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

CLK55 Lowering options (W208)

Old Oct 25, 2014 | 01:41 PM
  #1  
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CLK55 Lowering options (W208)

I am looking to lower my 2001 CLK55. Right now the car has Bilstein shocks all around, with the stock springs. The ride is very stiff, but it handles fantastic around turns.

I am looking for coilover suspension upgrades. and I saw these D2's for $1000.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/36-WAY-ADJUS...2a4d14&vxp=mtr



My only concern is, I would like something that will ride as good as, or better than the stock AMG suspension. I don't want to spend $1000 on something that will give me LESS than the current performance. I like the flexibility of adjustable ride height with the coilovers, because I'm unsure of what fitment I am aiming for with the wheels. Certainly a functional ride height.

Thank you
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Old Oct 25, 2014 | 10:44 PM
  #2  
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I can't say for sure, but you probably are going to compromise some ride quality by going with an aftermarket solution like that... You have to think, the folks in the AMG factory spent considerable time developing a compromise between performance and comfort... Making a hotrod that still has a decent ride is not an easy feat to accomplish... Drive a 6-series BMW, handling is great, ride is crap. BMW just says screw the ride here's your handling, MB takes some pride in keeping a decent ride quality.

Originally Posted by todd5854
I am looking to lower my 2001 CLK55. Right now the car has Bilstein shocks all around, with the stock springs. The ride is very stiff, but it handles fantastic around turns.

I am looking for coilover suspension upgrades. and I saw these D2's for $1000.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/36-WAY-ADJUS...2a4d14&vxp=mtr



My only concern is, I would like something that will ride as good as, or better than the stock AMG suspension. I don't want to spend $1000 on something that will give me LESS than the current performance. I like the flexibility of adjustable ride height with the coilovers, because I'm unsure of what fitment I am aiming for with the wheels. Certainly a functional ride height.

Thank you
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Old Oct 26, 2014 | 03:00 PM
  #3  
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I completely agree. However my car already has a very stiff ride, I believe due to the bilstein shocks. Most coilovers also have shock damper settings to adjust. Only question is really spring rates, quality of the parts, etc.
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Old Oct 26, 2014 | 07:34 PM
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I have seen these, but have always been a little skeptical. The w208 doesn't really lend itself to coil overs and the add says direct fit. So I wonder if it is just replacement springs and some shocks?
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Old Oct 26, 2014 | 08:45 PM
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Have you had coilovers before?

Those coilovers will give you a harsh ride. I don't think they are the greatest quality ever. I've never heard of the brand. Have you seen reviews for them?

You might want to stick with the less expensive option of switching to H&R springs if you want comfort and performance. If you want the car lower or higher you can try alternate spring pads to get the car where you want it.

In my experience replacing suspension parts really improves steering feel and handling.

Have you changed your steering damper recently? How about drag link? Have you tightened your steering gear bolts?

If you lower your W208 you will also need adjustable camber arms. You will also wear suspension parts faster if you lower your car on stiffer springs and even more with coilovers.
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Old Oct 26, 2014 | 10:12 PM
  #6  
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+1

Originally Posted by beefstallionAMG
Have you had coilovers before?

Those coilovers will give you a harsh ride. I don't think they are the greatest quality ever. I've never heard of the brand. Have you seen reviews for them?

You might want to stick with the less expensive option of switching to H&R springs if you want comfort and performance. If you want the car lower or higher you can try alternate spring pads to get the car where you want it.

In my experience replacing suspension parts really improves steering feel and handling.

Have you changed your steering damper recently? How about drag link? Have you tightened your steering gear bolts?

If you lower your W208 you will also need adjustable camber arms. You will also wear suspension parts faster if you lower your car on stiffer springs and even more with coilovers.
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Old Oct 27, 2014 | 01:10 PM
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+2

Originally Posted by beefstallionAMG
Have you had coilovers before?

Those coilovers will give you a harsh ride. I don't think they are the greatest quality ever. I've never heard of the brand. Have you seen reviews for them?

You might want to stick with the less expensive option of switching to H&R springs if you want comfort and performance. If you want the car lower or higher you can try alternate spring pads to get the car where you want it.

In my experience replacing suspension parts really improves steering feel and handling.

Have you changed your steering damper recently? How about drag link? Have you tightened your steering gear bolts?

If you lower your W208 you will also need adjustable camber arms. You will also wear suspension parts faster if you lower your car on stiffer springs and even more with coilovers.
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Old Oct 27, 2014 | 08:32 PM
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best option is to go with kW v2, they give great performance without harsh ride. I used to have bilstein sports, performance was good but more on harsh side. I had them setup with euro springs/pads. If you are interested in these springs I can sell them to you, let me know.
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 08:15 AM
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I looked up the D2 coilovers and take back my original statement about being questionable quality. They are reviewed and quality is fine.

Just keep in mind what road surfaces you're driving on. If you have nice smooth windy freshly paved roads you should really enjoy them. If you have urban roads with potholes and cobblestone your suspension has less play so you have greater risk of damaging a wheel. Also keep in mind the camber will need to be adjusted too.

Last edited by beefstallionAMG; Oct 28, 2014 at 08:18 AM.
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Old Oct 30, 2014 | 09:00 PM
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nobody makes a true coilover kit for the W208, the pics in the D2 ad are generic pics. KW makes one as well, but the W208 suspension design the springs and shocks are separate. its basically a separate shock and spring on a perch (same thing as KW adjustable spring) that you cant adjust when its installed on the car. don't expect to be able to adjust ride height without removing them. same principle on many coil over kits for the rear suspensions of a lot of euros. for the W208 they all look like this in the link below.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KW-V2-Damper-Coilover-Suspension-Benz-C208-CLK430-CLK55-98-02-Germany-Made-TUV/271372916283?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27538%26meid%3D2b8efc5fc4df4b7faa4f404edf03d949%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D11353%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D160408633592&rt=nc

Last edited by MikeL; Oct 30, 2014 at 09:02 PM.
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Old Nov 2, 2014 | 10:17 AM
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When I had my CLK55 Vert I ordered factory Euro OEM springs. Great ride, handled well and lowered perfect amount. I was rolling on the multi-piece 5 spoke 17" and it got of all the wheel gap. Euro doesn't have the bumper laws we have so their springs are lower.

I might even have the part #s still floating around if interested and who I ordered from.
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Old Nov 2, 2014 | 11:38 AM
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When I had my CLK55 Vert I ordered factory Euro OEM springs. Great ride, handled well and lowered perfect amount. I was rolling on the multi-piece 5 spoke 17" and it got of all the wheel gap. Euro doesn't have the bumper laws we have so their springs are lower.

I might even have the part #s still floating around if interested and who I ordered from.
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Old Nov 2, 2014 | 11:31 PM
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I do have the same d2 set for sale if anyone is interested. 800 shipped ..pm if interested :P Sorry for the hijack lol. I was going to use this kit but I got h&r springs free when I got my new rims last month. They seem to be good quality though.

Last edited by YamiR46; Nov 3, 2014 at 12:22 AM.
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Old Nov 7, 2014 | 03:49 PM
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Hello everyone, hey Amg_55_crusier, I am thinking of upgrading to a w208 clk55 from a c43. I had bad suspension lowering problems in the past. So I wanted to do the euro spring drop. Keep the stock shocks and install the euro springs. Can you provide that # part number please? Also what # spring pads did you use? I want to get the right setup and be sure I will be happy. I live in the city so there are a lot of pot holes.
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Old Nov 14, 2014 | 06:09 AM
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https://mbworld.org/forums/clk55-amg...pressions.html

Lots of info on the link above.

Last edited by Chappy; Nov 14, 2014 at 06:16 AM.
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Old Nov 16, 2014 | 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by vlad957
Hello everyone, hey Amg_55_crusier, I am thinking of upgrading to a w208 clk55 from a c43. I had bad suspension lowering problems in the past. So I wanted to do the euro spring drop. Keep the stock shocks and install the euro springs. Can you provide that # part number please? Also what # spring pads did you use? I want to get the right setup and be sure I will be happy. I live in the city so there are a lot of pot holes.
I had these in my clk before I went with kW, if you're interested I can sell you both bilstein sport + euro springs and smaller pads. I'm thinking 500 shipped to you, let me know.
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