155

Hey fellas,

So I did it...

What you ask? I took the plunge. I've gone where only a select few have dared to take their non-AMG W211 (and rightfully so). I haven't bothered counting up my receipts but with the recent fall of E55 prices lets just say I could have had a genuine AMG car in my drive way for the same money

Oh well, I love my car and there's nothing in this world that would make me sell it. This car new was $90k CAD and there's no doubt in my mind that the original owner got good value for his money. With me picking this up in early 08 for a fraction of the cost, purchasing this car was a no-brainer.

OK sure, I've got the "non-desirable" year with the 5 speed tranny but i've had nothing but pure pleasure in this car. The only costs i've incurred with this vehicle were a result of my own stupidity!

OK, so let's talk about the new body kit. In September 08 I plunged down a large amount of money at my local dealer for the kit. We're talking about the 4Q of 2008 when absolutely everything was hitting the fan.

My RRSP's tanked, jobs became unstable, real estate market grinded to a halt (Vancouver was late to the party)... money was getting hard to come by. There was a few points where i regretted my purchase and thought about taking the re-stocking charge hit. But, I stayed the course. My car was going into the bodyshop anyway (to repair a curb surfing experience I had with ESP off) so it was just enough to stick with the plan. I'm glad I did!

With that being said this project wasn't free of its issues:
1) Incorrectly ordered parts & painted (lesson = do NOT let your dealer order parts on your behalf, find the part numbers yourself and order)
2) Finding the correct part numbers (MBWorld was hugely valuable)
3) Purchase lead times
4) Bodyshop delays
5) Insurance company calamity

Fast forward a few months later...

So I picked up my car last week and have been waiting to take good photos. I broke down this morning and just took some POS CRAP pics. I had to get this off my chest! To be honest this whole body kit project never hit me until I washed it last night. I'm absolutely blown away at how aggressive yet classy it looks. After all of this money, heartache and downtime without a ride I can honestly say it was worth it. Now this car does everything for me!

A few general comments:--> The front end looks AMAZING (my favourite part of the kit). The lines follow perfectly up to the fenders and flares above the wheels. It looks more dramatic with the car lowered.

--> The side skirts look a lot smaller in real life than pics. IMO It's a must do to complete the look of the kit

--> The rear bumper is my least favourite part as It doesn't look very aggressive. I've combated this by ordering a Euroteck CF diffuser which should take it up a notch or two.

--> The mufflers look and sound terrific

--> The updated trunk finisher & LED Tails were great additions. The tails look SICK at night.

--> I had the opportunity to pick up a CF front lip and decklid spoiler but I'm glad I didn't. They look nice but I like to keep the OEM + flavour

On to the pics!














HUGE thanks to Blacksport350 & Konigstiger for the part number/diagram help. I couldn't have done it without you. Also, to Vegastrashed for my inspiration!

SolidGranite

Looks great.

What did this conversion cost you?

Benz-O-Rama

Outstanding work. Looks like you've got the rear SLAMMED!

Now take some pictures with a proper camera!

At some point, you have to stop counting the beans. We both know what it takes to do this and it's not cheap. But it's worth every penny once it's done.

Love the write up.

Congrats and enjoy.

155

Check your PM

155

Thanks Clay!!

I'm seriously considering getting the Renntech ELM as I've been having a b1tch of a time getting the perfect ride height. I'm using a combination of drop links and STAR... The plan was to get slight tuck front and rear but I'll have to leave that for later.

gaazmon

Very nice, the front is beautiful

RDSBENZ

Congrats! Looks awesome .

It's all worth it!

W211 Ryda

lookin good! nice job!

tashakes

Stunning.

Dtv211

My hick just got dard looking at your car. If it were a female, I'd marry her.

hankdotcom

I just purchased my E350 and will be looking to do the same, any recomendations on where to start?

silver.staple

your car looks amazing!!

n0n0tme

It's amazing how the kit makes the car look so much more aggressive!! I did mine in February of this year and I don't regret doing the facelift one bit. What I do regret is buying my car in october 2008!! I should have waited 2-3 more months and bought an e55!!

Great job!!! Also lowering the car and the amg wheels complemented the kit!!

SurgeSi

you forgot to do the mirrors LOL
wish i had enough dough to do the conversion.
how much did the trunk finisher cost you?

155

Check your PM

155

Thanks!
I remember when you started to post pics of your car and I was like WTF. I started my project before you even bought your car LOLZ. Anyway, your car looks hawt too, I thought about the AMG sport bumper (like yours) but decided to go the full pull. The E63 front end doesn't look as aggressive in black.

155

LOL naw man I don't mind the stubbies!
The trunk finisher is made of plastic and requires painting (does not come prepainted from MB). I can't remember exactly but I think it was around 300-350 + paint of course.

LMK if there's ever a Seattle meet going down. I'd be interested!

n0n0tme

LOL!! I kind of went bananas after the I bought the car.. I got impatient and wanted to start modding!! Wheels here clears there and next thing I knew I was looking for AMG kits!! It's kind of like a snowball affect... I wanted to go for the e63 front but I couldn't find a used one. Otherwise I would have gone with the e63 front also.

Maddic

+1
the new mirrors with the addition of the new headlights designs will definitely accentuate the sportiness/aggressiveness of the car MORE..D:

Benz-O-Rama

Get the ELM. I was lowered mechanically with links before I got the ELM. Not only is it easier to adjust height and to get a completely level drop, but with the ELM you get the full travel of the suspension. Since the ECU knows what height it's at, it dampens the shocks accordingly. With the links, it tricks the ECU so even though your lower, the ECU thinks your at normal OEM height and does not adjust dampening. This causes undue stress on the airmatic components. The car feels so much better with the ELM, even at the same height I was running with links.

Get the ELM.

HollaBack

I'm looking to find AMG side skirts for my 2004 E500. Does anyone no how much they are and where could i find a set of used ones?

shardul

iTrader: (1)

are those OEM CLS wheels you are running?

155

Yes these are CLS wheels...

You can find side skirts from your dealer or online sites such as parts.com. Part numbers are: 211-698-06-54 (R), 211-698-05-54 (L)

155

Did you DIY or professional install? How involved is it? What comfort level do you drive normally? Did it change once you got the ELM?

Benz-O-Rama

I have a version 1 ELM and installed it myself. Unless you're completely proficient at reading schematics and have the cajones to cut/splice/solder into your SBC control unit, I'd get it professionally installed. RENNtech does have a version 2 out now, that's supposedly plug and play.

I drive in comfort suspension mode, with the ELM set to 2/2/6. For shows, I slam it at 0/0/0. Each front is independently adjustable and there is one setting for the rear. Each click of the ELM lowers it 1/8" of inch, I believe. It's not just the height though. With the ELM, the shocks will adjust dampening accordingly to height and road input. I drive at the same height now, that I did with my links. But, the car feels better, less harsh if you will.

I installed my in the lower portion of my center console






And this is set on 1/1/4, I think.