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]

Lowering on springs

Old Feb 4, 2013 | 08:22 AM
  #1  
Gary C's Avatar
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
2004 CLK 500
Lowering on springs

Alright I got the bug to do some mods. I want a little drop and I was leaning towards H&R springs. Anybody that has used them, why are there different part numbers for the coupe and Cab. Coup is 1.4 and 1.3 drop and the cab is 1.3 and 1.1 drop. Is the cab lower than a coup already? My front is 26 1/8 from ground and rear is 25 3/4 from ground. I want the same gap front and rear. I have stock amg 17's on it now. Will be going to 18's
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 12:25 PM
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Gary C's Avatar
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2004 CLK 500
Anybody? How about some of you guys take measurements. That way we can see differences in coupe and cabrio. Also, anybody that has installed springs how about some measurements? That is from ground to the bottom of fender measurement. Thanks!
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 06:09 PM
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2003 CLK 320
im assuming its to compensate for the weight of your drop top.
but if you think about it, a tenth of an inch is not much either.
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 07:10 PM
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Not sure what I am going to use on this car. I have used both Eibach and H&R's on cars over the years. Generally Eibachs seem to cure the butt in the air attitude. H&R's ride a little harder and didn't drop the rear enough to even the car out. IMHO, if you want to spend the money, coil overs are the way to go.
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 07:38 PM
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I do agree with Patton

I have spring and shock combo right now. I prefer it over stock any day of the week. but if i had to do it again, coils for sure. adjustablilty until you like it perfectly
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 10:23 PM
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2009 clk-350 (Black) AMG, 2009 clk-550 (Pewter) AMG
But you would need spacers rite? ?? I hate spacers! !!!
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Old Feb 5, 2013 | 10:57 PM
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Corrolla
Why hate ? Lol
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Old Feb 6, 2013 | 08:11 AM
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Lol. I had a set of brand new spacers that I sold. I rather buy a set of wheels which fit from retail. 2 reasons which I dislike spacers
1) chance of vibration
2) the need to remove dust cap. Which is a no no in my book

So if I do get coilovers would I need spacers. Im running 19x8.5 et.32 19x10 et.36
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Old Feb 6, 2013 | 08:24 AM
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I do not want to run coilovers. My son has them on his GTI. They work great and he does do autocross. Plus he is 20 yrs old and really likes it slammed! LOL I am just looking for a little drop to close the wheel gap and a little firmer handling. I also do not want to run spacers. Plus, I do not want to spend 2 grand. That being said, how about taking some measurements guys. I want to see some real world numbers.
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Old Feb 6, 2013 | 12:29 PM
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2004 CLK 500
Not sure I understand why would you absolutely need spacers with coils-overs. It just depends on your wheels dimensions, right? I've got Bilstein B14 coil-overs and as far as I can see, I now have more tyre-clearance with front struts, than I had with OEM springs. At the rear there's no difference whatsoever, dimensionwise, as the rear "coil-overs" are not actually real coil-overs at all, just height adjustable springs with normal shocks.

FWIW, wheels are front/rear 8.5/9.5x19, 30/27 mm offset. Tyres f 235/35, r 265/30. Remarkably better ride than with old and crappy stock stuff, in all aspects. My car is not slammed at all, it's a gent's voiture (sorry), very conservative, really! Adjustabilitywise (word?) I could go and drop it 20 mm more, but I doubt I never will.

Front strut:


There are also some pictures of the car in this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/5531692-post2207.html
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Old Feb 6, 2013 | 03:32 PM
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^^^^^^^. What he said. No reason coil-overs would require spacers.
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Old Feb 6, 2013 | 10:19 PM
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^ i think it has to do with wheel offset. PExi has a low offset so it gives him more clearance. i have et. 32/336 and want to make sure my wheels will not rub the strut. i rather avoid the problem of rubbing and go with koni yellow. but i really want coilovers so i need a confirmed answer. thanks
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Old Feb 6, 2013 | 10:40 PM
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CLK55
You'll need spacers
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Old Feb 7, 2013 | 01:11 PM
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2004 CLK 500
Originally Posted by togaclk55
You'll need spacers
How can you tell? His offset is only 2 mm more than mine, which is not that much really.
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Old Feb 7, 2013 | 03:39 PM
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CLK55
My bad, was just talking about KW
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