Chappy

I'm trying to decide if I'm "done" for a while or not....trouble is, finding great stuff for the W208 is getting harder and harder.

Current list:

35% tint
AMG euro-spec springs
Tinted tail lights (DTM-style)
AMG flat hood badge
AMG illuminated door sills
Birdseye shift knob

Thinking about:

Birdseye/leather or c/f or alcantara steering wheel
Full Alcantara headliner
Stealth V1 install
Lidatek
Others???

What's you next accessory/mod?

H-MAN

My in the future list;
Kleemann SC ($11,000)
Kleemann headers ($3,000)
Kleemann suspension ($1,100)

What I'll actually do next is;
new front tires
spring pads
muffler
replace front bumper strip
track wheels

Chappy

What muffler are you considering?

What would you replace the front bumper strip with? Any pics?

H-MAN

I haven't decided yet but I'll probably find a Flowmaster/Borla exhaust shop here and find something that fits. I'm not impressed with the Evosport sound clips I've heard. I think this car deserves a sweet rumble, though it will cut down on the stealth factor.


I'm going to replace it with another stock one. Mine has four drilled out holes from when I removed the license plate holder. I'm moving soon but will be keeping NC tags so no front plate for me.

King///AMG

Chappy, u mentioned in your list that you have the "AMG Euro Spec Springs," could you describe to me what they are. I thought our w208 55's came with AMG springs. How much did they drop your car? I guess the reason for my question is why didn't you go with the H&R springs like most ppl have?

Chappy

Basically, cars sold to us here have to meet U.S. bumper height requirements. For that reason, the springs put on U.S.-spec CLK55s are slightly taller than what is put on a stock CLK55 in europe.

Our CLK55s did come with AMG springs, just not euro-spec AMG springs. I ordered these from Belguim and had them installed back in November. At the same time, I had my tech change the spring pads to enhance the drop slightly.

The drop was about 1.0-1.5 inches. Before and after pics can be seen here...

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk55-amg-clk63-amg-w208-w209/89986-amg-euro-spec-springs-w208-first-impressions.html

I also emphasized the reason(s) why I selected AMG springs over H & R:

1. Some have had problems with lowering springs on stock dampers. I did not want to change the dampers or the handling characteristics of the car.

2. Some have had trouble with camber after using aftermarket lowering springs. I wanted to avoid that.

3. Wanted to stick with AMG/MB parts.

4. Avoid any *possible* warranty issues.

Chappy

Here's an old thread I found about using aftermarket springs with stock dampers:

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...+h%26r+springs

dennism13

Hi Chappy,
Nice mod., something I've been think about doing, but the camber issues is something that I want to avoid too. But how does your set up avoid that? I was under the impression any lowering would affect camber to some degree. Thanks in advance.

Chappy

Simple. I am using Mercedes-Benz parts....designed specifically for the W208 CLK55. Plus, the drop is not as dramatic as with other aftermarket springs. Essentially, I am returning the car to it's original design. Thus, no issues with a proper alignment.

FWIW, my stock dampers did not need to be changed as they are the exact same part as what is being put on the euro-delivery AMG cars. Only the springs needed to be changed, saving me money over the purchase of springs and dampers.

Good luck

Benzo

I was considering the alcantra headliner as well- any idea of how much that would cost w/ install?

Chappy

No clue. I guessing a couple grand

Riot Nrrrd

Sounds like Chappy's got a few Smokeys to avoid, lol :v

(I wonder if the CHiPpies out here in SoCal use radar or laser guns ... )

Chappy

:p :p :p

I know all the police around where I live

Chappy

Decided on the next mod....new pedals

JamE55

Get the rest of the S8 kit! But damn! Costs like a 20yr mortgage! lol :p

Chappy

Haven't seen you much on the boards lately....vacation? Anyway, I saved you a hotel room at our "sooper AMG meet" lol. Let me know if you can make it!

p.s. I know vids and pics!