mcbaes72

The past few days, I've been researching suspension options for the wifey's CLK55 (W209). One of the searches I did was on this site and read a few different brands mentioned (i.e. Brabus, Kleeman, H&R, Eibach, etc.). It's difficult for me to decide one over another. One thing I am sure of though is...I won't just change the springs w/o changing the shocks, too.

So, from all the posts I read, I think I may go w/ Bilstein PSS9 COs and H&R sway bars (front and rear). But the local shop in Oakland (who I won't mention) is charging a lot for parts and labor. PSS9 = $2500, H&R Sway (F & R) = $500 and 8-10 hrs. of labor at $120 an hr. (longer than usual because they "weigh" each side using a scale or whatever) and doubt that includes alignment. So, we're looking at about $4200 OTD. Although I do wanna improve the suspension/handling, that's pretty steep a price for me and doubt the wifey would approve of that.

Anybody have other suggestions? Also, I attached a link to one of the many threads I found on the subject just to see what others have said (although it's on a CLK500, shouldn't matter because only the engine is different, but the chasis is the same...or does it make a difference?)

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...209+suspension

Chappy

You are talking about decent coin for the PSS9 setup. BEFORE you get your heart set on it, it there somebody local with this setup who will give you a ride to see if it's what you really want?

If not, my suggestion is to develop (1) your budget and (2) suspension goals before proceeding further.

Good luck!

Jaki

Is the $2500 for the PSS9 installed or not? In the link that you posted, one guy said he paid $1700 for the PSS9. I'd suggest to order it from the internet, rather than a local shop. Local shops usually overprice things compared to the internet.

mcbaes72

Thanks for the advice so far. Yeah, I rode in a car w/ PSS9s before, but it was in an Audi S4. I liked how it handled though. Also, the $2500 I was quoted was for parts only. I almost LOL right after the guy told me that price. Shox.com sells them for under $1800 + S&H. This shop in Oakland is trying to rip me off.

Anyway, I found this post (see link), while doing a search on Google, from a seller locally in San Jose. They're only charging $1699 for the PSS9s. He's calling me back tomorrow to make sure they have a set in stock before I buy it. Also, I asked him to give me a quote on the H&R sways, too, to see what they'd cost. Chances are, I'll buy it all from this shop.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...89#post1655889

Jaki

Good find. btw, that 8-10hrs and $120 an hour is insane as well. That guy is trying to get rich off of one customer. Best would be to do it yourself if you have the time, space, and tools. Even if you don't have the tools, it would still be cheaper (and more fun) to buy the tools and install it yourself. Always appreciate things when you do them yourself.

RK-CLK55

I upgrade my 2004 CLK55 after a six months to the Brabus Lowered Suspension. The car dropped about 1". The car really feels like it is on rails. It is a little stiffer at lower speeds but feels great when the speed picks up. Some of the stiffness comes from the 19" wheels/tires. It cost $1300 from Brabus in Newport Beach, CA. My mercedes dealer charge me about $500 to install it which also included a wheel alignment. Beside the added handling performance, the car looks great and gets even more comments because of the lowered look.

Stiggs

Have you checked out this thread?
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...t=euro+springs

I wanted to lower my car also. It is just too damn expensive for me right now to do it. I really liked the idea of the Euro-spec springs. Just a thought. Good luck. Let us know what you choose.

mcbaes72

Very nice! I considered Brabus' suspension before deciding on the PSS9s. Even though I'm going w/ COs, I like how the Brabus set up looks on your car w/ 19s. Also, it's cool that your local MB dealer installed it. I know some MB service depts. won't do certain after-market installation.

mcbaes72

Stiggs - No I haven't seen that thread before, but just finished reading through it. Thanks for the link.

Everyone - Well, less than 24 hrs. later, I pulled the trigger on a set of PSS9s and H&R Sways (F&R) for the wifey's car. There's a local shop in Berkeley that worked on my S4 and previous A6 2.7T that I trust. So, I decided to buy the parts there and have them install it, too. They got pretty close to the price that the San Jose shop offered. Also, everything installed will cost me about $1K less than what that Oakland shop quoted me yesterday.

Funny, I was going to get PSS9s for my S4 and leave my wife's car "un-modded". After hearing her complain about wanting better handling/cornering (she came from an IS300 lowered w/ Eibach springs + sways and Bilstein shocks), I decided to use the mod $$$$ on her car instead. Thank goodness for the introductory 2.9% promotion on my credit card which I plan on paying off before it expires.

Chappy

Congrats. Let us know how you like it!

Stiggs

and don't forget to post pics ASAP!LOL

scrapes55

Yeah before an after pictures would be awesome.

mcbaes72

Thanks everyone! Yeah, I'll do the before/after pics as well as give my review on the suspension upgrade since I'll be the one picking it up at the shop.

Blake P

CarLAB is highly recommended! Darwin and Jose have extensive knowledge and experience to go along with their low prices and quality installs. They're the only place I would even consider taking my car for suspension related work.

mcbaes72

Update: PSS9s and H&R sways installed yesterday w/ ONE problem....both wheels in front are badly damaged and one of the wheels is the wrong offset and is touching the PSS9 (left front). So, I'm gonna order new wheels today and hopefully, it'll be there in a day or two and I can get my car at the end of the week. *crosses fingers*

Just one question though...is there a market for the CLK55's shocks and springs? I'm assuming since it's AMG-tuned, the shocks and springs are different vs. standard CLK models, correct? Just wondering if they're worth saving to sell in the classifieds or are they not worth keeping and have them throw it away. The shocks have 39K miles on them. Thanks.

2nd Update: I ordered a whole new set of wheels from TireRack. They're 18x7.5 and 18x8.5 AMG 5-spoke 171 in silver. They were on closeout sale and the wifey trusts me to pick a nice style wheel for her (see pic). I thought about cheaper replicas for about half the price (about $750-$800), but decided to buy the real AMG wheels instead. Let me know what ya think.

Blake P

Nice! Where did you end up going for the parts/install/alignment? It sure doesn't hurt to put them in the classifieds for whatever you think they're worth (think ~$300 plus shipping), rather than just throwing them in the trash.

mcbaes72

I ended up going to Griffin Motorwerks in Berkeley. They worked on two of my Audis in the past and I trust them w/ my wife's car. I bought the parts there as well as them installing and being able to align it there, too, so that's convenient.

Good advice, I'll keep the parts and see what kind of offers I get from selling them. Thanks!

buzz888

hey

nice wheels mcbaes..
can u post some pics when you get them

CarLAB

What kind of wheels and tires do you have before. Most of the time the cause for Front wheels touching on the shock body is by setting the perch too low. The distance between the shocks and the wheels is slightly diffrent when the car is on the lift and on the ground. It may clear when its on the lift but it may not when its on the ground.

BTW never received a call back from you regarding the suspension. Anyway its ok. May be next time.

Best Regards


Darwin W
Mercedes Tuning Specialist @ CarLAB MS

Blake P

I tried to tell him to go to CarLAB! There is a reason I only allow Darwin to touch the suspension on my cars...he is a pro.

mcbaes72

I apologize for not calling you back. I have the stock 18" chrome AMG wheels (split 5 spoke) that originally came w/ the car.

mcbaes72

It's tough for me to go to San Jose from where I live and work. I was going to buy the PSS9s from CarLabs and have it shipped to my house, but just bought them at the local shop instead who's doing the install. If there's any more install problems, I may just take a day off and bring it down there.

mcbaes72

Thanks! I almost bought a set of Braubus Monoblock VI replicas, but changed my mind and bought AMG wheels instead. They're a more conservative style, but at least they're real not reps. Yeah, I'll have to post before and after pics soon. I should be picking up my wife's car tonight.

Blake P

I highly doubt your trip to San Jose would be longer than my trip to San Jose from Fresno. Trust me, the added comfort of knowing my car is being worked on by professionals who know their sh*t and aren't just following an instruction manual is well worth my time and money.

CarLAB

Ask them to try to move the perch up to clear the wheels. Like I mention to you on the phone. Have them clear the suspensions for the wheels not the other way around.

I also check the C32 AMG Wheels I have in the shop The fron is ET37, Meaning a ET37 Wheels that you just ordered from Tirerack will work.

PSS9 will drop the car a finger gap at almost halfway on the adjustment thread. Just tell Griffin, to raised the perch up.

Hope this help, I want to help you further but I have no access to the vehicle.

Best Regards


Darwin W
Mercedes Tuning Specialist @ CarLAB MS