Owner: James L
Hometown: Irvine, Ca
Vehicle: 2003 CLK500 (W209)

Model: Maureen Chen
Make-up: J.R. Tuason
Photographer: Auktane

James is a perfect example of an MBjunkie. When thinking who to use as our very 1st feature, James was my choice hands down. James is probably one of the greatest guys I’ve met in the MB community. Let’s see, I 1st met James at a HMS BBQ in 07. Back then his CLK was just dropped on his 1st set wheels. James was a total noob and didn’t know what to expect coming out to his 1st MB gathering. That day was his 1st MBjunkie group therapy session w/o his knowledge. Upon introducing myself I knew I could get this guy hooked (*evil-laugh*). I recall he was telling me how much disliked the tan interior that came with his car. Problem solved that very second, I simply called over another fellow MBjunkie that had just what the doctor should have perscribed. After locking in that deal, he still wanted more and purchased a Brabus bumper from the good folks at ///HMS. Not too shabby on his 1st GTG…

Fast forward to today (many wheels and mods later) and you can see what started off a simple harmless hobby evolve into a full blown addiction. Congrats James on one kick-ass ride. Or should I say two or possibly 3 (*evil-laugh*).

The Mods:
Wheels, Brakes, Suspension
BBS LM’s 19×8.5, 19×9.5
Lug conversion with BBS wheel lugs
H&R Coilovers
Stoptech F & R Big Brake Kit Custom paint: Candy Apple Red

Engine Mods
OE Tune

Body Mods
Brabus Front & Rear bumper
Lorinser Roof spoiler
Vorsteiner Black Series Carbon Fiber trunk spoiler
Custom quad fog setup
Custom Quad exhaust Slang500 inspired tips

Interior
Full interior swap from tan to black
Alcantara Headliner
Alcantara Dash
Full CF interior trim
Alcantara shift knob
MP design Carbon Fiber and Leather steering wheel
Custom red seat belts
Custom red shift knob boot
Hardwired V1 radar system with A1 design integrated rear view mirror display
Black series rear view mirror

Audio
Alpine IAW505 Double Din Head Unit
Focal Seperates
Rockford Fosgate 10″ Punch sub
Custom fiberglass sub enclosure in Spare wheel well
2 Rockford Fosgate Amps
Rockford Fosgate crossover
Custom amp rack under rear deck

Let’s spend sometime trying to get into the head of this great man called James. People close to him would pay good money to spend a day viewing the world through his perspective. Here’s a small sample of what we are talking about.

MBJ: Whats the meaning behind Thaichi808?
James: I’m part Thai, part chinese from hawaii(808) area code

MBJ: Oh yeah? Where in Hawaii?
James: “Down by da beach, Boooiiyyyy”

MBJ: What was your 1st car you ever owned?
James: I dont remember the year, but it was an Oldsmobile

MBJ: What kind of Oldsmobile?
James: I dont know, American?

MBJ: What’s the last traffic violation you have recieved?
James: No front plate. does that count?

MBJ: When did you get the car?
James: I got it Brand New, right when it came out in 2002

MBJ: What made you decide on this make/model?
James: I had a w208 with too many problems, so just decided to upgrade to the w209

MBJ: How long has the build been?
James: I didnt start modding it til about 2007, I think. This was the car I wasn’t gonna mod. I really didn’t think I was gonna do anything to this car, Now I’m M.O.D positive. (laughing)

MBJ: How much money have you spent on the build? Approx?
James: a grillion dollars

MBJ: Whats your favorite one part/mod of the car that stands out the most to you?
James: Interior swap

MBJ: What’s next for the car?
James: Daytons.. haha.. whats next? The thing Brandon’s doing for me, Exaktheit

MBJ: What would be your Dream car?
James: E55 or E63 Wagon, but ill probably say E63 Wagon

MBJ: In your opinion…. Whats the hottest trend in the industry?
James: Import models, can i say that? import models…. yeahhhhhhh!

MBJ: and the worst?
James: donks

MBJ: Shout outs/thanks & final thoughts?
James: shout outs to HMS, Hyevon, MBjunkies, Crooks & Castles, OCklasse, Status James: Autoworks, Instyle Graphics, OE Tuning, Falken, Mike at 3F, C&C collision, Method Sound, Exaktheit