Lowering a CLK with Coil-Over's

[beaRS]

I'm not exactly spoilt for choice for lowering options for the CLK 55 AMG. I spoke to Eibach and apparently their CLK springs will not fit the AMG because the spring cups are a different size/shape!

I was thinking of using these coil-overs from KW - check out this link;

http://www.espdesign.co.uk/Suspensi...edes_Benz_CLK_208_(1997-02)/product_info.html

Apparently, I can set the damping to suit my taste and set the lowering anywhere from mild to wild.

I just wanted a subtle drop. Has anyone tried these KW's or does anyone know of any brand of spring that will fit a CLK?

 

[peppernick]

KW coilovers are very good. The Variant 2 (your link) is very adjustable but do be prepared for a firm ride, even when compared to firm aftermarket spring upgrades.

Coilovers are not fit and forget. You need to clean the front shock bodies and rear spring perches periodically (especially in the UK when cars are driven on roads covered with road salt during the winter months) or the adjustment collars will seize, increasing the risk of cross threading when adjusting the spring tension.

Also, you need someone who knows what they are doing to set up the shocks and spring tension for you. When fitting a brand new set of coilovers, the ride height will settle after approximately 200-300 miles, and you will need fine tuning of ride height several times after the initial fitment. Hence, labour intensive. If you're paying somebody to do it, you'll be looking at 2hrs + per session.

If you don't track your car, and don't understand the details of damper adjustment (damping and rebound), and spring tensions, I suggest you stick to 'fit and forget' lowering springs upgrade. The majority of these, especially those made by reputable companies are designed to work with standard AMG shocks.

Try H&R springs (They make springs for AMG), very good quality and and drop is very even both front and rear. I have a set of Eibach Pro Kit on my CLK but find them too soft and they don't drop the rear enough. I'll be swithcing over to the H&R springs next week.

www.h-r.com

This is the spring kit you need for your W208 CLK55

29377-1 Mercedes Benz CLK 55 AMG (S208)
color blue, lowering [mm] 25, year: ab: 09.1998

 

[beaRS]

Thanks peppernick,

That's good info. I didn't realise that H&R did a kit for the AMG. I was begining to think that the KW was the only option.

Despite the maintenance issues of the coil-over kit I do think they are the business. I thought the KW's wouldn't suffer from siezed spring seats because of the stainless steel bodies and plastic seats! You're right about the setting up issue though - this was never going to be like fitting a set of lowering springs by themselves.

I think I'll be tracking down a set of H&R's. Thanks again for the info'.

 

[beaRS]

Does anyone know if a W208 CLK 55 AMG sits any lower than a 430 as standard?

The H&R kit for this car states that it fits both the 430 and the AMG and lowers them 25mm, but how can it lower both by the same amount if the AMG is lower from the factory to begin with?

 

[peppernick]

lowers them 25mm

I will not go by this very approximate figure. Too many variables, fuel load, boot load, passengers, factory options, wheels, state of shock absorbers etc etc .......

Also, depending on which 430. The Elegance, Avantgard and Sport all have different ride heights.

Best guage is a picture. H&R website has a couple of pics. If not go to www.mbworld.org and search for 'h&r' and 'W208'. You find plenty of pics there.