Tracking a CLK63 Cab?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Germantown Maryland
/////AMG
Tracking a CLK63 Cab?
So.. I need 1 awd car but I want a cab also... I was going to get a Mitsu evo (manual) for a track rat, but wanted to get a 07-8 CLK63 AMG Cab also (v8, top down goodness)... I was wondering if the CLK63 Cab would be remotely feasible for an occasional track day? Or will it be SUCH a handful/
I would do normal track day stuff... near R comp tires, pads and brake fluid...
Any issues? Does it have pop up roll bars?
I would do normal track day stuff... near R comp tires, pads and brake fluid...
Any issues? Does it have pop up roll bars?
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 328
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From: virginia beach
clk 500 (wifey's); 350Z roadster (daily driver); 350Z coupe (track car)
Get the Evo! Awesome track car!
The convertible MB is a beautiful car but would be an absolute pig on a racetrack. Not that that really matters as you probably would not be allowed on track anyway. You would need to have a rollbar installed which passes the "broomstick" test - in which case your convertible top would no longer be functional. All in all, just not designed for track use.
The convertible MB is a beautiful car but would be an absolute pig on a racetrack. Not that that really matters as you probably would not be allowed on track anyway. You would need to have a rollbar installed which passes the "broomstick" test - in which case your convertible top would no longer be functional. All in all, just not designed for track use.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 41
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From: Germantown Maryland
/////AMG
Yea Ive had 2 evo's (an 8 and 10) before, Sti's, supra, a Nissan GTR, miatas, gti's, a boxster spyder etc...
My track will let em on if I have pop up roll bars, cant remember if the CLK has it...guess I can go look at a cpo CLk500 we have..
So you don't think it would be serviceable at all?
The other options is to forget the CLK and evo and get a CLA45 AMG... but i work for Benz and I'm not allowed to get one until probably next year as demand is very high still (I have 3 orders for them already)
My issue is I prefer manuals on track, my GTR was a fun for a couple track days but then the paddles started to bore me...
I'm going to affalterbach Germany next month, drive the new CLA/A45 amg, S63 and AMG-S E63 and CLS63... guess I will see if I like the 45 AMG's
My track will let em on if I have pop up roll bars, cant remember if the CLK has it...guess I can go look at a cpo CLk500 we have..
So you don't think it would be serviceable at all?
The other options is to forget the CLK and evo and get a CLA45 AMG... but i work for Benz and I'm not allowed to get one until probably next year as demand is very high still (I have 3 orders for them already)
My issue is I prefer manuals on track, my GTR was a fun for a couple track days but then the paddles started to bore me...
I'm going to affalterbach Germany next month, drive the new CLA/A45 amg, S63 and AMG-S E63 and CLS63... guess I will see if I like the 45 AMG's
Last edited by shahulhusman; Oct 29, 2013 at 07:48 PM.
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From: Manchester, CT
I drove the CLK63 Cab at an AMG Academy when they came out in mid- 2006. The brakes and motor are fine for that but the car suffers from a serious lack of torsional stiffness with no top (no duh). Driving the car hard into corners...I could feel the body and chassis twisting. Some struts bars, wider wheels and stiffer shocks would help that but only so much.
I think it would be OK and fun to do it a track day or auto-x or 2 with this Cab...no more though. It's the BS coupe that I would want for those duties.
I'm not sure about your area , but I know many track day joints up here don't allow Cabs that don't have a dedicated roll bar installed (not talking the pop-up that CLk, SLs etc have.) I had a Porsche Cab and PCA wouldn't even let me run it in our local events without the bolt-in cage.
I think it would be OK and fun to do it a track day or auto-x or 2 with this Cab...no more though. It's the BS coupe that I would want for those duties.
I'm not sure about your area , but I know many track day joints up here don't allow Cabs that don't have a dedicated roll bar installed (not talking the pop-up that CLk, SLs etc have.) I had a Porsche Cab and PCA wouldn't even let me run it in our local events without the bolt-in cage.
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From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
I see where you are coming from but personally did not buy the car to be a track car. Daily driver is above fine for us, not too many track cars have leather seating for four, AC and sub woofer already installed from the factory. 
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Rhode Island
CLK 63 AMG
My understanding of the pop up bar in the CLK 63 is that it must be reset by a dealer if deployed when the top is up. Manual reset is possible only if deployed with the top down. I have not gotten into that procedure yet...winter bedtime reading.
If you do track the car...please add your experience to those already offered. I agree with the obvious lack of rigidity, even more so than my CLK 430 in fact, but as noted, if that kind of driving were my intention, I would be driving a BS and not a cab.
If you do track the car...please add your experience to those already offered. I agree with the obvious lack of rigidity, even more so than my CLK 430 in fact, but as noted, if that kind of driving were my intention, I would be driving a BS and not a cab.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
Talking about rigidity, it was my understanding that without a structural roof to tie in all the body components to provide the needed support then the under frame structure and floor components must be stiffened to give the support lacking without the roof. That is why if you cut off the roof of a sedan in time the frame will be compromised and bowing of the car will take place, also the doors will not close right if at all. Personally have never felt any lack of a solid feel in the CLK63Cab although as stated never tracked a luxury car.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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Track car.
As fun w/o lap times counting sure.
But.....needs a LSD installed.
Ft & Re strut tower tie bars would not be a bad idea either.
I have no comment about the auto trans over heating when racing.
I think the are better cars for track...even a Miata might be a better choice.
As fun w/o lap times counting sure.
But.....needs a LSD installed.
Ft & Re strut tower tie bars would not be a bad idea either.
I have no comment about the auto trans over heating when racing.
I think the are better cars for track...even a Miata might be a better choice.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: So Cal
CLK Cabrio
I read the comments and it seems that most have never track a CLK Cab.
I do track my mine mostly at willow springs (streets and big track). Although a 208 55 its a blast. Your not going to be the fastest guy there but you will be impressed with what a cab can do.
I have added front and rear strut braces and am now looking at adding additional support. my cars a lot older.
The pop-up rolls bars are reset by holding the button that operates them in the up position until you here a click. I believe 10 sec. then just push the down button.
I have had no issues with overheating but its a different engine and trans.
I do track my mine mostly at willow springs (streets and big track). Although a 208 55 its a blast. Your not going to be the fastest guy there but you will be impressed with what a cab can do.
I have added front and rear strut braces and am now looking at adding additional support. my cars a lot older.
The pop-up rolls bars are reset by holding the button that operates them in the up position until you here a click. I believe 10 sec. then just push the down button.
I have had no issues with overheating but its a different engine and trans.
