W210 E55 Lowering Lowdown ...
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From: East SF Bay Area
2000E55, 2003G500
W210 E55 Lowering Lowdown ...
I have my stock AMG Monoblocks out for powder coating and double polish on the lips. Will look trick, but still stock - I like that.
Re-did brake linings with Porterfield pads (huge improvement - no dust and no fade). Got trim rings for headlights, and swapped all halogen bulbs for xenon look alike. K&N filters, Pilot Sport 2's. Infinity BassLink, and Infinity 1" tweets up front. Thinking about a HPS 2nd gen blower once they get all the wrinkles out.
NOW - I want to lower this sucka about 1" (no more). Dont want to be slammed, don't want to wear a kidney belt. Can take a little stiffer spring rate (10-15%) though, for better cornering. I know the various aftermarket spring options - BUT - based on your experience (actually did this) what would you do to accomplish this 1" lowering without losing too much of the stock around town ride ?
Aftermarket springs with fat pads ? Cut Stock springs ? Interested in your opinions, I only want to do this once ... THX !
Re-did brake linings with Porterfield pads (huge improvement - no dust and no fade). Got trim rings for headlights, and swapped all halogen bulbs for xenon look alike. K&N filters, Pilot Sport 2's. Infinity BassLink, and Infinity 1" tweets up front. Thinking about a HPS 2nd gen blower once they get all the wrinkles out.
NOW - I want to lower this sucka about 1" (no more). Dont want to be slammed, don't want to wear a kidney belt. Can take a little stiffer spring rate (10-15%) though, for better cornering. I know the various aftermarket spring options - BUT - based on your experience (actually did this) what would you do to accomplish this 1" lowering without losing too much of the stock around town ride ?
Aftermarket springs with fat pads ? Cut Stock springs ? Interested in your opinions, I only want to do this once ... THX !
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06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
Originally Posted by 2000BEAST
I have my stock AMG Monoblocks out for powder coating and double polish on the lips. Will look trick, but still stock - I like that.
Re-did brake linings with Porterfield pads (huge improvement - no dust and no fade). Got trim rings for headlights, and swapped all halogen bulbs for xenon look alike. K&N filters, Pilot Sport 2's. Infinity BassLink, and Infinity 1" tweets up front. Thinking about a HPS 2nd gen blower once they get all the wrinkles out.
NOW - I want to lower this sucka about 1" (no more). Dont want to be slammed, don't want to wear a kidney belt. Can take a little stiffer spring rate (10-15%) though, for better cornering. I know the various aftermarket spring options - BUT - based on your experience (actually did this) what would you do to accomplish this 1" lowering without losing too much of the stock around town ride ?
Aftermarket springs with fat pads ? Cut Stock springs ? Interested in your opinions, I only want to do this once ... THX !
Re-did brake linings with Porterfield pads (huge improvement - no dust and no fade). Got trim rings for headlights, and swapped all halogen bulbs for xenon look alike. K&N filters, Pilot Sport 2's. Infinity BassLink, and Infinity 1" tweets up front. Thinking about a HPS 2nd gen blower once they get all the wrinkles out.
NOW - I want to lower this sucka about 1" (no more). Dont want to be slammed, don't want to wear a kidney belt. Can take a little stiffer spring rate (10-15%) though, for better cornering. I know the various aftermarket spring options - BUT - based on your experience (actually did this) what would you do to accomplish this 1" lowering without losing too much of the stock around town ride ?
Aftermarket springs with fat pads ? Cut Stock springs ? Interested in your opinions, I only want to do this once ... THX !
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
My car is lowered about 1 3/4" with H&R spring and #1 pads. If you want a nice ride and only a 1" drop. You might want to go with Eibach springs and I think you can use your stock #3 pads. Eibach lowers less than H&R and rides softer. I'm very happy with my Koni H&R set up. I would guess I'm only 10% stiffer than stock. Most of my ruff ride is coming from my 19" low profile tires and high air pressure (to help with negative camber).
Good luck, make sure you show us before and after pix.
Mario
Good luck, make sure you show us before and after pix.
Mario
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
Originally Posted by tjcMBE55AMG
The question I have on Eibach lowering springs is whether or not you have to change the dampers. Opinions?
TJC
TJC
Mario
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From: CA, NV, CO
Originally Posted by 2000BEAST
NOW - I want to lower this sucka about 1" (no more). Dont want to be slammed, don't want to wear a kidney belt. Can take a little stiffer spring rate (10-15%) though, for better cornering. I know the various aftermarket spring options - BUT - based on your experience (actually did this) what would you do to accomplish this 1" lowering without losing too much of the stock around town ride ?
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From: CA, NV, CO
Originally Posted by paulunm
Where might one find these pads? I assume they are a kind of spacer that sits on the spring?
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
Originally Posted by JamE55
Try considering Bils & H&R setup with #1 pads all around. Should do the trick. You'll probably get 1 finger gap all around.
just my 2cents
Mario
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From: East SF Bay Area
2000E55, 2003G500
E55 Cent - you are correct - I would imagine that you got nearly 2" of drop by using the H&R Sports and the smallest (#1) spring pads.
Your car looks awesome - but not what I'm after = 1" drop.
I guess I will try having the stock AMG springs cut (with a wheel, not a torch) and see what that gets me ...
Your car looks awesome - but not what I'm after = 1" drop.
I guess I will try having the stock AMG springs cut (with a wheel, not a torch) and see what that gets me ...
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
Originally Posted by 2000BEAST
E55 Cent - you are correct - I would imagine that you got nearly 2" of drop by using the H&R Sports and the smallest (#1) spring pads.
Your car looks awesome - but not what I'm after = 1" drop.
I guess I will try having the stock AMG springs cut (with a wheel, not a torch) and see what that gets me ...
Your car looks awesome - but not what I'm after = 1" drop.
I guess I will try having the stock AMG springs cut (with a wheel, not a torch) and see what that gets me ...
Good luck
Mario
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From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Couple things....
1) You're going to be disspointed with the short pads only. I tried it on my 00 and 01 with poor results. The US OE springs and shocks are just not designed to work well for the sportier type driving you have in mind. But it shouldn't change things that much, you say, as all that's changed is the ride height. All I can say is on both my 210 E55's, it didn't give anywhere near enough lowering and the springs/shocks did not appreciate it. If you want to do it right, it will take, at least, the Euro spring/ shock setup, which still may not be enough for you.
2) I'm not positive, but I don't think the OE on the 210 55 is Bilstein. I think it's Sachs. But the Bilstein would be the best way to go.
3) Again, not positive, but does Eibach even make a dedicated spring for the 210 E55? They didn't when I had my car, but they may now.
Hope any of this helps.
2) I'm not positive, but I don't think the OE on the 210 55 is Bilstein. I think it's Sachs. But the Bilstein would be the best way to go.
3) Again, not positive, but does Eibach even make a dedicated spring for the 210 E55? They didn't when I had my car, but they may now.
Hope any of this helps.
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
Originally Posted by allenjdmb
1) You're going to be disspointed with the short pads only. I tried it on my 00 and 01 with poor results. The US OE springs and shocks are just not designed to work well for the sportier type driving you have in mind. But it shouldn't change things that much, you say, as all that's changed is the ride height. All I can say is on both my 210 E55's, it didn't give anywhere near enough lowering and the springs/shocks did not appreciate it. If you want to do it right, it will take, at least, the Euro spring/ shock setup, which still may not be enough for you.
2) I'm not positive, but I don't think the OE on the 210 55 is Bilstein. I think it's Sachs. But the Bilstein would be the best way to go.
3) Again, not positive, but does Eibach even make a dedicated spring for the 210 E55? They didn't when I had my car, but they may now.
Hope any of this helps.
2) I'm not positive, but I don't think the OE on the 210 55 is Bilstein. I think it's Sachs. But the Bilstein would be the best way to go.
3) Again, not positive, but does Eibach even make a dedicated spring for the 210 E55? They didn't when I had my car, but they may now.
Hope any of this helps.
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From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Yes, I have seen some Bilsteins...
so you may be right. And I didn't say Eibach didn't make a spring for the 210. I said for the 55 210. They are not necessarily interchangeable.
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e55 amg
this is the perfect timing on thread and post, thank you gents.
i currently have HR springs and stock Bilstein shocks, though i am not sure what the last owner has on the car interms of "pads" used. the car has 19s with almost zero fender/finger gaps. the ride quality is quite nice for my taste(really like those Bilsteins dampers)
could you kindly advice which pad i should pick up from MB parts counter so i can raise the car slightly to avoid rubbing when i have passenger in the back seat
TIA
btw, MB part numbers would be great as my local dealer has no idea what i am requesting
i currently have HR springs and stock Bilstein shocks, though i am not sure what the last owner has on the car interms of "pads" used. the car has 19s with almost zero fender/finger gaps. the ride quality is quite nice for my taste(really like those Bilsteins dampers)
could you kindly advice which pad i should pick up from MB parts counter so i can raise the car slightly to avoid rubbing when i have passenger in the back seat
TIA
btw, MB part numbers would be great as my local dealer has no idea what i am requesting
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
Originally Posted by CES99E55
Do you have to redue the entire install to get the new pads in? Also can you see the pads from under the wheelwell at all?
Mario
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From: Ventura, CA
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
Originally Posted by JamE55
There's #4? 
Must be new or something but the range of pads has always been 1 to 3.
Must be new or something but the range of pads has always been 1 to 3. #1 5mm
#2 9mm
#3 13mm
#4 17mm
I'm kind of guessing on numbers but I think they are very close.
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From: East SF Bay Area
2000E55, 2003G500
Hmmmm... still a little puzzled.
At this point I think that I will get the H&R's and put #3 or #4 (fat) pads on. That will probably give me approximately 1 1/8" drop, and a little stiffer (but not too stiff) ride. Agree ??
Also - to you guys that have put the H&R SPORT springs on - I want a little stiffer cornering spring, but dont want to lose the MB "boulevard" (around town) ride quality.
Since the H&R's are progressive, I'm hoping that is what I will get - Agree ?? THX !
At this point I think that I will get the H&R's and put #3 or #4 (fat) pads on. That will probably give me approximately 1 1/8" drop, and a little stiffer (but not too stiff) ride. Agree ??
Also - to you guys that have put the H&R SPORT springs on - I want a little stiffer cornering spring, but dont want to lose the MB "boulevard" (around town) ride quality.
Since the H&R's are progressive, I'm hoping that is what I will get - Agree ?? THX !
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
Originally Posted by 2000BEAST
NOW - I want to lower this sucka about 1" (no more). Dont want to be slammed, don't want to wear a kidney belt. Can take a little stiffer spring rate (10-15%)though, for better cornering. I know the various aftermarket spring options - BUT - based on your experience (actually did this) what would you do to accomplish this 1" lowering without losing too much of the stock around town ride ?
Aftermarket springs with fat pads ? Cut Stock springs ? Interested in your opinions, I only want to do this once ... THX !
Aftermarket springs with fat pads ? Cut Stock springs ? Interested in your opinions, I only want to do this once ... THX !
Good luck
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From: Ventura County USA
'06 E55, '05 SLK55, a few others
Chappy, you're saying that the euro spec springs are different than US spec W210 E55 springs? Shorter? stiffer? both? Do the stock Bilsteins still work with them?
