Little details that make a difference ....

[peppernick]

I eventually managed to get my hands on all the hardware neccessary to what I perceived would make a small but noticable difference to the stance of my CLK.

A subtle drop with the Eibach Pro Kit still left the rear end sitting taller than I would like. I'm not after a smashing drop, but just want the front and rear drop to balance up a little more.

Good thing is, the rear springs sit on spring pads of variable thickness. Stock is 9mm (No.2 pads). So I sourced a pair of 5mm (No.1 pads) from my MB dealer. Changing rear spring pads is perfectly DIY-able

The pictorial instructions I found on MBworld .....

I also don't like the way the wheels, especially the rear wheels, sit tucked under the wheel arches. So a set of 10mm H&R hubcentric spacers were ordered in with extra long wheel bolts.

Perfect front and rear spacing!

Here was how the stock CLK looked like the day I picked it up ....

Here's how it looks now .....

Subtle aggression does the trick!



.

 

[High-Lo]

Excellent and well done :bannana:

 

[maddog]

looks really nice , the offset is perfect!!

Not sure about red calipers though.

 

[A210AMG]

Just also noticed the picture with 3 mecs... Yours the A class and JT57BAD ? CLS?

 

[NW_Merc]

I think it's just an exclusive area

 

[A210AMG]

quote "I think it's just an exclusive area"

Maybe so but did anyone watch that Location Location Location... the other week.

Couple wanting a crash pad in Islington to live in for the working week. Lovely white fronted building just like in the picture.

They open the door and I'm not kidding my garage is twice as big. One room with Tiny separate toilet and shower (no bath). Kitchen worktop about a meter long with a sink and 2 hob ring.

Yours for £212K


Madness, especially as outside it looked great (just like pics above) mercs, bm's, Porsches outside....

(sorry for going off thread)


PS red calipers look ok to me, isn't yellow the new red (porsche?)

 

[glojo]

Here was how the stock CLK looked like the day I picked it up ....

Here's how it looks now .....

Subtle aggression does the trick!

Hi Pepper nicker ,
Any chance of having a level picture so that it gives a clearer view. My poor old eyesight aint wot it once was.

Regards
John

 

[stevesey]

Peppernick - do you have a link for the MBWorld thread (I assume there are more photos, there). Did you do the whole thing without spring compressors - just by removing the inner bolt and lowering the arm?

 

[tudu]

Nice job - well done. Are you competing with our friends over the water at MB World.

 

[marcos]

Looks great, not too low and not too high, just right

 

[peppernick]

Peppernick - do you have a link for the MBWorld thread (I assume there are more photos, there). Did you do the whole thing without spring compressors - just by removing the inner bolt and lowering the arm?

Most of the suspension components on the W209 CLK is very similar to the W203 C. You don't need spring compressors to remove the rear springs if you undo the bottom of the rear shock ends from the wishbones. This allows the wishbone to drop further and the rear spring can be pulled out.

Here are all most of the useful DIY links.

http://www.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=108681

Any chance of having a level picture so that it gives a clearer view. My poor old eyesight aint wot it once was.

LOL .... I need to remind myself unlike my BMW days, I'm now on a Merc forum

Sorry I don't. Somehow everytime I want to point and shoot a side view on level grounds, creativity takes over and my camera tilts.

Just also noticed the picture with 3 mecs... Yours the A class and JT57BAD ? CLS?

A Class was some random passer by, dark and evil CL 63 with a befitting number plate Taken outside my local dealer MB Chelsea.

Are you competing with our friends over the water at MB World.

It's never about competition, we are just boys who love their toys

isn't yellow the new red (porsche?)

Yellow calipers generally = carbon ceramic brakes (Porsche, Ferrari ....) Too loud for my CLK.

 

[C220]

Looks fantastic Nick, I was going to pick your brains regarding lowering once I've got the wheels on.

 

[mw2510]

looks great, well done.

 

[glojo]

I need to remind myself unlike my BMW days, I'm now on a Merc forum

Sorry I don't. Somehow everytime I want to point and shoot a side view on level grounds, creativity takes over and my camera tilts.

Tis frustrating when I try to compare a before and after picture, especially when the picture is tilted

Regards
John

 

[peppernick]

^^ Photoshop, tilt pic CCW 10 degrees ^^

 

[glojo]

^^ Photoshop, tilt pic CCW 10 degrees ^^

Seeing as someone failed then I'll have a bash

Before

After

Hopefully the kerb is fairly horizontal, it's about 8 degrees, but what should I be looking for?

Regards
John

 

[peppernick]

Awesome ........ Saved for future reference Thanks

The gap between the front tyre and wheelarch reduced by 2cm and the rear by 1cm. Overall, better stance (IMO) whilst still mantaining enough clearance for speed bumps. Most noticable difference is during driving as the more progressive Eibach springs reduce body roll but are still compliant enough to mantain a factory like ride.

 

[glojo]

I also much prefer the new wheels, not fussed about their width but the pattern is an excellent choice that matches the car's presence. Well done.

Regards
John

 

[Howard]

looks really nice , the offset is perfect!!

Not sure about red calipers though.

They are genuine Brembo's though .... not just painted up CLK calipers

 

[maddog]

They are genuine Brembo's though .... not just painted up CLK calipers

Does it matter???

Red is a bit shouty for my taste i'd have painted them.