After completing our previous Range Rover Sport project just in time for spring, the summer 2007 season was approaching quickly, so we immediately began collecting our thoughts for the next project vehicle. Since our last feature was an SUV, we wanted to get into something a little sportier for summer, and by a stroke of pure luck, our friends at Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land came to the rescue. The dealership been offered a brand new CL550 (C216 chassis) as a new car trade from a Northeastern Mercedes-Benz dealer who did not need the car at the time due to heavy snow in the area. Being close friends of the management has its advantages, as we were given first right of refusal on this very highly sought after model. The car was perfectly suited to our needs – a non-sport package model finished in Arctic White with savannah/cashmere interior and the P2 option package featuring the latest “Night View Assist” technology. After a very brief discussion of the terms and conditions of the potential deal, we decided the opportunity was too good to pass up and subsequently traded our recently acquired 2007 S550 sedan for its sportier sibling. After a few anxious days, the car made the 300 mile journey via flatbed from Sugar Land to our Southlake facility where the fun was about to begin.

Our first step on the project (suspension) was actually was completed before the even left the dealership. We acquired a Kleemann EBL lowering module from the crew at Kleemann USA and had it shipped directly to Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land, where master technician Tony Acciari installed and programmed the unit in just under 2 hours time. Over the years, we have had such great success with the Kleemann lowering modules that now they are the only brand we use here at Wheel Experts when it comes to lowering any airmatic or ABC equipped Mercedes-Benz models. The EBL module is hardwired into the factory suspension ECU (located under the passenger floorboard in all new S W221 and CL C216 models) and is adjustable +/- 10mm for fine tuning. After installation, the lowering was set at 1.75” front and rear - this provided an aggressive stance while still maintaining the stock ride quality.

With this first critical step out of the way, it was time to address the rolling stock. Modulare Forged Wheels showed 2 new styles at the SEMA 2006 fall convention – a curved mesh with 8 pairs of spokes “M6” and a medium-width 5-spoke with line detailing “M7”. We wanted to debut one of the new styles for this project, and the M7 5-spoke seemed like a no-brainer, as the clean lines of the new wheel design flowed well with the big coupe. After taking some initial measurements from the car, we phoned up our partners at Modulare and requested the wheels prepared to our specs – 22x9.0 front with a 2.5” lip and 22x10.5 with a mind-blowing 4” lip. To coordinate with the clean white exterior, we requested the wheels to be finished in brushed aluminum with chrome lips. Modulare’s brushed aluminum finish is one of the best we’ve seen, as the thick powder-coated clear coat really adds visual depth to the finish that is lacking in some brushed wheels by other lesser makers. As a crowning touch, the optional domed aluminum center caps were added, specially finished in brushed aluminum (instead of the usual chrome) to match the rest of the wheels. Upon receipt of the wheels, we added a brand new set of OEM tire pressure sensors (NOTE: all Modulare wheels are tire pressure sensor compatible) and proceeded to wrap them in Pirelli P Zero Nero rubber, measuring 245/30/22 and the front axle and 285/25/22 at the rear. After bolting up the new rolling stock to the car, we discovered our initial measurements were spot on, as the wheel/tire combination fit the car perfectly – even with the extreme lowering, no fender modifications were required.

With the stance set and the wheels installed, it was time to move on to the 3rd and final step – body styling. Our car arrived fully equipped with virtually every factory option except the AMG sport package, which made it a perfect candidate for some styling improvements. We phoned up our longtime partners at BRABUS USA (now part of CEC), who provided us with their latest and greatest – a full aero package complete with front fog lamps, LED floor illumination at the sides and rear, and a 3-piece rear deck lid spoiler. Since the BRABUS aero package required some trimming of the factory front and rear bumpers, a good installation was key to tie this project together. We called up our friends at Trade Secret in Plano, TX who expertly prepped, painted, and installed the full aero package in only a week’s time. To round out the project, a BRABUS sport exhaust system was also installed to complement the new rear fascia while improving performance and adding a sportier sound to the car. The Trade Secret crew did a fantastic job on their entire portion of the project; not only was the work completed in a timely manner, the cost was more than fair, and everything works and fits as it should. As usual, the results speak for themselves, as the final product is quite a stunner.

Wheel Experts would to thank all involved in making this project possible: Kenneth and Tony at Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land, Ryan with Modulare Wheels, Anthony and Jim at BRABUS USA, and finally Tom, Rob and the entire Trade Secret staff for putting it all together. Stay tuned for our next project, which is just around the corner….