AMG euro-spec springs - W208 - First Impressions

[Chappy]

Just a quick report since having the springs, smaller spring pads, and new PS2s installed yesterday. So far, Ive driven about 100 miles on the new setup. I LOVE IT!! I went with one bump (5mm) spring pads on the rear and two bump (9mm) spring pads on the front. These were installed with the MB/AMG euro-spec springs I picked up in the early summer. The handling is improved slightly (the handling was always very good - but seems to be more planted without sacrificing ride quality). Most of the improvement, I'm guessing, is mostly due to the tires but the car also sits about 1.0 - 1.5 inches lower. The car does not look slammed at all...just nicely "snug"....I'll get some pictures up in the coming days.

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[Chappy]

[Chappy]

[Chappy]

[Chappy]

http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/sho...4&page=3&pp=10

[430]

Looks good Chappy!

[Daveskee]

Looks nice Chappy! How'd you come across those springs and if you don't mind me asking, how much?

[groundfighter]

Looking sharp!

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by Daveskee

Looks nice Chappy! How'd you come across those springs and if you don't mind me asking, how much?

I ordered them from Belguim back in May or June, so the price may have changed. E-mail Gert Carnewal at www.carnewal.com. He is very prompt in his response.

[theine]

Any reason why you didn't pick up H&R springs?...they are made in Germany and your car would have sit lower not slammed, priced at around $250

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by theine

Any reason why you didn't pick up H&R springs?...they are made in Germany and your car would have sit lower not slammed, priced at around $250

Yes. Two reasons:

1. Some have had problems with lowering springs on stock dampers. I did not want to change the dampers or the handling characteristics of the car. Also, some have had trouble with camber after using aftermarket lowering springs. I wanted to avoid that.

2. Wanted to stick with AMG/MB parts.

[theine]

Originally Posted by Chappy

Yes. Two reasons:

1. Some have had problems with lowering springs on stock dampers. I did not want to change the dampers or the handling characteristics of the car. Also, some have had trouble with camber after using aftermarket lowering springs. I wanted to avoid that.

2. Wanted to stick with AMG/MB parts.

Correct, lowering with H&R's you will need koni's or Bilstein's, the camber is not trouble tough, as a matter of fact is good for riding, handling and tire wear for CLK's.

[brianw430]

Chappy,

I have been in contact with Gert and the price of the AMG springs are now at $380 USD, given today's exchange rate. I am wondering how you feel about the set up thusfar. I am considering doing a similar setup to what you have and am wondering if the AMG springs are worth the extra $150 over H&R springs. Any insight would be great!

Thanks!

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by brianw430

Chappy,

I have been in contact with Gert and the price of the AMG springs are now at $380 USD, given today's exchange rate. I am wondering how you feel about the set up thusfar. I am considering doing a similar setup to what you have and am wondering if the AMG springs are worth the extra $150 over H&R springs. Any insight would be great!

Thanks!

The price you were quoted is roughly the same as I paid, if I recall correctly.

If I had to do it all over again, I would do the exact same thing. A bonus is that any MB tech won't waffle on a possible warranty claim due to aftermarket springs...just my 2 cents.

If you are seeking an even lower appearance, the AMG springs may not be the best choice for you. Good luck

[brianw430]

Thanks for the quick reply Chappy. Definitely not looking for a lower stance than what you showed. I followed your thread and like the way your car sits. I do not like the slammed or overly aggressive lowered look. Subtle is great for me.

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by brianw430

Thanks for the quick reply Chappy. Definitely not looking for a lower stance than what you showed. I followed your thread and like the way your car sits. I do not like the slammed or overly aggressive lowered look. Subtle is great for me.

No problem. Get some before/after pics if you can

[brianw430]

No problem. Gert said it would take about 1 week or so to get the springs, so I will have plenty of time to snap some photos!

[Learso]

nice choice in springs, i will to look to get them for my 01 CLK55. You should consider the 18" monoblock IIs, they look great without looking over-the-top.

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by Learso

nice choice in springs, i will to look to get them for my 01 CLK55. You should consider the 18" monoblock IIs, they look great without looking over-the-top.

I agonized over going up to 18s. I think they look great, but just couldn't justify the $2500+ at the time. Since then, I won a silent auction on a set of new PS2s in 17" for $475 shipped to my door. I guess that kinda sealed my fate in 17s for a while

What other plans do you have for your CLK?

BTW, if you are anywhere in the Southeast, make plans to attend this...

http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=95199

[Learso]

I just wrote some email questions to Gert about the springs...I thought I would share his opinions with you about US versus Euro:

"It is my understanding that these springs are not firmer, only shorter.

The ride quality, even with 18” wheel will remain the same.



If these 18” wheels have the correct factory offsets then there will be no clearance problems once you install the Euro springs.



The US cars usually are set higher because of the US bumper standards.

Same counts for Porsches : Most 911’s for the US market have a higher ride height than the same car here in Europe."

[brianw430]

I too was considering the Mono's in 18", but the $350 difference in tire prices, plus rim price convinced to stay with 17's for now. Are 18's essentially for looks?

[Riot Nrrrd]

Can I ask why you guys are lowering/considering lowering your Beasts?

Does it change the ride appreciably? Do you "bottom out" more? (That sounds like a detriment to me, lol) Or is it just for a "more aggressive appearance" ...

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by Riot Nrrrd

Can I ask why you guys are lowering/considering lowering your Beasts?

Does it change the ride appreciably? Do you "bottom out" more? (That sounds like a detriment to me, lol) Or is it just for a "more aggressive appearance" ...

Did you see the before/after pics....I thought my CLK looked like a 4X4! I wanted the suspension that AMG originally designed for the CLK55 (european).

The car does not ride noticeably different (though the center of gravity is a tad lower - so spirited driving should be more pleasurable). Just looks slightly more hunkered down

[brianw430]

Yes, appearance and better handling. I did lower the 430 and the setup was a little too aggressive but the handling was dramatically improved. It is hard to understand how only an inch can make such a huge difference.

Does anyone know if E55 wheels fit on the CLK55?

Chappy, I cannot seem to find the post where you mention your spring pads. Mine currently has 4 in front and 2 in rear. Did you go with 2 in front and 1 in rear?

Duh, never mind, saw it in the first post of this thread, sorry!

But are these the part numbers you have:

5mm - 210 321 0184
9mm - 210 321 0284

Can you confirm these part numbers by any chance?

I also had the tranny serviced (16 quart flush and conditioner) today and at less than 47,000 miles, the tranny fluid looked like melted caramel or butterscotch. My mechanic however, did not change the filter, which I was not pleased with. He said he tried ordering the filter, but no one carried it? It didn't seem dirty in a particulate sort of way, just more brown. The car is extra smooth shifting now! Like butta!

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by brianw430

Does anyone know if E55 wheels fit on the CLK55?

But are these the part numbers you have:

5mm - 210 321 0184
9mm - 210 321 0284

Can you confirm these part numbers by any chance?

Here's what are on my CLK:

front A-210-321-02-84 (9 mm)
rear A-210-325-01-84 (5 mm)

Yes, the W210 E55 wheels will fit our W208s. The W211 E55 wheels are the wrong offset.

**edit** In fact, Improviz has 17s on the front and 18s in the rear for added traction!

Great info about the tranny fluid. I plan on having mine flushed every 30K or so.