I know alot of you have swapped your spring pads out for the thinnest #01 pads, but has anyone out there ever run their CLK without the spring pads at all? I ask because I have already swapped out my pads for #01s but my car still sits higher than I would like (1" gap up front, 1-1/2" gap out back). As long it is O.K. to run without the rubber disks at all (and I know several makes/models of cars with coil suspensions that don't have any such pads), I would rather do this than go to aftermarket springs. Any ideas, experience, feedback greatly appreciated.

 

What else have you done to the suspension other than change to the lowest spring pads?

 

Nothing. Started with the pads to see what that would do. I think my mechanic pulled 03s out of the rear and 04s out of the front.

 

Okay. The reason I ask is because there is a relatively simple solution to lowering the car slightly (about 1 inch lower than stock)----- *IF* you like the way the car drives and handles. My advice does not apply to wanting to change the driving dynamics as would be offered by an aftermarket setup.

Order euro-spec AMG springs....I purchased mine recently and they were reasonable in cost (less expensive than going aftermarket). Plus, these springs don't change the handling/driving characteristics of the car.

Currently, my set of springs lies on the floor waiting for the OE Pilot Sports to wear out (another 1500 miles or so), then I'll have them installed with a new set of tires, change the springs pads out and get a good alignment all at once.

 

Do you have a part number for these "Euro Spec" springs??

 

Part number may vary depending upon options. E-mail Gert at www.carnewal.com and tell him what you need and what options you have (COMAND, etc.). Make sure to let him know you have a U.S.-spec car.

He will order you the correct part and ship it priority. I got mine from Belgium in less than a week once he had the parts in hand (which only took a few days). You'll also get a bill to follow from FedEx for customs duty - I think mine was less than $12.00.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with, nor receive any compensation for my recommendation. Just a satisfied customer.

Good luck

 

I went to the link you provided, but the entire site seems to be devoted to Porsche... I couldn't find anything listed for Benz??

 

Yes. He deals mostly in shipping euro parts for Porsche. E-mail him and ask for a quote for your application.

 

Based on Chappy's advice I ordered a couple of items from Gert Carnewal. I have not yet received them, but he is a very nice gentleman.

 

I had H&R springs installed with NO.1 pads.,

The car is way too low that when ever I drive., it rubs,...

I had to go back with No. 3 pads., and it still gives no clearance for a finger to slip in the wheel gap at all from both front and rear

 

The euro CLK55 spring route was perfect for me. I liked the stock ride/handling compromise but wanted a subtle drop. I ordered them through Steve/MBenzNL and installed them with #3 pads all around. On my car the front is perfect with no gap but the rear is a little high to my eye with 1-1.5 finger gap. I plan to go with #4 in the front and #2 in the rear. I would keep the front as it is except it requires a little too much extra care. I'm careful enough but I can't depend on valets and mechanics to be as careful as much as I try to avoid them from driving my car. The front spoiler is too vulnerable and has already cracked but not so much that it needs replacing.