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

The Doctor has finished, My rearend feels much better!

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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 02:54 AM
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The Doctor has finished, My rearend feels much better!

Well Dr. Rich couldn't help himself. I had to stick my fingers in my rearend today. The one wheel peel is over, but now I have two wheel peel!
Sliding home in the rain went better tonight.
This was a whole lot easier than the LSD differential I built for the 500E.
Rich










Last edited by mbenzman; Nov 2, 2006 at 03:03 AM.
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 04:47 AM
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Details man......we want details!
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Chappy
Details man......we want details!
Since your 1 minute away, you can see all the details, anytime, in real life whilst knocking back a brewsky. Your welcome to do a test flight.LOL.
This is a Quaife ATB differential. This is the first time I've played with these clutchless style units and I understand the theory behind these.
You should not feel it there, open differential style cornering, with the ability to lay down power through the corner without light up the inside tire, torque splitting between the two wheels is anywhere from 10-90% with the torque going to the tire with the greatest traction, not 50/50, or 40% to the wheel with the greatest traction.
So far very impressive, I like it.
Rich
The ASR seems to like this new setup better as so far it hasn't just shut the power down completely, just knocked it down. It seems to work half as much, and may not be applying brake, just throttle cut since the wheels spin together now. The old way you felt the asr clamping each wheel, alternating and then finally cutting the power, sometimes refusing to give it back for 2-3 seconds.
This opinion may change since I have driven it twice on this setup in the rain last night.

Last edited by mbenzman; Nov 2, 2006 at 06:59 AM.
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 10:08 AM
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Do you think that this will drop your 0-60, 1/4 mile times? Its nice to see someone doing upgrades to the older AMG's (210/208). How much was it from Quaife?
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by AMGPARTS18
Do you think that this will drop your 0-60, 1/4 mile times? Its nice to see someone doing upgrades to the older AMG's (210/208). How much was it from Quaife?
Can't hurt 1/4 times, we'll see.
This is an interesting differential. It really acts like it's not there except it spins both tires every time.
It's dry out now so I played on the dry road, it still breaks both tires loose instantly. My traction problems aren't over.
I wanted to see how much bias this thing car take so I just put down soap and water in front one tire with the ASR pump disconnected so it's up to the differential alone. Both tires broke loose like it has a spool!! But it doesn't drive like a spool. It looks like no downsides.
Rich
$1800.00 plus shipping,and then you have to install it.
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by mbenzman
Since your 1 minute away, you can see all the details, anytime, in real life whilst knocking back a brewsky. Your welcome to do a test flight.LOL.
.....mmmmmmm.......b-e-e-r
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 11:33 AM
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Man, your on a roll...

Looks tight, seems to work even tighter. The soap experiment was a great idea! Maybe you can answer this question then....myself and a few other C43 owners have been told that the quaife unit "will" and "will not" fit the 202 rear end for the 43. Being a technician and all do you happen to know if the 208CLK55 shares the same rear as the 202C43????

How was the install??? Easy, hard??
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by NitrogenBalance
Man, your on a roll...

Looks tight, seems to work even tighter. The soap experiment was a great idea! Maybe you can answer this question then....myself and a few other C43 owners have been told that the quaife unit "will" and "will not" fit the 202 rear end for the 43. Being a technician and all do you happen to know if the 208CLK55 shares the same rear as the 202C43????

How was the install??? Easy, hard??
Easy for me, hard for others. Most Mercedes mechanics don't/can't/won't build differentials. I have, do and will. I can't answer that question Yet. I'll have to look it up.
Rich
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by mbenzman
Easy for me, hard for others. Most Mercedes mechanics don't/can't/won't build differentials. I have, do and will. I can't answer that question Yet. I'll have to look it up.
Rich
Have you considered becoming a Kleemann or RENNtech authorized facility? After Atlanta "lost" Donnie, there was nobody left to experiment with custom mods.

Headers next? Supercharger? NOS??!!
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 02:16 PM
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I just checked and the 2 part numbers are different so i would assume they are not the same between the C43 and the clk43
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 02:24 PM
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Originally Posted by AMGPARTS18
I just checked and the 2 part numbers are different so i would assume they are not the same between the C43 and the clk43
I think he was inquiring into the compatibility of the W208 CLK55 and W202 C43.
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 03:56 PM
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Thumbs up

Very familiar with Quaife. They have been making fabulous limited slip ear ends for 911s for years. Top shelf equipment. Have never heard a bad word from any of my 911 buddies using them.
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Chappy
Have you considered becoming a Kleemann or RENNtech authorized facility? After Atlanta "lost" Donnie, there was nobody left to experiment with custom mods.

Headers next? Supercharger? NOS??!!
Donnie's not "lost". I spoke with him last week. He's kinda floating in limbo.
He may make an appearance in a BLOWN W202 C55 conversion. He said it'll run 11.3!!!
I am/was a Renntech dealer since 1999, but never sold anyone anything from them. Their prices are incredible.
People wish for but complain of the prices from Kleeman. Donnie didn't keep his shop afloat with Kleeman.
I was thinking of representing and helping HPS and have exchanged e-mails with them, but then some bad press generated by some people vs. Adam@HPS kinda chilled me on associating myself with them because that may make it hard to sell their products at any price. I do like the looks of their second gen supercharger system. If I'm wrong, tell me.
I have tried to get Torsen to manufacture differentials for me, Very unfriendly company, I will never buy anything with their name on it.
I am a specialist dealer for Quaife but again, will anyone really want one. I'd like to think so, and will work with them to help get more products made. I have boxed up a spare diff. already.
Rich
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Chappy
I think he was inquiring into the compatibility of the W208 CLK55 and W202 C43.
Yeah i typed clk43 i meant to say clk55.. Sorry guys. I would like to see if this would help get a W208 CLK55 or a W210 E55 break the 13 second barrier with some other mods obviously.. Rich what do you think it would take to get one of these older AMG"s into the high 12's??
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 08:57 PM
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How many hours do you think an experienced mechanic would take to install the Quaife diff?

Would I need any other parts? Seals?

Does it use special fluid or any ATF approved for LSDs would work?

Thanks,
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Old Nov 3, 2006 | 05:47 AM
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Originally Posted by mbenzman
Can't hurt 1/4 times, we'll see.
This is an interesting differential. It really acts like it's not there except it spins both tires every time.
It's dry out now so I played on the dry road, it still breaks both tires loose instantly. My traction problems aren't over.
I wanted to see how much bias this thing car take so I just put down soap and water in front one tire with the ASR pump disconnected so it's up to the differential alone. Both tires broke loose like it has a spool!! But it doesn't drive like a spool. It looks like no downsides.
Rich
$1800.00 plus shipping,and then you have to install it.
Hmmm My buddy had the internals (Quaiff)sitting in his garage and offered me 1k for it. He has never used it and was going to install it in the diff of his AMG C36 Turbo.
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Old Nov 3, 2006 | 05:49 AM
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Originally Posted by NitrogenBalance
Man, your on a roll...

Looks tight, seems to work even tighter. The soap experiment was a great idea! Maybe you can answer this question then....myself and a few other C43 owners have been told that the quaife unit "will" and "will not" fit the 202 rear end for the 43. Being a technician and all do you happen to know if the 208CLK55 shares the same rear as the 202C43????

How was the install??? Easy, hard??
I'm not 100% sure but if the CLK55 diff is the same as the E55 diff externally, it will be bigger externally than the C43 diff. I'll find out today.
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 12:01 PM
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05 ML-500 , 03 CLK5.5 AMG has left the Garage
Saturdays Dyno Sheet Please

MBENZMAN:
Nice to have met you this week end. Your Motor made great dyno hp. Much Like me , just keep poken N Hopen . Look at all avenues you will find more STUFF! ___PTE___
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by PTE
MBENZMAN:
Nice to have met you this week end. Your Motor made great dyno hp. Much Like me , just keep poken N Hopen . Look at all avenues you will find more STUFF! ___PTE___
I have great respect for you. Your car is a treat, purpose built by an engineer, and You have not dipped your hand. Likewise. I may have to invest in Evinrude after meeting you.
Rich
If I come to West palm can you arrange a special ride ?
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 02:24 PM
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Rich,

what's the verdict after a couple of months of driving ?

TIA,
:-) neil
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by M104-AMG
Rich,

what's the verdict after a couple of months of driving ?

TIA,
:-) neil
Best differential - bar none, no negatives except they don't have a diff that goes in your listed cars.
This thread is over a year old also, even so it's a great improvement. I would pull my 500E's clutch style limited slip out to have this ATB differential if they made it.
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by mbenzman
Best differential - bar none, no negatives except they don't have a diff that goes in your listed cars.
<SNIP>
Whoops!

1988 E36T AMG (210mm ring) 2.87 and 3.06
1993 500E (210mm) 2.82 ASR (3.06 ASR hoping to be converted to LSD)
1995 E320 wagon (210mm) 2.65 ASR (perhaps put in a 2.82 ASR w/LSD)

:-) neil
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Old Feb 27, 2008 | 07:13 PM
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From: living in Paris, France and San Diego ...
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupé
So ... the Quaife is great but not actually sold for the 208 55?

Does that leave Kleemann's LSD as the best alternative for someone not near a good mechanic like yourself?
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Old Feb 27, 2008 | 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by neilbo75
So ... the Quaife is great but not actually sold for the 208 55?

Does that leave Kleemann's LSD as the best alternative for someone not near a good mechanic like yourself?
Good point, technically they don't make it for the W208, but the 55's have a larger diff, So I'm using the w210 E55 part number. There is a little difference, but with a little handy work it snuggled right in there. The main problems are what I didn't take any pics of because of burning the midnight oil to get the car ready for the AMG gtg.
Some handmade shims and the clearances become perfect. That left one big problem, The axe shaft retaining C-clips!!!! The Quaife doesn't allow you to access the ends of the axle flanges to reinstall the c-clips.
The choices were to find a set of axle shafts, maybe from a W203 or 209 Clk55 (note: I haven't tested these theoretically possibilities, so it's not gospel) that have a spring style locking clips built it, which was not likely to happen on such short notice, or I could hand fabricate some spring style clips to convert my existing axles to that type of lock.
Several attempts (and hours) later I had fabricated a pair of spring style locks the right width and thickness which are still in there today. Big side benefit, should it need a side diff seal repair, I just unbolt the shaft from the flange and then pop the flange right out of the housing, no need to remove the whole diff anymore and have disassemble to pull the C-clips to release the flanges or have to take the rear suspension apart to slide the one piece axles shafts (should I have switched to the spring clip style) outward to remove. The best of both designs is what I have now, cheap and easy service. The Quaife doesn't use special fluid, friction modifiers, or have clutches to wear out.
The Kleemann is an option, so are 190e 2.3-16 diffs, you may even get a 560 lsd carrier in there, but you'd run into the same road blocks I have. The 500E's (or any ASR style housing) are an even worse bear and I have yet to finish a second one. I have more money tied up trying to complete a second, but I have an impressive collection of the large differential parts I gathered trying to break the code on these, It's a real pita.
Rich
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Old Feb 28, 2008 | 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by neilbo75
So ... the Quaife is great but not actually sold for the 208 55?

Does that leave Kleemann's LSD as the best alternative for someone not near a good mechanic like yourself?
Yes! Unless you have a diff you can send to Rich to mod and make the Quaife piece fit.
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