Great advice Allen, as usual

Co 55 AMG: The suspension has settled in nicely (probably an additional 2mm-3mm drop). The roads here in North GA are excellent compared to many locations elsewhere in the country and have few potholes. The roads are smooth asphalt. The new pads are 2 bump front and 1 bump rear (the take offs were 4 bump or 5 bump, I forget).

I had the stock springs for about 16K miles and these for about 4K so far. To me, the ride seems about as before except more "snug" due to the lower center of gravity. To me, the ride height is perfect

 

All mods cost money, specially on a benz, I wouldn't even bother to start modifying my car if money is an issue.

 

I don't think you get my drift. I know all mods cost $$$. Thats not the problem. The problem is that I was expecting this mod to be quicker and cheaper. Its just not working out to be that way. Thats why I'm mad.
Got it now?
Thanks

 

Whats wrong with modding a car on a budget?

 

that you're going to take apart the four corners of the car that are in effect, your ultimate contact with the road. Consdier also that the person doing it is taking the responsibility for doing it safely and correctly. That would also assume he's going to be standing by if and when it comes apart or doesn't work properly. Lots of these guys aren't. You just haven't found the right guy yet. You certainly don't need the guy that told you "bring it by and let us look at it." If he's never done a spring install before, your nice car doesn't need to be the guinea pig. You also don't need some guy with a spring compressor and jack stands. That's equally, or more dangerous. Ask around your area for some guiys with nice (not rice) cars. Look in the next metro area. Look on Mercedesshop.com in the shop forum area. This doesn't mean asking a kid with a coffee can tailpipe and a Mugen sticker.
Quality cars, and Mercedes in particular, just don't lend themselves to slamming on parts without other systems being affected. The factory spends millions trying to find a reasonable compromise. When you want to change it, you've also got to spend the extra $$ to get it done right, with the right parts. You've got the right parts, you just need to find the right guy.
Until you've screwed up your ride height, tires and wheels, ride quality, and made some mistakes, you won't understand the definition between "modding" and "tuning". There is a difference. Don't be hacked, it just takes a while to get it right.

 

Well I finally got some good news......the independent shop guy called me today and said he could change the springs for $300. So July first I will get the springs installed.
I will post before and after pics. keeping my fingers crossed on this one.

 

What a HUGE thread. After first reading about the elusive "Euro-Spec" spring for the CLK55, I went on a true "snipe hunt." According to my dealership technician, who really knows his stuff, there is absolutely NO SUCH THING as a "Euro-Spec" spring. The springs on the European designated CLK55s are EXACTLY the same as the springs on the US designated cars. The difference is the spring pads. Notice how EVERYONE who buys the mysterious "Euro Spec" springs also installs thinner pads at the same time?? My car looked like a 4-wheel drive when I got it. It had #04s up front and #03s out back. I swapped them for #01s with the factory AMG springs all the way around and got a noticable, but slight drop at best. I then went with H&Rs and left the #01 pads all the way around just to see what the actual difference in the spring itself was. The car looked like an extra from the "fastest and the furiousest." I now have the H&Rs with #03s up front and #04s out back and I think she sits absolutely perfect. Ever so slight negative camber, as in you gotta be really looking for it to notice it. My dealership mechanic put it on his alignment rack after the install and she sat as true as an arrow with no adjustments whatsoever... go figure. The car rides with one finger gap all the way around both fronts and rears. She is low, but not "teenager" low. I also have factory Mono IIs off of an '01 E55. He charged $350 bucks for swapping pads or springs, so I am into it for a bit over a grand in labor plus the H&Rs. Trial and error ain't a cheap process. My advice (for the 2 cents it's worth) is as follows: If you want to stick with factory AMG springs, go with #01 pads all the way around. If you want a bit more drop than that, use H&R springs, but be prepared to use a combination of #03 and #04 pads to reduce negative camber. It really is a trial and error process. Some folks cars sit as low with factory AMG springs and #02s as my car does with the H&Rs. Again, when I went with AMG springs and #01s it was better, but still had a noticable (2-3 finger) gap all the way around.

 

Chappy, thanks for the fast reply. Can you tell me is the gap between the fender and the rear quarter panel been reduced by 30mm?
Thank you.

 

I'll be away for honeymoon starting tomorrow evening. Give me some time and I'll try to get some answers for you upon my return.....but several others here have done this as well. Perhaps they can offer their feedback.

 

Can you explain why there are different part numbers for the euro-spec springs?

Keep snoping....

Is your tech a Mercedes-Benz Master Tech? My advice: Find a new tech! Just because he can't order them for you or find them in his computer does not mean they don't exist.

Don't take my word for it. Compare part numbers. Place the springs side-by-side and compare the difference.

 

New Jersey told my local parts guy the same thing. No such thing. Then....when he kept looking, they told him, "get us a VIN and we'll help you." After I had finally acquired the parts, he checked back again, and guess what? Told him they could help....I had gotten a VIN from someone else, and a number did indeed come up, but not the ones I now have.
Amusing.

Steve, have a big time on the honeymoon. Lesee, Canada, follwed by LeMans and a G5 back to Indy? Then, several days recouperation at the Four Seasons Hotel of my choice, which is about any of them. Now that's a honeymoon!
Think she'll go for it?

 

Been picking my brain again, eh? We like warm weather

We'll be spending some time in Curacao scuba diving, losing (small) at the Casinos and getting a massage or two on the beach

 

Well, I guess I'll find out after July 1st won't I?
I'll start another thread titled....."AMG Euro-Spec springs W209"....with pics!!!

 

Congratulations Steve to you and your Bride! Have a great time diving and such in Curacao. Sounds like you have already won big!

 

Thanks

We're looking forward to some quality time

 

Well..I'm sorry to say I won't be putting these springs on. I talked with the independent guy and the price will probably be higher. I actually also don't feel like doing this mod right now since I might not be keeping this car. I change my mind like the wind.
So I now have a brand new set of W209 AMG euro spec springs for sale. If anyone is interested PM me or email me at: dasrx@hotmail.com

I paid $394.28USD for these springs from Gert Carnwell.
I can let them go for $300.00

Sorry guys...it just wasn't meant to be.

 

After riding on the Euro Spring set up for awhile now, whats the impression from those who've done the mod? Any camber issues or tire wear problems? I'd consider this set up if I knew there wouldn't be any of the negative camber tire wear issues.

 

I've only got about 7K miles on mine, but no issues.

 

I have to say that they were not that much different from the H&R's either. Perhaps just a tad smoother ride, and more aggresive than the Eibachs. But realistically, anything much lower than OE ride height will give you camber issues on the 208. They just seem to be camber sensitive. Just my .02 after lots of experimenting/etc.

 

I've got the H&R set up and definitely have tire wear problems. So if the euro springs don't cause that issue, then I'd consider switching rather than paying for the camber kits and installation.

allenjdmb, so you have no tire wear issues? How long have you been riding with it?

 

I have only 4,000 miles and no issues to speak of. Time will tell, but I enjoy the ride and some improved handling.

And yes, there are Euro specs spings and part numbers.

 

just less than with the H&R's. ANYTHING other than close to the OE ride height seems to create a camber issue with the 208, and that's one of the reasons I finally sold my last car. The factory euro spec spring was better, but I think the Kmac or renntech rear kit would have been necessary to completely combat the problem.

 

allenjdmb,

How many miles did you get on your tires before you started to notice neg camber wear?

 

A recent photo....suspension is fully settled

 

Looks good chappy! I still think about it today....did I do the right thing selling them? Should I have just bitten the bullet and let that guy put them on? Oh well....there's always the CLK63 Euro spec springs!! LOL