Finally got my BS to the track
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Joined: Sep 2004
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CLK63 AMG Black Series
I'm a bit surprised, as our cars have a great deal of turn-in oversteer. If you go it pretty hot and ride the brake down to the apex, the rear rotates, and there is no grinding on the outside tread blocks of the front tires. But, you are doing a bunch of quick-twitch corrections all the way thru. I haven't driven anybody else's car, so maybe mine is a quirk, but I don't think so. AS
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CLK 63 BS
It's not so much grinding the outside as if understeering through the whole turn. I add a bit of rotation by trail braking into the turn which does help. Either way, the fact is the car is heavy and causes the front to push a bit which definitely pushes on the outside edge of the front tires. Adding more camber and increasing shock settings will help in many ways. Hope to try this on the next track day. ;-)
AS
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CLK63 Black Series
Doesn't sound right to me either ... I guess it depends on driving style?
Understeer, unless you unload the front end on the entry, is not a characteristic the CLK displays ... like I said, perhaps it's my driving style, but I only have experienced oversteer ... whether on track or road. In my experience, the front end bite is far greater than what the rear can handle. Mid corner needs a gentle right foot and small corrections on the wheel, depending on how much speed was carried into corner ... on exit I can pretty much boot it.
I drove a friends C63 BS ... which is the opposite ... suffers from understeer, but rear is very well planted.
Edit: I see you're from CA ... what track do/did you take your car to?
Understeer, unless you unload the front end on the entry, is not a characteristic the CLK displays ... like I said, perhaps it's my driving style, but I only have experienced oversteer ... whether on track or road. In my experience, the front end bite is far greater than what the rear can handle. Mid corner needs a gentle right foot and small corrections on the wheel, depending on how much speed was carried into corner ... on exit I can pretty much boot it.
I drove a friends C63 BS ... which is the opposite ... suffers from understeer, but rear is very well planted.
Edit: I see you're from CA ... what track do/did you take your car to?
Last edited by SMP; Oct 19, 2014 at 09:20 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2014
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CLK 63 BS
Doesn't sound right to me either ... I guess it depends on driving style?
Understeer, unless you unload the front end on the entry, is not a characteristic the CLK displays ... like I said, perhaps it's my driving style, but I only have experienced oversteer ... whether on track or road. In my experience, the front end bite is far greater than what the rear can handle. Mid corner needs a gentle right foot and small corrections on the wheel, depending on how much speed was carried into corner ... on exit I can pretty much boot it.
I drove a friends C63 BS ... which is the opposite ... suffers from understeer, but rear is very well planted.
Edit: I see you're from CA ... what track do/did you take your car to?
Understeer, unless you unload the front end on the entry, is not a characteristic the CLK displays ... like I said, perhaps it's my driving style, but I only have experienced oversteer ... whether on track or road. In my experience, the front end bite is far greater than what the rear can handle. Mid corner needs a gentle right foot and small corrections on the wheel, depending on how much speed was carried into corner ... on exit I can pretty much boot it.
I drove a friends C63 BS ... which is the opposite ... suffers from understeer, but rear is very well planted.
Edit: I see you're from CA ... what track do/did you take your car to?
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Joined: Sep 2004
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CLK63 AMG Black Series
I run the track with the traction control enabled and it does interfere. That could be why i'm not getting the amount of rotation i need during turn in. There is some twitchiness in the back while entering and exiting the turn which i was thinking was the back end stepping out (or camber issue) but now maybe its the TC kicking in to stop it.
The TC has saved me in turn 2 and 3 at Sonoma and coming in too hot on turn 8 at Laguna Seca couple of times. I could dial it back a bit and run with the TC off. However, I don't really want to risk not catching the tail and have a spin or slide off the track, Sonoma is not a forgiving track especially turn 10.
The TC has saved me in turn 2 and 3 at Sonoma and coming in too hot on turn 8 at Laguna Seca couple of times. I could dial it back a bit and run with the TC off. However, I don't really want to risk not catching the tail and have a spin or slide off the track, Sonoma is not a forgiving track especially turn 10.
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CLK63 Black Series
But, the traction control would do that by applying the brakes asymmetrically. Not only will you grind up the front tires, you'll overheat the brakes, and be much slower than you otherwise would. Some cars, like the Corvette and McLaren do pretty well with traction control in sport mode, but the BS turns into a pig. With TC off, it has more turn-in oversteer than any other car I can remember, other than the pre 90's 911's. It's okay for the first warm-up lap or two, but after that, you either go slow with it on, or enjoy the car (and risk a spin). AS
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From: UAE
CLK 63 BS
I ran my first track day with TC on as I used to on my previous cars. The only major difference is the previous cars u can switch PSM of to protect the brakes from cooking. I found out that TC on the BS is both stability and traction (found out too late, brakes where already cooked). I am currently changing my pads to the yellow stuff changing my brake fluid to dot 5.1 and having a track setup for my next track day. Will switch off the TC and hang on to my seat!!!!
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
CLK63 AMG Black Series
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
CLK63 AMG Black Series
I ran my first track day with TC on as I used to on my previous cars. The only major difference is the previous cars u can switch PSM of to protect the brakes from cooking. I found out that TC on the BS is both stability and traction (found out too late, brakes where already cooked). I am currently changing my pads to the yellow stuff changing my brake fluid to dot 5.1 and having a track setup for my next track day. Will switch off the TC and hang on to my seat!!!!
Did your brake fluid boiling during or after your track session? How long is your track session?
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: UAE
CLK 63 BS
Hahahahaha, it boiled in the first 20 minutes! Weather wasn't bad it was only 40 c!!!!! Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe our track sessions are usually three hours with an open pit lane format. So had to take her into pit lane and rest her for an hour, still the brakes felt soft after that. I think having the TC on was a bad idea but didn't know the the stability management will be fully engaged in manual mode! I bought the car second hand and it doesn't have a manual, so I am kind of improvising while I go
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
It's not so much grinding the outside as if understeering through the whole turn. I add a bit of rotation by trail braking into the turn which does help. Either way, the fact is the car is heavy and causes the front to push a bit which definitely pushes on the outside edge of the front tires. Adding more camber and increasing shock settings will help in many ways. Hope to try this on the next track day. ;-)
Front Camber and Caster adjuster kits are in stock. Simply replaces existing upper strut mounts (no mods).
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Stage 2 (Street/Race) version P/N 502216-2L $545
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When used in conjunction with the K-MAC Black Series front Camber and Caster lower arm adjuster kits (P/N 502616K $480) will certainly provide that race winning edge with both extra Neg. Camber and wider Track width (allowing to go deeper into the corners and hit those corner apexes every time!).
NOTE: The Black Series rear Camber (and extra Toe) adjuster kit is P/N 501526H $320.
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CLK 63 BS
You will go thru the track days thinking your car understeers, when all you need to do is turn in, and lift off the throttle at about 5,000 rpm, and you will never think understeer again. AS
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From: Elgin
2008 CLK63 BS
I turn T/C off as soon as I start the car, never use it for street, or track. I figured with it being off I would learn faster.
However, I know nothing of changing compression/rebound on the coil overs. Is their a cheat-sheet on what adding, or subtracting will do specifically to the car? I have a major track event coming up in Las Vegas, not really the event to experiment with the settings though.
Mike
However, I know nothing of changing compression/rebound on the coil overs. Is their a cheat-sheet on what adding, or subtracting will do specifically to the car? I have a major track event coming up in Las Vegas, not really the event to experiment with the settings though.
Mike
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: UAE
CLK 63 BS
Track day tomorrow changes from stock and last track experience:
Track settings changed camber and toe
Changed brake fluid to Dot 5.1
Changed brake pads to yellow stuff
Will run tires cold 30 and try to maintain 35 through out the day
Previous changes:
WEISTEC air filters
WEISTEC oil air separator
WEISTEC pullys
Track settings changed camber and toe
Changed brake fluid to Dot 5.1
Changed brake pads to yellow stuff
Will run tires cold 30 and try to maintain 35 through out the day
Previous changes:
WEISTEC air filters
WEISTEC oil air separator
WEISTEC pullys
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: UAE
CLK 63 BS
Great day this car ROCKS ! Ran all tires at 36 hot and the grip is much better. Thanks for the advice on the traction control, the car is completely different when it's off and the brakes where great and reliable through out the day. I think the only set back currently is finding semi slicks for her and she would be a beast. Comparing her to the GT3 I can safely say she just misses the tires, the BS carries so much mid torque that you never need to ride a gear. And if you do ever need to ride a gear it's only in high speed corners and not the slow ones with a fast exit. Had so much fun!!!!
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 478
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CLK63 AMG Black Series
Traction control "on" cost you much more speed than you will ever gain with less unsprung weight, or a better choice of tire. Dedicated race tires will definitely give you more warning on breakaway, so another reason to switch it off.
You will go thru the track days thinking your car understeers, when all you need to do is turn in, and lift off the throttle at about 5,000 rpm, and you will never think understeer again. AS
You will go thru the track days thinking your car understeers, when all you need to do is turn in, and lift off the throttle at about 5,000 rpm, and you will never think understeer again. AS
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
CLK63 AMG Black Series
Great day this car ROCKS ! Ran all tires at 36 hot and the grip is much better. Thanks for the advice on the traction control, the car is completely different when it's off and the brakes where great and reliable through out the day. I think the only set back currently is finding semi slicks for her and she would be a beast. Comparing her to the GT3 I can safely say she just misses the tires, the BS carries so much mid torque that you never need to ride a gear. And if you do ever need to ride a gear it's only in high speed corners and not the slow ones with a fast exit. Had so much fun!!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
CLK63 AMG Black Series
I turn T/C off as soon as I start the car, never use it for street, or track. I figured with it being off I would learn faster.
However, I know nothing of changing compression/rebound on the coil overs. Is their a cheat-sheet on what adding, or subtracting will do specifically to the car? I have a major track event coming up in Las Vegas, not really the event to experiment with the settings though.
Mike
However, I know nothing of changing compression/rebound on the coil overs. Is their a cheat-sheet on what adding, or subtracting will do specifically to the car? I have a major track event coming up in Las Vegas, not really the event to experiment with the settings though.
Mike
In your K-MAC order there should have been an instruction sheet that has a cheat sheet at the bottom. At least mine did when I got parts for my W210.
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'14 ML BT
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CLK63 Black Series
As long as you're smooth and have a good line on the track, there are no "unexpected reactions" ... even when the rear steps out, it's not sudden and pretty easy to control.
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CLK63 AMG Black Series
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From: UAE
CLK 63 BS
Had a track day yesterday and it was great! The car is different with the michelins sport cup I have a couple of questions to the BS veterans on the forum:
Firstly The brakes have a lot of travel and feel soft at the beginning but consistent through the rest of the travel. Any idea how I can cancel that first soft travel? Feels like the hoses are expanding or something. I had no brake fade nor lost the brakes at any point of time
Secondly I run my dials reading gears and oil temperature but when I pass 120km/hr I get the 120km/h exceeding max speed message so I can't see what gear I am in or what speed I am traveling on.
Other than that the weistec bushing was a great addition. The HRE rims where great (just a little of tire touching the back fenders with 305's in the back)
I am rethinking the power Mod as I can't see myself needing more power currently. The car faired well against the 997 GT3 991 gt3 and ofcourse the Turbo's presented no challenge. I even kept well against some of the inexperienced radicals!!
Waiting for a video from one of the guys who thinks he caught me when I completely lost the car going into the backstraight on the track! I was doing well above 130 km/ hr! I don't think the camera footage will have me crapping my pants though!
Firstly The brakes have a lot of travel and feel soft at the beginning but consistent through the rest of the travel. Any idea how I can cancel that first soft travel? Feels like the hoses are expanding or something. I had no brake fade nor lost the brakes at any point of time
Secondly I run my dials reading gears and oil temperature but when I pass 120km/hr I get the 120km/h exceeding max speed message so I can't see what gear I am in or what speed I am traveling on.
Other than that the weistec bushing was a great addition. The HRE rims where great (just a little of tire touching the back fenders with 305's in the back)
I am rethinking the power Mod as I can't see myself needing more power currently. The car faired well against the 997 GT3 991 gt3 and ofcourse the Turbo's presented no challenge. I even kept well against some of the inexperienced radicals!!
Waiting for a video from one of the guys who thinks he caught me when I completely lost the car going into the backstraight on the track! I was doing well above 130 km/ hr! I don't think the camera footage will have me crapping my pants though!
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From: South Florida
ML350
Had a track day yesterday and it was great! The car is different with the michelins sport cup I have a couple of questions to the BS veterans on the forum:
Firstly The brakes have a lot of travel and feel soft at the beginning but consistent through the rest of the travel. Any idea how I can cancel that first soft travel? Feels like the hoses are expanding or something. I had no brake fade nor lost the brakes at any point of time
Secondly I run my dials reading gears and oil temperature but when I pass 120km/hr I get the 120km/h exceeding max speed message so I can't see what gear I am in or what speed I am traveling on.
Other than that the weistec bushing was a great addition. The HRE rims where great (just a little of tire touching the back fenders with 305's in the back)
I am rethinking the power Mod as I can't see myself needing more power currently. The car faired well against the 997 GT3 991 gt3 and ofcourse the Turbo's presented no challenge. I even kept well against some of the inexperienced radicals!!
Waiting for a video from one of the guys who thinks he caught me when I completely lost the car going into the backstraight on the track! I was doing well above 130 km/ hr! I don't think the camera footage will have me crapping my pants though!
Firstly The brakes have a lot of travel and feel soft at the beginning but consistent through the rest of the travel. Any idea how I can cancel that first soft travel? Feels like the hoses are expanding or something. I had no brake fade nor lost the brakes at any point of time
Secondly I run my dials reading gears and oil temperature but when I pass 120km/hr I get the 120km/h exceeding max speed message so I can't see what gear I am in or what speed I am traveling on.
Other than that the weistec bushing was a great addition. The HRE rims where great (just a little of tire touching the back fenders with 305's in the back)
I am rethinking the power Mod as I can't see myself needing more power currently. The car faired well against the 997 GT3 991 gt3 and ofcourse the Turbo's presented no challenge. I even kept well against some of the inexperienced radicals!!
Waiting for a video from one of the guys who thinks he caught me when I completely lost the car going into the backstraight on the track! I was doing well above 130 km/ hr! I don't think the camera footage will have me crapping my pants though!
