[Nolan]

I just bought the wife a CLK 320 and can't leave well enough alone. I'm ordering AMG chrome monoblocks from TireRack - should I get one size all the way around for rotating or get staggered front/back?

Also, I want to lower it so I'll order springs at the same time, can someone share with me the size of spring spacers I need to install? (I'm told that there are different sizes installed from the factory in different cars).

Thank you for your wisdom!

Brian
[email protected]

 

[JoshKeaton]

As far as same size or staggered, it depends on what you do with the car. If you drive as ...

As far as same size or staggered, it depends on what you do with the car. If you drive as much as I do, you want to go with a non-staggered setup so you can get the most wear from your tires. If you don't drive much though (<15k miles/year) go ahead and get a staggered setup.

For the springs, you can use the stock ones that come in there. I have size 3 pads all around (what the car came with). If you want to go lower you can always pick up some #1 pads as they are the thinnest. It's about an additional 10mm lowering than just changing the springs.

 

[eee]

same here

I have a clk 320, 2000. I bought it new and I've learned a lot since then. I have HR springs and was unhappy with the front and rear levels. The front gap is slightly larger than the rear. I wish I would have done pads at the same time. I also have 18 chrome monoblocks. They look really nice and get a lot of looks...but...take this advice; they are extremely heavy, they need cleaned every other day or the brake dust will ruin and corrode the chrome...no matter what anyone says. I sent mine to AMG under warranty and they sent them right back saying the corrosion was due to them being ever so slightly bent....that was BULL. Every shop I brought them to said it was due to corrosion from the brake dust. Don't get pirelli's, they ride rough and have tons of road noise due to the tread design. Offset looks nicer, but the car will track worse, you'll go through more tires, and with the power of the v6 engine there is no need for that much meat in the rear. It's only for looks. If you go with 225's all the way around you'll want wheel spacers in the rear so the rear looks flush with the outside just as the front. Phew, I could go on like this forever, that's enough. If you want to know more, let me know.

 

[Nolan]

thank you both for your responses.

I love the look of the monoblocks but am bummed to...

thank you both for your responses.

I love the look of the monoblocks but am bummed to hear about your experiences with them eee, I don't mind cleaning, but every other day sounds like a chore. I wonder if brake shields would help.
I think I will go with the same wheel/tire size all around and utilize spacers like you did to get the right look.
It also sounds like I should go with new spring pads while I'm doing it just to be sure.
and...you sounded ready to keep spilling eee, so go ahead!