craiglieberman

So...got my PSS9's installed on my 2004 CLK500 last weekend. Immediately went on a 1500 mile road trip.

The trip included a jaunt to Vegas and San Fran.

Here's my two cents on this setup:

Installation was done at Bilstein. Car was lowered a little more than 1 inch with lots more room to go. We're waiting till the tire/wheel package is installed to finalize the ride height. Besides, any more than this and an alignment would be needed and I had no time to get this done prior to my trip.

The PSS9's were set to their softest setting.

As a point of reference, my other rides are a 996TT (Eibach pro Kit) and a BMW M3 (KW Suspension coil overs).

The CLK at this setting/height showed no signs of bump steer. Handling was more predictable. Car is flatter in the turns. Ride height was good enough to easily get in/out of driveways. Ride quality was superb and not as stiff as my KW's....but the car doesn't handle as good as my M3 (my M3 is way more modified with a great deal more tire). Keep in mind, I'm running the stock tire size right now.

With four people in the car, there was no rubbing, no clearance issues and ride was only marginally stiffer.

By comparison:
my 996TT shows way more bump steer and is stiffer and bouncier.

My M3 handles better and is stiffer, but likewise shows no bump steer.

Under the car, the adjustments are easy to get to and I can't wait for my big wheels/tires to give another review, hopefully at a track.

Overall, this is a great setup for someone who is not looking to compromise the comfort of the vehicle, but have the ability to go as low as is needed and to make the car handle better.

I'd definitely recommend this setup to anyone.

Frisco

Nice writeup - they weren't available through Bilstein NA when I got mine. Did they start selling them in the US or did Bilstein get them in just for you? I generally like them, although I do have a couple minor complaints. Highly recommended overall though- the stock handling was way too soft and the car now handles significantly better.

mcbaes72

I know this thread is old, but wanted to get your thoughts since both of you have had your PSS9s for a while now. What height did you set it and what dampener setting? I'm asking because I just ordered the PSS9s and H&R sways for the wifey's CLK55. Any new info or advice is appreciated.

craiglieberman - I see you had 4 people in your car w/ the softest setting (9). Glad to read that it was comfortable on long trips, too.

Frisco

I think mine is set at 4 all around, and it's got about a 1 finger gap. No major complaints or issues.

mcbaes72

Yeah, I'm looking for a 1-finger gap front and rear for her car. But I may go a little higher than your setting and try 7 first for more comfort.

Thanks for the reply.

user 76208202

If there were any complaints, what would they be Frisco?

user 76208202

Also, did anyone here need spacers to make the coilovers fit? If so how big? Thanks

Klinh

He or I can't really give you a true answer without knowing the size of your wheel and offset. How thick of a spacer to use is based on those 2 things.

sweet jones

you do know this is a 4 year old thread right?

user 76208202

You're right, totaly forgot: 18x8.5 ET32,18x9.5 ET35. I was hoping if they didn't need spacers for the stockies i'd swap back to stocks
i used the SEARCH FUNCTION

Klinh

You're running on 18" wheel with coilover setup.....why? Tha's a waste. Why not 19" or 20"? Anyway, have 3mm and 5mm spacer ready for the front and 10mm spacers for the rear (just for look in the rear).

user 76208202

I'm getting coils first then getting 19's. I'll prob do 3or5 up front, and a 12mm in the back to make it look sick

thanks for the help

dynomite05

Klinh, what size spacers do you recommend for 19x8.5F/19x9.5R ET35 all around? Still have a couple weeks before my wheels get here.. Thanks