dsb

There's been alot of discussion regarding aftermarket springs and spring pads for the SLK. I recently purchased some #4 pads from MB and thought that some members would benefit from this information. Note: I originally got the spring pad part numbers from FGWINN on BW.

Rear suspension pads:
(#1 - lowest ... #4 highest)
210 325 01 84 - #1
210 325 02 84 - #2
210 325 03 84 - #3
210 325 04 84 - #4

In speaking to the MB part center, it seems that the #1 pad is approx. 1mm thick and each pad increases by 6mm in thickness. These pads are at a cost of $10 each. They are only used on the rear spring. I purchased #4 pads because I plan to install Brabus springs and understand that many tend to rub with 10" wide wheels in the rear.

There are 4 pics attached. Pics 1 & 2 are simply the #4 pad itself. Note the number of 'knobs' indicate it's size.

Pics 3 & 4 are taken upside down with my camera. Once my car was jacked up slightly, I was able to feel the number of 'knobs' on my OE spring pads. Apparently, they were #3 pads. This, of course, can vary from car to car and even side to side.

So, for those of you that are having rubbing issues, I would recommend you raise the rear of your car. Feel around for the top of the spring and you will find the spring pad. Identify what size you have by counting the 'knobs.' If possible, try to get a thicker pad.

Hope this helps someone out there!

Ynot

Interesting, thanks for the info, I didn't notice these knobs when I installed the springs.

dsb

I just wanted to correct my previous post. The pad thickness is as follows:

210 325 01 84 - #1 5mm
210 325 02 84 - #2 9mm
210 325 03 84 - #3 13mm
210 325 04 84 - #4 17mm

FYI, I had the Brabus springs installed. The front dropped more than expected but I am pleasantly suprised by the ride and look. I changed the rear from a #3 pad to a #4. That was a mistake. The result was too much gap in the rear. I will be changing it down to a #1 or #2 pad. I'll do this after the springs settle a little longer. BTW, I haven't aligned the car yet. I hope it doesn't cause any problems. Right now, nothing rubs and the ride feels like OEM.

art@kronen

C'mon dsb, tell us who install your brabus springs?

dsb

Damn bro! You are fast. I just posted! LOL

Give credit where credit's due!

Yes, the great guys at Kronen did the install. They are a great group of guys to work with. I know I'll be back to do more work with them. Besides, I still need to have my car aligned. Of course, I'll probably get some more stuff too. Just need a good bonus check.

PS. It was crappy, rainy weather when I went down to Kronen. I also hit traffic coming home. I spent a total of 5 hours on the road that day! All that being said, it was still worth it to work with you guys! PSS. Tell Jesse I want to see his car after the mods!

Thanks,

Dan

dinko

Dan, glad to see things worked out! You need to post some pics so we can check that bad boy out now.

No rubbing even on bumps? Even with two people in the car?

This is very tempting to me as I would LOVE to lower my ride again. Would you have any suggestions for me if I decide to do it again with no rubbing this time?

dsb

Dinko, I'll keep this short cuz I have to hurry and get ready for a wedding!

First, thanks for all your support!

Second, I'm still not out of the woods yet. Since I have not lowered the rears completely, there is still a chance it will rub. I have #4 pads on the rear now. Currentl, the front has roughly 3/4" gap but the rear has 1 1/8" gap. If I change from #4 to #1, the rear gap should go to about 5/8". That would look good.


What's still to be determined....

Will changing to a thinner pad cause rubbing?
Will it rub once alignment is done and camber is adjusted?

I will absolutely keep you updated. I know what look you desired. If my car does in fact keep from rubbing, I will inform you of what you need.

Dan

art@kronen

Thank you DSB! We are still waiting for you to purchase the Carlsson front lip!

Ynot

If the SLK55 is similiar to the SLK350, no rear adjustment needed, mine barely rubbed and if I get thicker pads, it will definatley help. Can't wait to see pics of the whole car.

dsb

Ynot,

I am currently waiting for #1 pads from the dealership. My current setup doesn't rub at all even with aggressive driving. However, I have not aligned my car yet so who's to say if it will afterwards.

The question I have for you is this... Did you align the car immediately after the springs were installed? Did you give them time to settle first? This is simply out of curiosity. Either way, I will first install the #1 pads, test drive it a little, then get it aligned. I just wanted to know what to expect.

Thanks,

Dan

art@kronen

Brabus springs can do wonder

Ynot

No, I drove around 1 1/2 week before I took it to get aligned, I thought that was standard practice, to allow it to settle, otherwise you might have to re-align it again. I could be wrong. My friends and I all do the same, drive it around a week or two then align it.

dsb

Hey guys,

Here's some current pics. I am torn whether or not I should install #1 pads in the rear. Currently, I have #4 pads. The difference would drop it about 1/2" in the rear. What do you think? Should I do it or not?

Ynot

Can't tell from your pics, it looks alright but if it doesn't rub, I would go a little lower to give it a more aggressive look. Brushed alum matches your SLK perfectly, normally I prefer darker wheels for a dark color car.

SaRiDi

Nice wheels,

Any side shot of the car?

dsb

Yeah...

SaRiDi

Umm...yea, the rear look a bit too high. But #1 pad may go too low and make the front rise up. Why don't you give your stock pad a try?

dsb

It's funny, they are sitting on #4 pads. I originally had #3 pads. I now am waiting for #1 pads from the dealer. If they are too low, I will order #2 pads. Will I be the first to own every size pad!