CLK-Class (W209) 2003 on: CLK 270 CDI, CLK 200K, CLK 200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

CLK 500 Avantgarde 2003 - Lowering

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Old Dec 19, 2011 | 12:26 PM
  #1  
goodpw's Avatar
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From: Shrewsbury, UK.
CLK500 (Gone) SL500 (R230)
CLK 500 Avantgarde 2003 - Lowering

Hi All.
I'm thinking of lowering my CLK 500 (96k miles) all round a little bit, nothing drastic, about 20mm to 30mm. The ride has gone a little bit soggy & almost vague (regardless of road condition) but does seem OK ish when pushed mid corner just not very happy in & out. not quite how I feel it should be
So I have two questions really.
1) Is there a known amount that most people seem to use that can be acheived with readily available & reasonably priced parts?
2) I have seen something about changing spring pads !! can lowering sorings be used with my existing pads or am I missing the idea somwhere?
OK three quetions.
3) Are there any bushes that could be changed at the same time, this is probably my main reason for doing the lowering job?
I have no problem doing the jobs myself but would like to be sure I head in the right direction.
regards, Goody.
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Old Dec 19, 2011 | 02:19 PM
  #2  
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2ng
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From: Spain
CLK320CDI / M3 E46
Bilstein B8+ eibach pro kit, best value for money.

http://www.ebay.de/itm/BILSTEIN-B8-S...item588869b622

http://www.ebay.de/itm/BILSTEIN-B8-S...item58886824da

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Eibach-Pro-Ki...item27a9290bc4
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Old Dec 19, 2011 | 02:35 PM
  #3  
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
I dropped with H&R, great ride and no issues. My 500 had #1 rear pads OEM, I changed to #4 when I dropped it - sits nice and level. I think the pads were $20 or something and they come out with the springs.
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Old Dec 19, 2011 | 03:47 PM
  #4  
goodpw's Avatar
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From: Shrewsbury, UK.
CLK500 (Gone) SL500 (R230)
Hi Guys.
Thanks for the replies. The full spring + dampers is a bit costly for me, I've found some H&R lowering spings on da'bay (400195882547) but these will drop it by 40mm which I think may be too far.
Without stripping the dampers how can I find out what pads I have & so find out what pads I need to compensate ?
I'm fairly sure that when I get the car off the ground I will find some worn bushes as it feels a bit 'loose'. which are most likely so that I can buy them in advance.

Also like the look of the Eibach's as suggested by 2ng (found some in UK on gaybay, 170341764036) better price & probably the right drop.

Cheers Goody

Last edited by goodpw; Dec 19, 2011 at 03:55 PM. Reason: Goody can't spell/type
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Old Dec 19, 2011 | 03:54 PM
  #5  
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
My 500 came with #1 pads, I don't know if they all did (mine is a GCC spec) but you'd think they would. The H&R kit I have sits perfect with a #4 - unfortunately the only way to find out what you actually have is to drop the sping and look. The pads are identified by bumps on the top face, #1 is 5mm, #4 is 17mm, #2 and 3 are of course in between.
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