AMG euro-spec springs - W208 - First Impressions
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AMG euro-spec springs - W208 - First Impressions
Just a quick report since having the springs, smaller spring pads, and new PS2s installed yesterday. So far, Ive driven about 100 miles on the new setup. I LOVE IT!! 
I went with one bump (5mm) spring pads on the rear and two bump (9mm) spring pads on the front. These were installed with the MB/AMG euro-spec springs I picked up in the early summer.
The handling is improved slightly (the handling was always very good - but seems to be more planted without sacrificing ride quality). Most of the improvement, I'm guessing, is mostly due to the tires but the car also sits about 1.0 - 1.5 inches lower. The car does not look slammed at all...just nicely "snug"....I'll get some pictures up in the coming days.
I went with one bump (5mm) spring pads on the rear and two bump (9mm) spring pads on the front. These were installed with the MB/AMG euro-spec springs I picked up in the early summer.
The handling is improved slightly (the handling was always very good - but seems to be more planted without sacrificing ride quality). Most of the improvement, I'm guessing, is mostly due to the tires but the car also sits about 1.0 - 1.5 inches lower. The car does not look slammed at all...just nicely "snug"....I'll get some pictures up in the coming days.
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Link to photos of previous (stock) ride height
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Originally Posted by Daveskee
Looks nice Chappy! How'd you come across those springs and if you don't mind me asking, how much?
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Originally Posted by theine
Any reason why you didn't pick up H&R springs?...they are made in Germany and your car would have sit lower not slammed, priced at around $250
1. Some have had problems with lowering springs on stock dampers. I did not want to change the dampers or the handling characteristics of the car. Also, some have had trouble with camber after using aftermarket lowering springs. I wanted to avoid that.
2. Wanted to stick with AMG/MB parts.
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2014 GLK250 BlueTec & 2009 ML320 BlueTec
Originally Posted by Chappy
Yes. Two reasons:
1. Some have had problems with lowering springs on stock dampers. I did not want to change the dampers or the handling characteristics of the car. Also, some have had trouble with camber after using aftermarket lowering springs. I wanted to avoid that.
2. Wanted to stick with AMG/MB parts.
1. Some have had problems with lowering springs on stock dampers. I did not want to change the dampers or the handling characteristics of the car. Also, some have had trouble with camber after using aftermarket lowering springs. I wanted to avoid that.
2. Wanted to stick with AMG/MB parts.
Correct, lowering with H&R's you will need koni's or Bilstein's, the camber is not trouble tough, as a matter of fact is good for riding, handling and tire wear for CLK's.
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'03 G500, '11 S550 4Matic, '12 SL63 AMG, '13 ML350, '16 AMG GTS Ed. 1
Chappy,
I have been in contact with Gert and the price of the AMG springs are now at $380 USD, given today's exchange rate. I am wondering how you feel about the set up thusfar. I am considering doing a similar setup to what you have and am wondering if the AMG springs are worth the extra $150 over H&R springs. Any insight would be great!
Thanks!
I have been in contact with Gert and the price of the AMG springs are now at $380 USD, given today's exchange rate. I am wondering how you feel about the set up thusfar. I am considering doing a similar setup to what you have and am wondering if the AMG springs are worth the extra $150 over H&R springs. Any insight would be great!
Thanks!
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Originally Posted by brianw430
Chappy,
I have been in contact with Gert and the price of the AMG springs are now at $380 USD, given today's exchange rate. I am wondering how you feel about the set up thusfar. I am considering doing a similar setup to what you have and am wondering if the AMG springs are worth the extra $150 over H&R springs. Any insight would be great!
Thanks!
I have been in contact with Gert and the price of the AMG springs are now at $380 USD, given today's exchange rate. I am wondering how you feel about the set up thusfar. I am considering doing a similar setup to what you have and am wondering if the AMG springs are worth the extra $150 over H&R springs. Any insight would be great!
Thanks!
If I had to do it all over again, I would do the exact same thing. A bonus is that any MB tech won't waffle on a possible warranty claim due to aftermarket springs...just my 2 cents.
If you are seeking an even lower appearance, the AMG springs may not be the best choice for you. Good luck
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'03 G500, '11 S550 4Matic, '12 SL63 AMG, '13 ML350, '16 AMG GTS Ed. 1
Thanks for the quick reply Chappy. Definitely not looking for a lower stance than what you showed. I followed your thread and like the way your car sits. I do not like the slammed or overly aggressive lowered look. Subtle is great for me.
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Originally Posted by brianw430
Thanks for the quick reply Chappy. Definitely not looking for a lower stance than what you showed. I followed your thread and like the way your car sits. I do not like the slammed or overly aggressive lowered look. Subtle is great for me.
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2009 GL450, 2009 G55 Mocha Black with Cognac Interior, 08 911 Turbo Cab, 08 CLK63 Black Series
nice choice in springs, i will to look to get them for my 01 CLK55. You should consider the 18" monoblock IIs, they look great without looking over-the-top.
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Originally Posted by Learso
nice choice in springs, i will to look to get them for my 01 CLK55. You should consider the 18" monoblock IIs, they look great without looking over-the-top.
What other plans do you have for your CLK?
BTW, if you are anywhere in the Southeast, make plans to attend this...
https://mbworld.org/forums/events-gatherings/95199-amg-photo-shoot-04-30-2005-a.html
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2009 GL450, 2009 G55 Mocha Black with Cognac Interior, 08 911 Turbo Cab, 08 CLK63 Black Series
I just wrote some email questions to Gert about the springs...I thought I would share his opinions with you about US versus Euro:
"It is my understanding that these springs are not firmer, only shorter.
The ride quality, even with 18” wheel will remain the same.
If these 18” wheels have the correct factory offsets then there will be no clearance problems once you install the Euro springs.
The US cars usually are set higher because of the US bumper standards.
Same counts for Porsches : Most 911’s for the US market have a higher ride height than the same car here in Europe."
"It is my understanding that these springs are not firmer, only shorter.
The ride quality, even with 18” wheel will remain the same.
If these 18” wheels have the correct factory offsets then there will be no clearance problems once you install the Euro springs.
The US cars usually are set higher because of the US bumper standards.
Same counts for Porsches : Most 911’s for the US market have a higher ride height than the same car here in Europe."
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'03 G500, '11 S550 4Matic, '12 SL63 AMG, '13 ML350, '16 AMG GTS Ed. 1
I too was considering the Mono's in 18", but the $350 difference in tire prices, plus rim price convinced to stay with 17's for now. Are 18's essentially for looks?
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2002 CLK55 Cabriolet (DEAD: 1989 300E, 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible)
Can I ask why you guys are lowering/considering lowering your Beasts?
Does it change the ride appreciably? Do you "bottom out" more? (That sounds like a detriment to me, lol) Or is it just for a "more aggressive appearance" ...
Does it change the ride appreciably? Do you "bottom out" more? (That sounds like a detriment to me, lol) Or is it just for a "more aggressive appearance" ...
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Originally Posted by Riot Nrrrd
Can I ask why you guys are lowering/considering lowering your Beasts?
Does it change the ride appreciably? Do you "bottom out" more? (That sounds like a detriment to me, lol) Or is it just for a "more aggressive appearance" ...
Does it change the ride appreciably? Do you "bottom out" more? (That sounds like a detriment to me, lol) Or is it just for a "more aggressive appearance" ...
The car does not ride noticeably different (though the center of gravity is a tad lower - so spirited driving should be more pleasurable). Just looks slightly more hunkered down
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'03 G500, '11 S550 4Matic, '12 SL63 AMG, '13 ML350, '16 AMG GTS Ed. 1
Yes, appearance and better handling. I did lower the 430 and the setup was a little too aggressive but the handling was dramatically improved. It is hard to understand how only an inch can make such a huge difference.
Does anyone know if E55 wheels fit on the CLK55?
Chappy, I cannot seem to find the post where you mention your spring pads. Mine currently has 4 in front and 2 in rear. Did you go with 2 in front and 1 in rear?
Duh, never mind, saw it in the first post of this thread, sorry!
But are these the part numbers you have:
5mm - 210 321 0184
9mm - 210 321 0284
Can you confirm these part numbers by any chance?
I also had the tranny serviced (16 quart flush and conditioner) today and at less than 47,000 miles, the tranny fluid looked like melted caramel or butterscotch. My mechanic however, did not change the filter, which I was not pleased with. He said he tried ordering the filter, but no one carried it? It didn't seem dirty in a particulate sort of way, just more brown. The car is extra smooth shifting now! Like butta!
Does anyone know if E55 wheels fit on the CLK55?
Chappy, I cannot seem to find the post where you mention your spring pads. Mine currently has 4 in front and 2 in rear. Did you go with 2 in front and 1 in rear?
Duh, never mind, saw it in the first post of this thread, sorry!
But are these the part numbers you have:
5mm - 210 321 0184
9mm - 210 321 0284
Can you confirm these part numbers by any chance?
I also had the tranny serviced (16 quart flush and conditioner) today and at less than 47,000 miles, the tranny fluid looked like melted caramel or butterscotch. My mechanic however, did not change the filter, which I was not pleased with. He said he tried ordering the filter, but no one carried it? It didn't seem dirty in a particulate sort of way, just more brown. The car is extra smooth shifting now! Like butta!
Last edited by brianw430; Mar 30, 2005 at 01:28 PM.
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Originally Posted by brianw430
Does anyone know if E55 wheels fit on the CLK55?
But are these the part numbers you have:
5mm - 210 321 0184
9mm - 210 321 0284
Can you confirm these part numbers by any chance?
But are these the part numbers you have:
5mm - 210 321 0184
9mm - 210 321 0284
Can you confirm these part numbers by any chance?
front A-210-321-02-84 (9 mm)
rear A-210-325-01-84 (5 mm)
Yes, the W210 E55 wheels will fit our W208s. The W211 E55 wheels are the wrong offset.
**edit** In fact, Improviz has 17s on the front and 18s in the rear for added traction!
Great info about the tranny fluid. I plan on having mine flushed every 30K or so.
Last edited by Chappy; Mar 30, 2005 at 02:13 PM.
