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03-04 55 owners - need your help
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
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From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
03-04 55 owners - need your help
I was thinking about upgrading my brakes to the 2003-2004 AMG calipers but I'm not sure if it will clear my Brabus rims. I know the rotors are the same size as my 500, except cross drilled. But I'm not sure how much larger the caliper is. Would be cool if someone could just stick a tape measure in and tell me what the dimension is from the rotor surface to the caliper face. If anyone could help me - greatly appreciated.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 31
From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 613
Likes: 1
From: Sparks, NV
03 CLK 55 AMG, IMCO muffler/Magnaflow tips, KW V1 coilovers, 19" Petrol Metrix Wheels
they will most likely not clear the calipers. you need wheels with an offset of about 32 and backspacing needs to be almost six inches. there are only a handful companies that make wheels that clear the big AMG calipers. BBS, Rays, OZ.
go to tireack.com and search for wheels on your vehicle and then search for wheels on a AMG and compare the differences. then you can look at the specs on your wheels for comparison purposes.
go to tireack.com and search for wheels on your vehicle and then search for wheels on a AMG and compare the differences. then you can look at the specs on your wheels for comparison purposes.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 328
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From: virginia beach
clk 500 (wifey's); 350Z roadster (daily driver); 350Z coupe (track car)
If improved braking performance is what you are after, then best bet is to get some stainless steel lines installed (Luke will hook you up) and get some better brake pads.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 613
Likes: 1
From: Sparks, NV
03 CLK 55 AMG, IMCO muffler/Magnaflow tips, KW V1 coilovers, 19" Petrol Metrix Wheels
if the brakes are the same you should have no problem. i assumed the CLK500 had different brakes altogether.
sometimes spacers are not the answer. i bought some wheels with a 32 offset and it took 21mm worth of spacers on the front to clear the calipers. this pushed the wheel one inch passed the fender. they had to be returned. know what you are buying when you buy wheels for this car or you will get burned.
sometimes spacers are not the answer. i bought some wheels with a 32 offset and it took 21mm worth of spacers on the front to clear the calipers. this pushed the wheel one inch passed the fender. they had to be returned. know what you are buying when you buy wheels for this car or you will get burned.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 31
From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
The brake systems on both cars are the same. Only difference is the CLK55 has cross-drilled rotors and the AMG logo on the calipers. The only gain from the upgrade is esthetic, not improved performance (not that I am knocking that; I did it myself several years ago).
If improved braking performance is what you are after, then best bet is to get some stainless steel lines installed (Luke will hook you up) and get some better brake pads.
If improved braking performance is what you are after, then best bet is to get some stainless steel lines installed (Luke will hook you up) and get some better brake pads.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: virginia beach
clk 500 (wifey's); 350Z roadster (daily driver); 350Z coupe (track car)
OK, now I am really confused because the 03/04 CLK500 has 4 piston calipers.
Lowpost - check with the guys at Evosport. That is where I bought my brakes. They will be able to tell you for sure.
Let us know!
Lowpost - check with the guys at Evosport. That is where I bought my brakes. They will be able to tell you for sure.
Let us know!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
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From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
You 18" Brabus rims should clear the calipers with the help of a 10mm spacer (minimum) all the way around. If you are running spacers already, then you should be fine.
As for the brakes, I heard the rotors are the same size, but the calipers are physically larger. The only way to be sure is to check with your hook-up at the stealership and have them verify
As for the brakes, I heard the rotors are the same size, but the calipers are physically larger. The only way to be sure is to check with your hook-up at the stealership and have them verify
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 77
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From: South Africa
CLS 55 AMG - one of the last off the AMG line
I also own an 04 CLK 55 AMG - very clearly my manual and the original marketing literature says 6 piston front brakes - but mine is a European Spec car. The rear brakes are completely standard MB OEM brakes as far as I can tell. The dealer said 05 model year onwards moved to AMG branded rear brakes as well.
My next door neighbor has an 04 CLK 500 and the brakes are very clearly different, with the callipers being a different shape. so not sure about the "aesthetic only" comment above.
My next door neighbor has an 04 CLK 500 and the brakes are very clearly different, with the callipers being a different shape. so not sure about the "aesthetic only" comment above.
