190Newbee

Need to replace the struts/shocks – front and back on my son’s 190E, 2.3, 1993 (110K Miles). My son would like to lower the car since it’s only going to add the cost of the springs.

Can anyone share their experience with lowering the suspension? Are there any good kit’s available (incl. both springs and shocks/struts)?


Thanks

MTI

Much depends on "how low" you want to go. The minimalist amount of lowering might be accomplished by changing the spring pads/perches (black rubber caps at the top of each coil spring) to a thinner one. The different sizes were used by Mercedes to level the cars depending on what factory options were installed, to compensate for the differing weights.

You might be able to locate Mercedes Sportline springs, which was a factory option in the early 90's that lowered the car approximately 1/2" and used HD struts and shocks.

Eibach, H&R, Intrax, and other makers had "pro-kits" and other names for springs that lowered the car roughly 1.5" and it is highly recommended that these be used with Sport shocks, not the OEM or HD's because of their effect on the piston stroke. I'm using the Eibach springs with Bilstein sport shocks. The setup has these results: on the highway, at speed, the suspension is much more responsive and can corner at higher speed without feeling loose. However, in the city, at street speeds, you will feel the road irregularities and the ride is much more harsh. Speed bumps will give you a jolt if you're not careful.

Finally there are two extreme options, the H&R cup kit, which lowers at least 2" or more and is a custom combination of springs and struts/shocks and custom cut SL500 coils. Close to race car suspensions that will give your body a good shaking if you're driving on anything less than a perfect surface.

190Newbee

Great insight, Thanks. With your setup, how much is the car lowered? Do you have the product ID on the springs, rear shocks and front struts, and can you share the info with me?

Thanks

MTI

Eibach 2513.140 ProKit. The lowering was approximately 1.25" which is not "slammed" or "tucked" but when you compare the ride height to other cars, you're noticably lower. My window sills are now lower than most Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords.

The next step is to add some larger sway bars, front and back, to reduce that last bit of body roll.

g4hacker

is theres a place (a web site), where i can get a suspention components for a good price. I have a 300e that needs shocks replaced, and i was thinking the same thing - lowering it. the only place i found that sells the parts at a reasonable price is tirerack.com.

MTI

The web is a great place to look. In addition to the forum sponsors, have a look at

www.shox.com
www.autowerkes.com
www.supremepower.com

190Newbee

I read on the 190Evolution forum that you need a new camber kit (front and back) if you lower the car. Is that correct?

MTI

The need for additional camber correction will depend on how much lowering and the wheel/tire combination used.

190Newbee

Lower about 1" to 1and 1/4" (25 - 30 mm). Tires, standard tire/rim right off the bat, then upgrade to a 16/17 rim (when and if the right deal arrives) but not ultra wide (none or minimun mod. of fender - don't want to re-paint).

rahoul

i've lowered mine about an inch (eibach springs and shocks) and thats enough. Any more and thered be rubbing at full compression of the shocks, it does sometimes bump when ive got a fully loaded car but not considerably. I think i just have a lot of fat *** friends.....

The handling is improved a hundred fold, cornering at speed is much sharper. Im thinking of getting a strut tower brace, but the Germanic Firmness of the chassis is pretty good.