CLK55 AMG, CLK63 AMG (W208, W209) 2000 - 2010 (Two Generations)

Lowering my 02 CLK55 AMG... suggestions?

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Old 03-29-2005 | 11:49 PM
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Lowering my 02 CLK55 AMG... suggestions?

Hi everyone!

I just picked up my 2002 CLK55 AMG this past weekend and am already itching to lower my car... not crazy, but just enough. I'm already thinking of using H&R springs. Is there anything else that I may be missing as I want to ensure that it is done right? I keep hearing people talking about spring seat pads, but not sure what these things are or if I should be doing something else along with the springs. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

MPRESION
Old 03-30-2005 | 07:20 AM
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How low do you want to go? Will you be putting on large wheels?

"I keep hearing people talking about spring seat pads, but not sure what these things are or if I should be doing something else along with the springs."

I am guessing you are referring to spring pads. Your springs sit underneath these "shims" and can vary by height...in the following increments: 5, 9, 13, 17, and 21 mm. (one "bump" to five "bump"). The spring pads are inexpensive and I changed them when I put on new springs.

Good luck
Old 03-30-2005 | 09:41 AM
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Chappy,

I'm going to 18's. As per how low, maybe just about a bit over an inch drop or otherwise a fingers width between the top of the tire and the fender. I'm going with the H&R Sport Springs (part# 29377), and as per they're website, the lowering is 1.0" front and 0.9" rear.

How do I know which shim height to get and where do I get them?

Thanks!
MPRESION


Originally Posted by Chappy
How low do you want to go? Will you be putting on large wheels?

"I keep hearing people talking about spring seat pads, but not sure what these things are or if I should be doing something else along with the springs."

I am guessing you are referring to spring pads. Your springs sit underneath these "shims" and can vary by height...in the following increments: 5, 9, 13, 17, and 21 mm. (one "bump" to five "bump"). The spring pads are inexpensive and I changed them when I put on new springs.

Good luck
Old 03-30-2005 | 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by MPRESION
How do I know which shim height to get and where do I get them?

Thanks!
MPRESION
Get them at the dealer. Very inexpensive (3-4 dollars each).

I put on 5mm in rear and 9mm in front, but am running stock wheels.
Old 03-30-2005 | 11:31 AM
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I also have an 02 CLK55 and I am planning to set it down with H&R's in about a month. The place I took it to (Motorwerks) told me that they would use H&R springs and the stock pads since I have low miles on the car. They said that should be adaquate but if I wanted lower, then I can go with a different pad. I have seen another w208 AMG using the stock pads and H&R setup and it looked just fine.
Old 03-30-2005 | 11:42 AM
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With the H&R springs do you need to get new shocks as well or will the factory shocks still work?
Old 03-30-2005 | 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by hellcat
With the H&R springs do you need to get new shocks as well or will the factory shocks still work?
I've been told that the factory ones are just fine...
Old 03-30-2005 | 01:14 PM
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So which size of pads typically come stock with the car? And if I get a smaller pad thickness, does that mean the car will sit that much lower in millimeters as compared to the stock pads?
Old 03-30-2005 | 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by hellcat
With the H&R springs do you need to get new shocks as well or will the factory shocks still work?
Read this....

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...+stock+springs
Old 03-30-2005 | 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by MPRESION
So which size of pads typically come stock with the car? And if I get a smaller pad thickness, does that mean the car will sit that much lower in millimeters as compared to the stock pads?
In theory, yes. But it rarely works out that way.

Read here....

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk55-amg-clk63-amg-w208-w209/39125-wayfst-r-e-spring-pad-clk55.html
Old 04-01-2005 | 07:50 AM
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Originally Posted by King///AMG
I've been told that the factory ones are just fine...
you have your 19's on now with no spring or suspension mods? if so, can you post a pic of your car from the side, im curious as to how high the car sits. thanks.
Old 04-07-2005 | 09:17 AM
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Every CLK can be different as far as pads are concerned.It's dumb but unfortunately that's the way it is.My car has #3 in front and #4 in back.car in back has #4 in front and#4 in back with H&R's and still sits a tad lower than my car.His car stck came with #3's all around and my car stck came with #2's all around.

Last edited by ProjectC55; 04-07-2005 at 09:19 AM.
Old 04-07-2005 | 05:15 PM
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Hi,

I can make a suggestion that I got from someone in this forum. Consider the AMG euro-spec springs. I just got in touch with a guy in European that is going to send me the springs within the next three weeks, probably more like two weeks. It may come down to taste but I find that I like the european look best instead of the usual 1"+ lower springs here. These just lower the car too much in my view. The CLK55 is a great car because is a mix of all the things I want in a car, included 2+2 seating, everyday practicality, and non-showish looks. The AMG springs I am thinking will lower the ride about .75" which will still look "normal". Also consider getting the MonoblockIIs 18" rims that I bought myself. People can not tell at first if this is what the car came with, even dealers! But the look, when you take a second look or compare it to another AMG CLK55 is noticable and the handling does improve. I will post pics once I get my springs and they are installed.

Good luck,

Learso

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