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I've been a member for awhile in the w203 section of the forums, recently just picked up a 03 CLK55 that is in need of some major love!
Its a M113 engine about 200k miles on it and I am going to do all the basic fluid changes Oil (flush) Trans (Flush), Differential, Coolant flush ( new reservoir tank), New brake fluid, drain and fill new powering steering fluid and new valve cover gaskets and idler pulley.
Previous owner stated he changed out the water pump and battery ( has parasitic drain from memory seat drive side) He also states it has new mounts and lower and upper control arms. He also states he replaced flex disc on drive shaft as well center bearing. The rear seal has not been replaced and is not leaking at this time I know that it's a common leak.
There's other small details broken A/C actuators and such that I am not afraid to tackle at all.
My only real issue is that the front seats were neglected and I tried searching online for new replacement covers and they are discontinued A 209 910 29 46 9D08 and cost a lot. If anyone is parting out a CLK55 I'd be interested in the seats or worst case I take them to upholstery shop have both redone for 1,200. Here's a few photos of the seats.
I bought a 03 CLK55 awhile back and the seats are in similar condition. I would say best to get someone to redo them for you. There’s a lot of nice material that would probably hold up better than the OG material.
Post up your progress here as you go. Would be interesting to see the transformation.
Upholstery shop is probably your best bet, and you won't have to worry about them again. Unless you can find a local junk yard. I would check market place and eBay as stuff pops up there all the time. The only other option i can think is Andy with the youtube channel "ND_72" just removed his interior from his w209 AMG and was looking to sell, however he is in Florida.
Good luck with the car and def. post up progress pics.
This week has been all about just sourcing parts for the following in addition to front seat repairs.
1. Interior Trim Facelift - Saw a few youtube video about this going to use Part # 2038701510 for the heated seats and window shade options. Also going to use the digital climate control unit which I am trying to figure out if I should use 203-830-33-85 or 203-830-44-85 any suggestions on which to use?
2. CLK63 front bumber or BS body kit I am debating on which route to go.
3. CLK63 6/4 Caliper ( do these bolt right up or require modification)
4. Tail lights do I go with Facelift or some aftermarket like DEPO LED?
@makethemsaywow i haven't done anything suspension wise at the moment.
1. Changed serpentine belt, idler pulley and tensioner pulley
2. Removed valve body from transmission and did a deep clean and refilled about 10L of fresh clean ATF.
I removed the front seats and I am currently dismantling them to change out whatever is broken and have the cover upholstered. What I discovered was broken vacuum lines and inside the driver side and missing plastic trim pieces. I was able to remove the lower cushion but I am having some difficulty removing the upper back portion of the seat any input would be great.
Back portion of seat broken vacuum lines Current interior state Current interior state.
I've been a member for awhile in the w203 section of the forums, recently just picked up a 03 CLK55 that is in need of some major love!
Its a M113 engine about 200k miles on it and I am going to do all the basic fluid changes Oil (flush) Trans (Flush), Differential, Coolant flush ( new reservoir tank), New brake fluid, drain and fill new powering steering fluid and new valve cover gaskets and idler pulley.
Previous owner stated he changed out the water pump and battery ( has parasitic drain from memory seat drive side) He also states it has new mounts and lower and upper control arms. He also states he replaced flex disc on drive shaft as well center bearing. The rear seal has not been replaced and is not leaking at this time I know that it's a common leak.
There's other small details broken A/C actuators and such that I am not afraid to tackle at all.
My only real issue is that the front seats were neglected and I tried searching online for new replacement covers and they are discontinued A 209 910 29 46 9D08 and cost a lot. If anyone is parting out a CLK55 I'd be interested in the seats or worst case I take them to upholstery shop have both redone for 1,200. Here's a few photos of the seats.
I'm actually having them upholstered but I came across some C63 seats that I couldn't pass up so they might be going in still debating and doing more research on the seats if they would be a direct fitment with no issues.
So the individual I was going to grab the C63 seats from did me a little dirty but still ended up getting the seats upholstered and came out good a positive note I was able to look at the bladders for the lombard support and replace the driver seat while they were out. I need to order the bladder ($59) from the dealer and replaced the passenger next. I also have one extra driver seat lower cushion available for sale if anyone is interested.
It's been awhile since I've updated the thread with the holidays money has been tight managed to redo the headlight lenses and replaced one of them since tabs and inner chrome were damaged.
I also removed the steering wheel going to take it to the same guy who did my seats he has some perforated leather left over and I think i am going to go with the a black series look perforated side and leather on top and bottom. I am not going to go with the flat bottom though i'll keep it original, also looking at getting G Paddles from either gpaddles.com or VRP looks like they both have some decent reviews. Here's the steering wheel out of the car btw those that want to remove the steering wheel its a TORX 30 for the airbag seen a few youtube videos with different sizes.
I am also selling the complete bumper since it does not have the washer holes and I am looking to either put a CLK63 bumper or going with a black series kit if I can find one that is not Duraflex.
Also does anyone know if the armrest cover of a facelift CLK is a direct replacement or if the whole entire center console would need to be replaced. I am going to give my interior a facelift as well.
It's been awhile since I've updated the thread with the holidays money has been tight managed to redo the headlight lenses and replaced one of them since tabs and inner chrome were damaged.
I also removed the steering wheel going to take it to the same guy who did my seats he has some perforated leather left over and I think i am going to go with the a black series look perforated side and leather on top and bottom. I am not going to go with the flat bottom though i'll keep it original, also looking at getting G Paddles from either gpaddles.com or VRP looks like they both have some decent reviews. Here's the steering wheel out of the car btw those that want to remove the steering wheel its a TORX 30 for the airbag seen a few youtube videos with different sizes.
I am also selling the complete bumper since it does not have the washer holes and I am looking to either put a CLK63 bumper or going with a black series kit if I can find one that is not Duraflex.
Also does anyone know if the armrest cover of a facelift CLK is a direct replacement or if the whole entire center console would need to be replaced. I am going to give my interior a facelift as well.
Thank you
Given all that you have put into this already, don't you think the car deserves some REAL aluminum AMG paddle shifters (instead of the plastic-y G-paddles?). I can help you upgrade that to real paddles if you are interested. Yes, T30 IS the size of all Mercedes steering wheel airbag screws
Are you still looking to upgrade the brakes? I have a 6/4 set-up that I just pulled off of a P30 SLK55AMG (with the 360mm 2-piece rotors with near zero wear) that should take care of your stopping needs : )
Cheers,
Chris
Got my steering wheel back from my buddys dad (RIP) who also did my seats he recently passed away so the steering wheel and seats have some sentimental value now.
Perforated leather on the sides same as the seats. Facelift trim holder Updated new parts to HVAC system
I should have the center console put back together as soon as I find a radio most likely android head unit for the car. I am wrapping the trim pieces myself with Vivid Carbon Fiber High Gloss wrap which to be honest is not bad at all. I'll post photo of it soon when I get back into the garage.
Given all that you have put into this already, don't you think the car deserves some REAL aluminum AMG paddle shifters (instead of the plastic-y G-paddles?). I can help you upgrade that to real paddles if you are interested. Yes, T30 IS the size of all Mercedes steering wheel airbag screws
Are you still looking to upgrade the brakes? I have a 6/4 set-up that I just pulled off of a P30 SLK55AMG (with the 360mm 2-piece rotors with near zero wear) that should take care of your stopping needs : )
Cheers,
Chris
Thats most likely a 340mm rotor. If you managed to fit a 360mm with those calipers with no adapter, please let me know how.
I have the slk55 brakes on my c55 and the front rotors are 340mm
Btw to the thread starter. I would abandon the clk63 bumper idea as itll most likely cost you more than what you paid for the car. Dont sell your original bumper before you find what you want. The parts for these cars are becoming hard to find.
Lookinto a later clk550 bumper. Its a bit more aggressive than the clk55 and clk500 bumper. Its almost like the clk63 bumper but it doesnt have the side gills. Picture below:
Budides c230 converted to a c55 with clk550 bumper vs my silver c55. The white car bumper has a pointy front like the clk63 bumper. Your stock bumper will be the same as whats on my car below
While we are on the topic of Brakes, Im at a brick wall with specific size information. Maybe some of you can help...
I have a 2002 CLK55 AMG W208. Ive been told that a good Big Brake upgrade is the SLK55 Brakes/Rotors or the 2005+ CLK55 Brakes.
I found a set of Brembo/RennTech Brake Calipers and I am trying to figure out the correct rotor size to run. 330mm seems like it would fit, but i have no idea if thats the Exact/Correct size or if i can fit larger rotors. I don't think you can run a larger diameter rotor if the surface area of the brake pad is not coming in contact with the rotor itself, if that makes sense. So my question is what size brake rotor should i be running?
What other information do you need in order to figure out exactly what size rotor you need along with the calipers you are running.
A c55 can run upwards of 360mm with no issues, but how do you get to the point where you know exactly what size you can run with the brake caliper/pad combo you have?
This link has some specs on the brake sizes but not sure how reliable. Id look for an older renntech brochure. Might be able to find exact specs of the brakes.
Heim link suspension/subframe, adjustable shocks/struts, Eibach springs, larger sway bars, adjustable camber, Gleason 3.06 limited slip differential, 14" front and 12" rear brakes, cross drilled two piece lightweight front rotors, 18" Mono-Lite wheels, front and rear flares, front spoiler, side skirts, rear apron with carbon fiber insert, vented front hood and rear splitter
I didn't purchase the brakes from the member I still have the original setup on the car which is the the 4 piston 345 Rotors which is stock. The original bumper is not original to the car. The car is equipped with washers for headlight that where hidden under the bumper once I removed it. Is it a big deal no but I like to keep everything as OEM as possible or OEM +.
I found a manufacturer that has Polyurethane CLK63 bumper for 1,100 with fog lights and mesh grill so that's an viable option at the moment. I've seen videos of your buddies car and your they are gorgeous I follow you already. Ill send you message here shortly it might be in your spam or other folder.
Finished the facelift conversion debating on a head unit thinking OEM Comand with Bluetooth adapter...
I ran into one issues the rear window shade button works actuates but the shade only goes up 5/6 of the way and gets stuck. No this isn't a shade problem because I can actuate the rear shade in DAS and it moves up and down just fine. Also works just fine with original buttons my thought is maybe a bad switch...
not sure if this will work or not but maybe it needs to be calibrated similar to the windows/sunroof. Try holding the button down to bring the shade down and hold the button for about 10 seconds. Then try bringing it back up and hold it and see if it will raise back to the standard height. Worth a shot.
07-09-2022, 06:35 PM
