Homemade Mod - For SLK55 Black Series Strut Bar
07-08-2008, 12:19 PM
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slk55 2005; e320 2004 sport
Homemade Mod - For SLK55 Black Series Strut Bar
I finally got around to installing the Strut Bar in my SLK55. For its installation in the SLK55 Black Series, the smart guys at AMG created a custom battery surround and removed a bunch of thermal control insulation to make room for the strut tower brace. Since AMG declined to send me over the custom parts... I ordered the brace from the OEM Wiechers GmbH (wiechers-sport.de) and took a dremel + aluminum sheet + high temp epoxy and took matters into my own hands.
Removing the insulation was very simple. It was simply unscrewing 4 bolts.
I then measured twice and used the Dremel to cut the plastic airbox and the aluminum battery housing to let the strut brace pass "through". I then shaped the aluminum sheet to cover off the opening in order to ensure that the battery container was air tight and shielded the heat from the engine. I used a hand putty high temperature epoxy to seal the aluminum sheet to the battery container.
I'm pretty sure the air tight seal is unnecessary but the temperature management is key here since the battery container doubles as an air intact for the SLK's HVAC unit; drawing clean cool air from the passenger side air vent on the hood.
Sorry about not taking pictures before it was installed, but this is what it looks like now. The car is noticeably more stiff over low to medium speed bumps and removed a few squeaks I had from the car. All in all this was a great mod.
Removing the insulation was very simple. It was simply unscrewing 4 bolts.
I then measured twice and used the Dremel to cut the plastic airbox and the aluminum battery housing to let the strut brace pass "through". I then shaped the aluminum sheet to cover off the opening in order to ensure that the battery container was air tight and shielded the heat from the engine. I used a hand putty high temperature epoxy to seal the aluminum sheet to the battery container.
I'm pretty sure the air tight seal is unnecessary but the temperature management is key here since the battery container doubles as an air intact for the SLK's HVAC unit; drawing clean cool air from the passenger side air vent on the hood.
Sorry about not taking pictures before it was installed, but this is what it looks like now. The car is noticeably more stiff over low to medium speed bumps and removed a few squeaks I had from the car. All in all this was a great mod.
07-08-2008, 11:52 PM
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'06 slk55
Awesome job! Thank you for the post. I really like it.
Few questions if you don't mind...
How much did the strut bar cost? Was it difficult to order? How long did it take to ship here? How long did the installation/modification take?
Lastly, if you're ever in Sacramento or if I visit SF, I would love to check it out.
Few questions if you don't mind...
How much did the strut bar cost? Was it difficult to order? How long did it take to ship here? How long did the installation/modification take?
Lastly, if you're ever in Sacramento or if I visit SF, I would love to check it out.
07-09-2008, 04:01 AM
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SLK 55 AMG
hehe... I remember a Dilbert comic where they say "measure once, cut twice" 
Why don't you go to a Mercedes dealership that currently has a Black Edition SLK, and ask them to order the correct battery compartment? I'm sure they could do it since they currently have the car (they could use an excuse that the current one has a broken tab or something), and in return you buy the dealership a nice bottle of Champagne
Sometimes instead of giving a monetary gift in return for services, a nice bottle of bubbly or wine (and of course cash to cover the cost of the part), will get the parts department moving their *** like their life depended on it!
Why don't you go to a Mercedes dealership that currently has a Black Edition SLK, and ask them to order the correct battery compartment? I'm sure they could do it since they currently have the car (they could use an excuse that the current one has a broken tab or something), and in return you buy the dealership a nice bottle of Champagne
Sometimes instead of giving a monetary gift in return for services, a nice bottle of bubbly or wine (and of course cash to cover the cost of the part), will get the parts department moving their *** like their life depended on it!
07-09-2008, 11:01 AM
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'06 slk55
Why don't you go to a Mercedes dealership that currently has a Black Edition SLK, and ask them to order the correct battery compartment? I'm sure they could do it since they currently have the car (they could use an excuse that the current one has a broken tab or something), and in return you buy the dealership a nice bottle of Champagne
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07-09-2008, 11:40 AM
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slk55 2005; e320 2004 sport
The US dealer refused to order any BS parts and his manager tried but MB is unable to send any SLK 55 BS parts to the US. You can go to the AMG Lounge and read all about the debate on why MB can't sell us the parts. This being said, if you want to send us some I will pay you + some bubbly. I really want the BS wheels and Shift Knob!
The Strut bar cost about $300 depending on the exchange rate and took about 2 months to arrive. The install took 2 hours.
The Strut bar cost about $300 depending on the exchange rate and took about 2 months to arrive. The install took 2 hours.
07-10-2008, 12:47 PM
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RHD C200 Sport Coupe, RHD SLK-55, LHD SLK-350
Hmmm - well, they are available here, and start at 70k GBP - so roughly $140k usd. I think I'd stick with a standard 55 and enjoy putting my top down - to me, that's the charm of the SLK - a coupe version just seems wrong.
11-06-2008, 05:40 PM
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SLK 350 AMG Kit - Ex owner of SLK 230K
I'm really interested in buy this bar.
Can anyone of you tell me where to buy?
Does anyone have complete step by step process pics for installing it?
Thank You
Can anyone of you tell me where to buy?
Does anyone have complete step by step process pics for installing it?
Thank You
11-07-2008, 02:27 PM
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11-13-2008, 08:23 PM
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SLK 350 AMG Kit - Ex owner of SLK 230K
Hello imducati I'd like to buy it to for my SLK 350.
Do you have any contact email and part number so I can get from the dealer?
Thank You.
I love the job you've done. Congratulation.
Do you have any contact email and part number so I can get from the dealer?
Thank You.
I love the job you've done. Congratulation.
11-15-2008, 12:46 PM
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slk55 2005; e320 2004 sport
you will have to confirm with them that the bar fits a 350, since it says SLK55 but my guess is that it will.
Part number: 297016
Domstrebe v.o. RACINGLINE
f. Mercedes SLK 55 AMG (Bj. ab 2004)
The email is: service (at) wiechers-sport.de
Part number: 297016
Domstrebe v.o. RACINGLINE
f. Mercedes SLK 55 AMG (Bj. ab 2004)
The email is: service (at) wiechers-sport.de
12-03-2008, 06:07 AM
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SLK 350 AMG Kit - Ex owner of SLK 230K
I did ordered from them and I have to say... I wasn't so happy to deal with them. Maybe was just this with me. I don't know. I can't say it was all fine.
