I <heart> MBZ--> My AMG Bodykit Installed
#1
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I <heart> MBZ--> My AMG Bodykit Installed
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!
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!
#3
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Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
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.
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.
#5
Super Member
Thread Starter
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.
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.
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.
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.
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#13
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2005 E500
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!!
Great job!!! Also lowering the car and the amg wheels complemented the kit!!
#15
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Thread Starter
#16
Super Member
Thread Starter
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!!
Great job!!! Also lowering the car and the amg wheels complemented the kit!!
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.
#17
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Thread Starter
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!
#18
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2005 E500
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.
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.
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.
#19
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Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Get the ELM.
#23
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Thread Starter
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)
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)
#24
Super Member
Thread Starter
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.
Get the ELM.
#25
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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.