W208 CLK 320 - New member questions!

[LBJ CLK]

Hi

I am 2 weeks into ownership of a really nice CLK 320 and I'm loving it! Have just returned from a near perfect (sunny) drive to Devon and Cornwall over the weekend and I am delighted with how relaxed these cars are on a long run!

I have a couple of questions for you CLK experts!

1. Windscreen

I have a wind noise problem coming from the windscreen at anything above 50 mph. I think the windscreen has been changed at some point as it is not a MB part and the plastic covers over the A pillars also appear to be slightly bent in the middle, where I presume the windscreen replacement company have removed them (ie by pulling them off from the middle instead of from the top and bottom). I have taped over the slight gap between windscreen and plastic cover - but this gives no improvement and is therefore not likely to be the problem. The wiper and wiper blade appear to be fine and seem to return 'home' to where they should be. I notice that the wiper blade doesn't have a wind deflector though. Is this normal? I'm hoping this is the problem, ie perhaps a pattern blade which is causing the wind noise. Any ideas?!

2. Wheels

I currently have the orig 16 inch MB wheels, which are very nice, but could use a refurb. Anyone know of a good London based company for this? Alternatively, does any one know where to buy AMG monoblock II replicas in the UK? Easy to find in the USA and Germany, but no so here! If I do go for the replica wheels, will a 17 or 18 inch work best? 18 would probably look 'tasty', but perhaps a 17 inch would keep the ride closer to standard? I want to avoid any kind of 'harsh' ride if I change the wheels.

Many thanks

LBJ

 

[Will]

Hi LBJ and welcome

Can't really think of much to offer regarding your windscreen noise problem. You seem to have checked most of the usual stuff methodically - I don't think the wiper has a seperate wind deflector? Definately coming from the screen and not something else like the mirror or side windows?

Regarding your wheels - IMHO I'd steer clear of replicas and would recommend you source a set of original CLK55 type AMG wheels - staggered fitment (7.5 front, 8.5 rear) 17" and known as 'style-I' IIRC. Less harsh ride than 18", original quality and guaranteed fitment unlike some of the replicas I have seen.

A member on here has a set of these for sale in the classifieds

There's quite a few places around if you decide to go the refurb route - might be worth a forum search as many have been discussed recently

All the best,

Will

 

[mickl]

17"s of whatever type seems to fill the arches of a W208 very well without dominating the look of the car. The AMG kit bulks out the body a little bit more and IMHO think 18" just fills it out a little bit. But each to their own.

and yes they are great long distance cars

 

[T7RY B]

You won't have a problem changing to 17s I honestly think that the 16 inch wheels look lost in the arches and don't do anything for the sporty looks of the coupe.
I have 18s with no problem but it is an Avantgarde with sports suspension option so does'nt ride as high as the Elegance.
Enjoy your car and the forums

Terry

 

[d w124]

I currently have the orig 16 inch MB wheels, which are very nice, but could use a refurb. Anyone know of a good London based company for this? Alternatively, does any one know where to buy AMG monoblock II replicas in the UK?

Many thanks

LBJ

Hi there and welcome to the forum .Why think about replicas,when you can get originals for not much money?

 

[LBJ CLK]

Hi and thanks for the replies.

I'm going to visit a couple of the windscreen places and have them check the windscreen seal. I hope I can get to the bottom of this soon!

Re wheels, I'll keep my eyes open for some nice 17s as suggested.

I'm thinking about having the black bottom layer re-sprayed so that it's colour coded like the later cars. I'm also keen to have a couple of scratches removed. The front bumper inserts / mouldings and the driver's mirror. Anyone know a good body shop in Surrey/London?

Great car and will be awesome when I get these things sorted.

Thanks again

LBJ.

 

[Howard]

Benzed_Up has a nice set of 17 inch Kleemans for sale in the classifieds that would look smart on a w208 ..

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
If you go for 17's make sure they are the correct offset and have the correct tyres sizes, if tyres are the wrong profile tyres fitted they can cause malfunctions in the ABS and cruise control.

 

[mickl]

I do have a set of the Type Is for sale. http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/classifieds-general-sale/86298-17-amg-alloys.html

 

[pc100benz]

Just a suggestion ---I tossed some 2006 17inch SLK wheels onto a CLK --- they are not bad as a low cost genuine Merc option (ebay equivalent of 250quid with 70% P Zeros)

 

[BenzedUP]

Benzed_Up has a nice set of 17 inch Kleemans for sale in the classifieds that would look smart on a w208 ..

mine are 18's man

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/classifieds-general-sale/86530-kleemann-ts5-wheels-v-rare.html

 

[Howard]

Eek ! Sorry

 

[LBJ CLK]

Hi and thanks for your posts

I have had my original wheels refurbed by a great place I recently found in Putney, SW London. They look great and given that my tyres are all new (and I found some (new) replacement centre caps on Ebay for £10) I have decided to keep them.

Still haven't got to the bottom of the wind noise through the windscreen though.

Thanks

LBJ