LOVEMYBS

I spent last Thursday and Friday at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) tracking my BS on their 3.25 mile road course. This is my first tracking experience so I was grouped with other novices and beginners and paired with an experienced VIR instructor. First and foremost, the BS is an awesome performer that far exceeded even my wildest expectations! Although it was 110 degress on the track with at least 70% humidity the car (IMO) hardly noticed it (although I suffered GREATLY). I was concerend about my brake fluid boiling so I checked in advance with Merc and Renntech who said my newly changed OEM DOT 4 fluid should be fine. However, I'm still going to change to Motul 660 high performance brake fluid in the future. Boiling and brake fade turned out to be a non-issue and, I didn't use any oil (Motul). I lowered my Nitrogen tire pressure after my first round from 48/42psi to 38psi all around due to the heat and from that point on my OEM Corsa's stuck like glue (I'm really impressed with Corsa's!). BTW, my tire pressure was 55/48psi after the first round. The BS suspension, handling and LSD also contributed immensely to my driving experience and I'm sure my overall safety. I drove in automatic sport mode which worked supremely well and very efficiently. I was with a group of M3 owners and BMW driving instructors who were also tracking their cars (97, 09, 11) so I let the instructors track my BS with me in it. They told me the BS in auto sport is the best all-around car they've ever driven on a track, anywhere. They couldn't get over how the car handled and the automatic always seemed to be in the right gear. That impressed me! Coming out of a 150 degree sweeping turn (Oak Tree) I was able to reach speeds between 130-150mph on the straight that followed, and was actually flagged for "drag racing"! I wasn't going to let anyone pass me, not even the modified 800hp twin turbo Audi R8 (awesome car!)! Needless to say my exhaust sound at high speed was also incredible! In fact, I had several drivers come up to me during the day to comment on how great it sounded on and off the track.

In summary, the BS (IMO) is the greatest most adaptable (street, track and strip) car Merc has ever manufactured. It does so many things extremely well that it's almost impossible to list them all here. At one time I was thinking of moving on to a Porsche 997TT but not any more. For those of you who have a BS and have never tracked, try it and you'll understand what I mean. If there is one thing I learned, its not raw horsepower that wins the race, its handling and driver skill which I hope to aquire more of over time. Needless to say I'm going to track my BS again!

I've also attached pictures of my BS and its recently acquired stablemate, a 2007 CLK63 AMG Cabriolet, also a GREAT car but not a BS! And the guy in the helmet taken at VIR is yours truly.

JamE55

Great write up and a true testament to what the CLK BS is really capable of. Any videos of the run as well? Also you're running on stock suspension setup correct?

LOVEMYBS

Yes, I should have video this week or next and will post it, and my suspension was OEM stock. What an experience!

thebishman

You may want to try a cold starting pressure of 42 F and 37R on the Corsas. They are very temperature dependent especially as you get faster. I noticed a great deal of understeer when I began with 38F my first time with the car on track. This was markedly better with the higher psi. And warm them up well the first lap before you start to really 'lean' on them.

Also, if you were running with ESP on, try it off the next time. The BS is incredibly easy to 'catch' when the rear comes around, and you'll save your rear brakes by running with it off.

Glad you had fun btw. Beware of the addiction!! lol

Bish

elijah

You love the W209 that much you have two of em?

Jim Brady

Lovemybs,
Nice write up. This is what the car was designed to do.

Carac

The CLK63 Blacks they had at the AMG Academy were also running high to mid 40's in the front, low 40s in the back. They also ran stock factory suspension setting except for ride height.

LOVEMYBS

Yes, I like the W209's, like a comfortable driving glove they just seem to fit me well! I've driven and owned a lot of AMG's and always seem to come back to the CLK.

DuaneC63

I like the CLK63BS so much better than the new C63 coupe. Sounds like you had a fun day.

LOVEMYBS

I started with Nitrogen filled tires at 48/42psi with the assumption that they wouldn't expand a lot. I was wrong. After my first 25-minute session I re-checked my pressures with a calibrated tire gauge and found they had increased to 55/48psi. I then re-set them all-around to 38psi. So much for the "Nitrogen myth!"

cigarette1

Spring Mountain Motorsports Park today ... had a nice open track to test my aftermarket spring setup with Nitto INVOs ... I am SO happy right now

G

alms21

Thanks for posting. Nice to hear comments like those of your racing instructor. Looks like you had a great time. The CLK BS is one of the most beautiful cars ever produced....better looking and more unique than a 997 Porsche for sure IMO.

alms21

I agree ^^^ but I will hold off on commenting on the upcoming C63 BS coupe. Looks pretty damn good from what I've seen so far.

Doctodd33

The instructors always say good things about the BS at every event ive gone to

cigarette1

Doctodd33

I want to resurrect this thread to ask about how u find track days? The closest track to me is Homestead Speedway and ive seen some Corvette forum write ups. Homestead Speedway has a section for track days.....too bad most are motorcycle. Any other info is appreciated.

jrcart

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...6w_OxYH6vcDrCg

NASA holds events in FL. Their events are well structred, always 2-3 groups so beginers are not out with experts as well as lots of "supervisors" and "instructors" who are always willing to hel out. I have attended a few of there events at Road America and The Autobahn. You will need a Snell 2005 helmet and they allow passangers as well at most non-competition events.

looks like they have a Sebring event coming up in early Oct. According to their site they do run at Sebring, Homestead and Palm Beach Raceway

Also check out other forums such as 6speedonline that cater to many different makes and models of sports cars for events. Porsche Club and BMW Owners Group always have track events and they will usually make an exception for an AMG, I have attended a Porsche Club event without any trouble.

thebishman

PM sent.
Bish

hhughes1

Check out clubregistration.net

Primarily PCA events but other makes are welcome. Cost is usually better than Chin, NASA or Seat Time and they are well managed. Homestead, Sebring, Roebling Road and Road Atlanta are always represented and the Georgia tracks aren't that bad of a drive with a trailer.

ramzank

Interesting review, especially the tip about keeping the automatic in full automatic mode. I wish I'd had this before I'd spent a couple of hours with one. Thank you for writing this up.

reserved

Here you go; the ultimate track day resource!

http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/calendar

Maverick1975

I am tracking my supercharged CLK BS and newly supercharged c63, both for first time this Wednesday,. Pretty excited!

MACHC5

Please do let us know the supercharged results.
I'm thinking it might be real easy to be going too fast approacing a few corners...

Jim