Jun 17, 2015, 07:22 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
- Mercedes Benz E Class AMG: How to Install Coilovers
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
KW V2 Coil-overs E55 (Build Thread)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, California
2006 E55 BEAST
Haha. Most of the time they can figure it out over the phone. There was one time the dealership couldn't figure out the problem, I gave him a call and he knew what it was over the phone.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 29
2011 E63, 2013 CLS63
The guys that have done the work on my car have been around for quite a while. There are quite a number of people on here that have either have their cars worked on by them or have had direct contact in getting hardware/information for their rides through them also. A few vendors/sponsors on here know them also. They are the guys who have helped my car become what it is today. They are my go to guys and they know my car better than I do. ANYTIME, I have ANY problems with her, I don't hesitate to call them because I know they'll take care of it. They are usually able to figure what the problem is VERY quickly since they did all the work on the car. You could consider my car as their shop car. We are always trying new things here and there with them.
I completely agree that many on here will not pay a premium on the "kit" of needed parts, don't quote me on it, but I don't think they plan on adding any benz taxes on the needed hardware. Like I said, don't quote me on it. I'm about to go down to the shop in a few days for some maint. stuff so I'll see what I can find out.
Thanks again for always givin me a positive outlook.
I completely agree that many on here will not pay a premium on the "kit" of needed parts, don't quote me on it, but I don't think they plan on adding any benz taxes on the needed hardware. Like I said, don't quote me on it. I'm about to go down to the shop in a few days for some maint. stuff so I'll see what I can find out.
Thanks again for always givin me a positive outlook.
Anyways great build and keep us updated on any more handling parts. You mentioned the car was still a boat on the track and road. Is that with the stiffest setting and how's the body roll and grip? Feeling like a "boat" is a bit vague lol.
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
In that case I understand. I just didn't realize they did alot of work and were friendly and helpful. They sound like a good shop. It kind of sucks for some on here though who are not from the US because maybe one shop does a better job than the next. Car's like the import japs have had a long history and popularity with shops so it's too hard to find a place to do it. For Merc's though it's kind of hard to trust someone with a "first time" job risking the car becoming immobile for a while, especially if you do use it as a daily driver.
Anyways great build and keep us updated on any more handling parts. You mentioned the car was still a boat on the track and road. Is that with the stiffest setting and how's the body roll and grip? Feeling like a "boat" is a bit vague lol.
Anyways great build and keep us updated on any more handling parts. You mentioned the car was still a boat on the track and road. Is that with the stiffest setting and how's the body roll and grip? Feeling like a "boat" is a bit vague lol.
. Compared to my first track experience with the car at buttonwillow, the car is world's apart with the coils. It handles A LOT better compared to before, but it still has a LONG way to go before being considered anywhere "good". Of course I know this is the wrong car to track but I figured why not try it out and see how far I can push a heavy azz benzo around a track. 
I have the stiffness set to 14 out of 18 settings possible. 0 being the softest and 18 being the stiffest. Body roll is SIGNIFICANTLY reduced and grip is only as good as the tires.
I take the first lap pretty easy to warm up the tires and give it hell until I start feeling brake fade. Usually 3-4 laps after. I'm going to upgrading to 2-piece rotors along with trying out a more performance oriented brake fluid and R-compounds. I've been running Nitto NT-05's and they are great but I do begin to slide after a few laps because the tires can't handle the weight of my fat car. 
Going to try either the Toyo R888 or Nitto NT-01's. I have to make the brake fluid will work with the car also. I hope it does 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, California
2006 E55 BEAST
I have the stiffness set to 14 out of 18 settings possible. 0 being the softest and 18 being the stiffest. Body roll is SIGNIFICANTLY reduced and grip is only as good as the tires. I take the first lap pretty easy to warm up the tires and give it hell until I start feeling brake fade. Usually 3-4 laps after. I'm going to upgrading to 2-piece rotors along with trying out a more performance oriented brake fluid and R-compounds. I've been running Nitto NT-05's and they are great but I do begin to slide after a few laps because the tires can't handle the weight of my fat car. Going to try either the Toyo R888 or Nitto NT-01's. I have to make the brake fluid will work with the car also. I hope it does
I take the first lap pretty easy to warm up the tires and give it hell until I start feeling brake fade. Usually 3-4 laps after. I'm going to upgrading to 2-piece rotors along with trying out a more performance oriented brake fluid and R-compounds. I've been running Nitto NT-05's and they are great but I do begin to slide after a few laps because the tires can't handle the weight of my fat car. Going to try either the Toyo R888 or Nitto NT-01's. I have to make the brake fluid will work with the car also. I hope it does 
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
'20 GLE350, '21 F150 Raptor, '03 BMW M3, '22 KTM 890 ADV, '23 Triumph Trident 660
I think the car will forever be a "boat". It is 4k lbs. + after all
. Compared to my first track experience with the car at buttonwillow, the car is world's apart with the coils. It handles A LOT better compared to before, but it still has a LONG way to go before being considered anywhere "good". Of course I know this is the wrong car to track but I figured why not try it out and see how far I can push a heavy azz benzo around a track. I have the stiffness set to 14 out of 18 settings possible. 0 being the softest and 18 being the stiffest. Body roll is SIGNIFICANTLY reduced and grip is only as good as the tires.
I take the first lap pretty easy to warm up the tires and give it hell until I start feeling brake fade. Usually 3-4 laps after. I'm going to upgrading to 2-piece rotors along with trying out a more performance oriented brake fluid and R-compounds. I've been running Nitto NT-05's and they are great but I do begin to slide after a few laps because the tires can't handle the weight of my fat car. Going to try either the Toyo R888 or Nitto NT-01's. I have to make the brake fluid will work with the car also. I hope it does I run Hawk HT10 pads on my track car, and love them. Once you bed them, they are fantastic. I am running a completely stock brake setup on my BMW and ATE Type 200 fluid, and I push it hard into corners. Never had fade or loss of pedal. I will say, that on my 911, when I first started going to the track, that even with a good setup, technique was important. I was braking way to early and heating up the system. Once I started braking more efficiently, that all changed. Sorry if this is old news to you, just trying to help.
Bill
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 29
2011 E63, 2013 CLS63
I think the car will forever be a "boat". It is 4k lbs. + after all . Compared to my first track experience with the car at buttonwillow, the car is world's apart with the coils. It handles A LOT better compared to before, but it still has a LONG way to go before being considered anywhere "good". Of course I know this is the wrong car to track but I figured why not try it out and see how far I can push a heavy azz benzo around a track.
I have the stiffness set to 14 out of 18 settings possible. 0 being the softest and 18 being the stiffest. Body roll is SIGNIFICANTLY reduced and grip is only as good as the tires. I take the first lap pretty easy to warm up the tires and give it hell until I start feeling brake fade. Usually 3-4 laps after. I'm going to upgrading to 2-piece rotors along with trying out a more performance oriented brake fluid and R-compounds. I've been running Nitto NT-05's and they are great but I do begin to slide after a few laps because the tires can't handle the weight of my fat car. Going to try either the Toyo R888 or Nitto NT-01's. I have to make the brake fluid will work with the car also. I hope it does
. Compared to my first track experience with the car at buttonwillow, the car is world's apart with the coils. It handles A LOT better compared to before, but it still has a LONG way to go before being considered anywhere "good". Of course I know this is the wrong car to track but I figured why not try it out and see how far I can push a heavy azz benzo around a track. I have the stiffness set to 14 out of 18 settings possible. 0 being the softest and 18 being the stiffest. Body roll is SIGNIFICANTLY reduced and grip is only as good as the tires.
I take the first lap pretty easy to warm up the tires and give it hell until I start feeling brake fade. Usually 3-4 laps after. I'm going to upgrading to 2-piece rotors along with trying out a more performance oriented brake fluid and R-compounds. I've been running Nitto NT-05's and they are great but I do begin to slide after a few laps because the tires can't handle the weight of my fat car. Going to try either the Toyo R888 or Nitto NT-01's. I have to make the brake fluid will work with the car also. I hope it does
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
Yes but see I'm still not understanding what "boat" is. My stock E55 with Airmatic feeling "airy" but I can still turn into street (90degree) at ~40mph with no real drama. By the way I thought the coilovers shedded 100 pounds with the pumps and all four corners? The thing is, is the chassis on this car that bad. Why did Mercedes make it so bad? The thing is the M5 weighs the same, never driven one but people say it's sharp and precise compared to the E55. Now I don't track my car so I don't really know how it is on a circuit but when I see the M5s in videos they have ALOT of bodyroll. I'm also pretty sure stock cornering Gs are less than .90g which isn't exactly Nissan GT-R or 911 Turbo territory. People say the ZR1 has grip and precise steering but doesn't "handle" well. I think they mean while the car has grip it's not as predictable than say a car with less grip but more forgiving. So is that what you mean by boat? People are making out the E55 to handle worse than 60s muscle cars and Toyota Camrys!!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
Renntech E63S
nah. boat is about right. now, if you're comparing it to a range rover, well then. but if you're comparing it to anything that qualifies to do duty as track day entertainment, then the e55 is very much a boat. that's the key. track duty. the e55 is not at all ready for track sessions. the brakes get too hot too quick, and the tires will be junk in no time at all. too big, too heavy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 7
From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
Yeah, even in the sport 2 setting my E55 doesn't give me the confidence my Infiniti G35 did or my VW GTI. For some reason the term "boat" really does describe it pretty good. I just don't feel confident with it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 19
From: Kuwait
CLS55 2006, CLS 63S 2015
But they are better in the handling department from the get, esp if they have the 030 package
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 7
From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 29
2011 E63, 2013 CLS63
The CLS is stiffer and the tires are wider but it's noticeably heavier and slower. It has less seats and is longer. Plus even the CLS boys have said they feel like the car is a boat.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
MJ50 did the AMG contingent proud during a recent Buttonwillow track day. He showed the quick way around to several modified BMWs.
nlpamg’s stout (and well-driven) M5 was, in fact, just a blink faster.
Trust we’ll see you out there mixing it up again soon. :y
nlpamg’s stout (and well-driven) M5 was, in fact, just a blink faster.
Trust we’ll see you out there mixing it up again soon. :y
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
Reviving an ancient thread to give everyone a heads up. Got off the phone with my guy today and he wanted me to know that he is in the middle of doing a write up with more pics AND part numbers for the hardware involved. He said he was going to post a thread with all the info next week. Just wanted everyone to know that I haven't forgotten about gettin everyone the part numbers as promised and that it will be done! Sorry for delay 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 19
From: Kuwait
CLS55 2006, CLS 63S 2015
can not remember 100% as this is old info, but the CLS is stiffer and better suited to the track then an E. Something to do with the steering rack, car sits lower and has wider tiers, bigger brake disc (030) package and an optional LSD. It also has the option of a speed shift upgrade from AMG for M1 & M2 modes similar to the SLR/ DTM style. If memo serves there was an update for the 2006 E55 which took the steering wrack from the cls, might need to double check this.
But to the best of my knowledge most of the hard core racers are the E guys. Most of the CLS guys are for the looks and don't care much about the track or 1/4 mile . I have raced a few E's, i have not seen any advantage in speed for them over the CLS
But to the best of my knowledge most of the hard core racers are the E guys. Most of the CLS guys are for the looks and don't care much about the track or 1/4 mile . I have raced a few E's, i have not seen any advantage in speed for them over the CLS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,010
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix by way of Texas
2003 E55 AMG
Reviving an ancient thread to give everyone a heads up. Got off the phone with my guy today and he wanted me to know that he is in the middle of doing a write up with more pics AND part numbers for the hardware involved. He said he was going to post a thread with all the info next week. Just wanted everyone to know that I haven't forgotten about gettin everyone the part numbers as promised and that it will be done! Sorry for delay
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
( Read edit for this part...My car is runnin absolutely fantastic
)If I'm not mistaken, he will offer a package of everything or you can go out and try it out yourself as you will have all the part numbers and what not.
Last edited by BenzoBoi; Aug 3, 2011 at 01:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
What brake pad are you using? If you are experiencing fade and still have a firm pedal, then you will need pads, not fluid. If the pedal starts becoming soft or squishy, then it's the fluid. Try some track pads and keep the rotors you have. Try ATE SL6 fluid if you decide to change it.
I run Hawk HT10 pads on my track car, and love them. Once you bed them, they are fantastic. I am running a completely stock brake setup on my BMW and ATE Type 200 fluid, and I push it hard into corners. Never had fade or loss of pedal. I will say, that on my 911, when I first started going to the track, that even with a good setup, technique was important. I was braking way to early and heating up the system. Once I started braking more efficiently, that all changed. Sorry if this is old news to you, just trying to help.
Bill
I run Hawk HT10 pads on my track car, and love them. Once you bed them, they are fantastic. I am running a completely stock brake setup on my BMW and ATE Type 200 fluid, and I push it hard into corners. Never had fade or loss of pedal. I will say, that on my 911, when I first started going to the track, that even with a good setup, technique was important. I was braking way to early and heating up the system. Once I started braking more efficiently, that all changed. Sorry if this is old news to you, just trying to help.
Bill
Thanks for your input! You can always learn something when sharing your experiences with others. I appreciate it!
I actually had a squishy brake pedal which I knew was the fluid so I had it swapped out. I was using ATE Blue at the time and swapped out to Castrol SRX. Haven't had any braking issues since. I am also currently running porterfield pads. I believe they are the RS4's? I forgot... 
For a big car like mine with a "little" grunt down low, I figured braking a little earlier, straightening out the car and giving it hell would be the best line. I've been playing with different lines at the track and this one seems to work the best for me at the moment. I'm sure it all depends on the the individual driver's style and the track.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
'20 GLE350, '21 F150 Raptor, '03 BMW M3, '22 KTM 890 ADV, '23 Triumph Trident 660
Hey Bill!
Thanks for your input! You can always learn something when sharing your experiences with others. I appreciate it! I actually had a squishy brake pedal which I knew was the fluid so I had it swapped out. I was using ATE Blue at the time and swapped out to Castrol SRX. Haven't had any braking issues since. I am also currently running porterfield pads. I believe they are the RS4's? I forgot...
For a big car like mine with a "little" grunt down low, I figured braking a little earlier, straightening out the car and giving it hell would be the best line. I've been playing with different lines at the track and this one seems to work the best for me at the moment. I'm sure it all depends on the the individual driver's style and the track.
Thanks for your input! You can always learn something when sharing your experiences with others. I appreciate it!
I actually had a squishy brake pedal which I knew was the fluid so I had it swapped out. I was using ATE Blue at the time and swapped out to Castrol SRX. Haven't had any braking issues since. I am also currently running porterfield pads. I believe they are the RS4's? I forgot... For a big car like mine with a "little" grunt down low, I figured braking a little earlier, straightening out the car and giving it hell would be the best line. I've been playing with different lines at the track and this one seems to work the best for me at the moment. I'm sure it all depends on the the individual driver's style and the track.
Bill
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
Completely agree that instructors help A LOT. I've also taken countless laps in friend's cars who clock some pretty decent times at BW and the streets.
Always learning.
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 12
From: The Granite State
.
For anyone who has an AirMatic failure (and doesn't have a warranty) this is the way to go....
Depending on the package price, it might be worth doing even BEFORE the failure occurs!
-G
