OK, I softened the ride
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
CLK 63 AMG Black
OK, I softened the ride
Unbelievably simple. While the manual describes the process (3/4 turn with 2mm Allen wrench, clockwise on the compression adjuster), I decided to take it to the dealer. They were idiots, thinking I wanted the springs adjusted (I was clear on my verbal instruction-"the shock absorbers", and left the manual open on the front seat). So after their initial refusal ("we don't have scales for the corner weights), they put it on a lift, and $65 later, the job was done.
It makes a significant difference in the ride. The car is now very firm, but not abrupt as it had been. No handling difference on the street. Wish I had done it earlier. AS
It makes a significant difference in the ride. The car is now very firm, but not abrupt as it had been. No handling difference on the street. Wish I had done it earlier. AS
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
CLK 63 AMG Black
The manual shows it pretty well. A lift is needed. The front allen socket is at the very bottom of the shocks. The rear is near the bottom, but under a plastic shield.
While the dealer didn't know what to do, it must be pretty simple, as ultimately my charge was really low. Despite the manual open to the correct page, it took 2 calls to explain it. Probably would have been better if I took it in myself (our company keeps a driver available, so docs don't need to stop working to take care of mundane stuff)
I don't have a lift, and didn't want to put the car on jack stands.
I wonder if all our cars came set up hard, or some were softer. There is no way mine was cushy compared to a 997, in fact the 997 was soggy compared to mine.
Also went to an all weather Conti, and keep the pressures around 38F 35 R. Now, my wife might ride in it.... AS
While the dealer didn't know what to do, it must be pretty simple, as ultimately my charge was really low. Despite the manual open to the correct page, it took 2 calls to explain it. Probably would have been better if I took it in myself (our company keeps a driver available, so docs don't need to stop working to take care of mundane stuff)
I don't have a lift, and didn't want to put the car on jack stands.
I wonder if all our cars came set up hard, or some were softer. There is no way mine was cushy compared to a 997, in fact the 997 was soggy compared to mine.
Also went to an all weather Conti, and keep the pressures around 38F 35 R. Now, my wife might ride in it.... AS
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Redondo Beach, CA
2005 AMG C55
Suspension Setting Question
All,
I'm looking to buy a CLK63 Black, 2008 but living in LA need to soften it up a bit. None at MB can answer these questions!
What are the current F&R compression and rebound settings? 5/10, 8/10??
Is there a universal OEM setting?
How much can the car height be raised or lowered given the adjustibility of the KW V3's
Are the sway bars adjustable? If so, what are the OEM settings?
Any help would be appreciated. I want to join the club (3rd AMG) but can't live with the standard GT3 like ride....
Thanks,
FBS
I'm looking to buy a CLK63 Black, 2008 but living in LA need to soften it up a bit. None at MB can answer these questions!
What are the current F&R compression and rebound settings? 5/10, 8/10??
Is there a universal OEM setting?
How much can the car height be raised or lowered given the adjustibility of the KW V3's
Are the sway bars adjustable? If so, what are the OEM settings?
Any help would be appreciated. I want to join the club (3rd AMG) but can't live with the standard GT3 like ride....
Thanks,
FBS
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
CLK63 AMG Black Series
FBS,
The BS manual can be found on this forum. Pg 213 and 215 state the factory values of rebound/compression and ride height. However, they do not state min/max turns for rebound/compression settings. I can only assume the max is 3 turns based on the factory being 1.5 turns (middle setting?). Maybe someone on the forum as actually tested the max settings.
Lowering the car more than 20mm will cause ride comfort and tire rubbing issues, from what I've seen on the treads. However, browse through some posts on workarounds.
Factory sway bars are not adjustable.
Good luck with the purchase!
The BS manual can be found on this forum. Pg 213 and 215 state the factory values of rebound/compression and ride height. However, they do not state min/max turns for rebound/compression settings. I can only assume the max is 3 turns based on the factory being 1.5 turns (middle setting?). Maybe someone on the forum as actually tested the max settings.
Lowering the car more than 20mm will cause ride comfort and tire rubbing issues, from what I've seen on the treads. However, browse through some posts on workarounds.
Factory sway bars are not adjustable.
Good luck with the purchase!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Redondo Beach, CA
2005 AMG C55
Thank you MOFLO,
My plans were to soften and raise it a little. Most important to me is to take the edge off.
I have the manual that AMG sent me and saw the settings. Your right, no max out from full hard info, but suspect your right at 3 turns....
My goal in Porsche terms to take it from a GT3-RS to a Carrera S as far as ride harshness....
Thank you,
FBS
My plans were to soften and raise it a little. Most important to me is to take the edge off.
I have the manual that AMG sent me and saw the settings. Your right, no max out from full hard info, but suspect your right at 3 turns....
My goal in Porsche terms to take it from a GT3-RS to a Carrera S as far as ride harshness....
Thank you,
FBS
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
CLK63 AMG Black Series
FSB,
Since CLK63BS uses the KW Variant 3, the website says 16 clicks of Rebound and 12 clicks of Bump. You can try changing the setting to test the range (min to max) to see if it matches the website.
http://www.kw-suspensions.com/coilovers/variant3/
If you do try that, please post your findings.
Thanks!
Since CLK63BS uses the KW Variant 3, the website says 16 clicks of Rebound and 12 clicks of Bump. You can try changing the setting to test the range (min to max) to see if it matches the website.
http://www.kw-suspensions.com/coilovers/variant3/
If you do try that, please post your findings.
Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2008 clk63 black series
Hi everyone. Trying hard to get access to the factory settings for ride height, compression and rebound for a clk63 black series. Car is new to me and it came with a clk manual but nothing for the black series specifically. Can’t find the manual on this forum so need some help. Even would love to know the factory alignment specs. Thanks!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2008 clk63 black series
Hi everyone. Trying hard to get access to the factory settings for ride height, compression and rebound for a clk63 black series. Car is new to me and it came with a clk manual but nothing for the black series specifically. Can’t find the manual on this forum so need some help. Even would love to know the factory alignment specs. Thanks!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 591
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Hi everyone. Trying hard to get access to the factory settings for ride height, compression and rebound for a clk63 black series. Car is new to me and it came with a clk manual but nothing for the black series specifically. Can’t find the manual on this forum so need some help. Even would love to know the factory alignment specs. Thanks!!!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 742
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'12 C63BS "SlickTop", '08 CLK63BS, '16 E63S wagon, '12 CLS63, amongst other non-Merc toys
you're browsing the wrong forum bud, CLK63 Black Series come with fully adjustable suspension (ride height & dampening) from the factory/stock; and that's not the case for your CLK55.
