter in the rear? just do 25% all around or 35% all around. i havent read any issues in terms of signal dropping. and im not sure about the blue tint.

oh and 4, we have a plethora of info on this forum, just search it up and im sure its there.

LexDiamonds

I knew I should have clarified a bit. I am 33 and have only driven fullsize trucks before, so the clk is sexy as hell to me even in its stock form. I am not into the boy racer look. Mainly looking for reasonable upgrades that add actual rear wheel horsepower. The stock exhaust sounds great to me, but can it get better without extensive mods?

When I had the vehicle checked out, they told me the valve cover seals need to be replaced. I thought maybe I should replace the spark plugs too while they are in there? Any gains to be had here? The factory plugs seem to be rated for 100k miles. My car only has 40k on the odo.

I really have tried researching some of this on my own, but it seems better to ask here, in a dedicated forum.

Also really looking for feedback on the aftermarket AMG spoiler. I think it really dresses the trunk lid up, but I dont want anything that looks ricer/ superglued on. This seems like a common "upgrade" suggestion and am wondering what one is the best (short of the OEM black edition one).


Thank you! Mercedes noob here, but really looking for good advice from this group on how to maximize my new car without going crazy. I would like to put about 1500 into the car, then just enjoy the heck out of it for 50k miles.

EuroTra$H

welcome!
not to many cheap performance mods available for the clk but as mentioned the sprit booster is a must have
( eliminates the DBW throttle lag )
spoilers hold fine with quality 3m tape. I have not seen a black series knock off, but there are plenty of regular AMG style ones on ebay.

35 tint all around It looks a little darker because of the factory tint.
be sure to get a ceramic based tint so to not interfere with the electronics.

dark knight

I would lower the car first, just H&R springs is fine, some will spend a lot more for coil over. Will greatly improve the look and handling.

Spoiler is also a cool add-on, check ebay, they are very reasonable priced, double tape hold mine for years now, no problem. Then save up money for some 18" or 19" wheels.

Oh, take care of the valve cover seals first.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy the car.

Badblackfolife

tints, k&n, drop, cross driller rear rotors,tune, cat delete.

LexDiamonds

Thank you all for the quick and helpful responses.

The sprint booster sounds interesting. I may give it a try.

Which lowering springs seem to make the most people happy? I live in Montana and occasionally have some pretty rough roads to drive on- it sounds like coilovers would be a pretty rough ride. Can the H&R springs go onto the stock shocks? Do they just replace factory springs?

In regards to the AMG spoiler, it sounds like factory OEM is the only way to go if you want the best fit. By searching the part number (A2097900088) I was only finding european dealers. Anyone have a good source for this part in the US? I know the dealership would bend me over if I ordered it from them.

mis3

Interesting. 2 questions:

1. Is this Sprint Booster a DIY installation?

2. How does this sprint booster affect the gas mileage?

Newjd2

Yeah it's DIY and it doesn't effect it directly, but indirectly yes as you'll have a lead foot!...



Angelo

EuroTra$H

yes SB is DIY.... 10 minutes max...plug and play
no noticeable change in milage

I prefer Eibach springs to H&R they give a little better ride and I like the raked stance a little better than the saggy rear of H&R but most members seem to go with H&R.

you can change springs with factory struts no problems.

try parts.com for the deck lid spoiler or look in the classifieds here. or eBay.
good luck with the new car.... I bet you don't see many modded clk's in montana.

post pictures.

bheng

meh. the replica spoilers are alright too. from what i heard theres a lil bit of fitment problem if you dont mind.

i like vogtland springs. they are like eibach and drop 1.2 front and rear. depends how low you want to drop your car

Newjd2

+1 on eibachs....



Angelo