W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Jakarta
1996 MB E320 & 2010 Nissan Elgrand
Originally Posted by drexappeal
The rear can be lower if they left the spring pads on. Shouldn't be using the spring pads if you have coilovers.
I guess I will bring my car back to the shop and tell them to take off the pads. Thanks Drex.
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From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
I know it is advised to change your shocks when using springs like the H&R ones. Do the shocks on the early W203 (Pre MY 04.5) sports models wear just as fast as if it were the non sport suspension with aftermarket springs. Ofcourse the springs are a cheaper option, which is what i'm looking for. College is expensive!! I may save for the cup kit, but not if the stock sport shocks can withstand the aftermarket springs well.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 187
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From: Austin,Texas
2005 C230SS
I have an 03 C230SS and the gap between the tire and wheel well is huge in the front (3 fingers gap). I was sitting next to a new C230SS today and noticed that it was approx an inch lower than my setup. Could I hypothetically just change out my 2003 springs with 2004.5 or later springs and get away with it or would I need the shocks too? Anyone getting rid of their stock setup? 
Mike
Mike
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 21
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From: new york
C 240 4-matic wagon
for anyone that cares Vogtland was the only company that offered to make custom springs for my 4-matic, and for what i think is a good price, it was about 200 per spring. They wanted a stock front spring and a few weeks r&d time. I still have not done this yet.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
I know it is advised to change your shocks when using springs like the H&R ones. Do the shocks on the early W203 (Pre MY 04.5) sports models wear just as fast as if it were the non sport suspension with aftermarket springs. Ofcourse the springs are a cheaper option, which is what i'm looking for. College is expensive!! I may save for the cup kit, but not if the stock sport shocks can withstand the aftermarket springs well.
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From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
I have had a slight knocking sound from the front driver side suspension since I got the car (had TEIN's installed the same day), but figured it was a bushing, loose control/thrust arm or something. When I took it in to the dealer to have it checked, they said they wouldn't touch the suspension because I had aftermarket parts. The sound I've heard is a hollow knock when driving on bumpy roads. I never hear anything during regular freeway or surface street driving. Hope it's not a blown shock bottoming out, but since it's been there from day one, I figure that's unlikely.
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
I never got mine fixed yet. I'm guessing it's a control/thrust arm bushing that needs to be replaced or a bad sway bar endlink. I'll get it looked at during my next service.
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
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From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
well i got the parts from frank at santa barbara auto cuz the deal was trying to rip a brother off... the noise started happing after i change the suspension to tein but i tried not to pay it any attention then about 4 months ago i had take the car into the stealership and they told me i need new thrust arm & endlinks, i think the cost with labor was close to $1300.. i was like u guys a freaking crazy so i then called frank @ SBA and i did the install myself. but i still was hearing the nosie but the parts that was removed were busted up.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
well i got the parts from frank at santa barbara auto cuz the deal was trying to rip a brother off... the noise started happing after i change the suspension to tein but i tried not to pay it any attention then about 4 months ago i had take the car into the stealership and they told me i need new thrust arm & endlinks, i think the cost with labor was close to $1300.. i was like u guys a freaking crazy so i then called frank @ SBA and i did the install myself. but i still was hearing the nosie but the parts that was removed were busted up.
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 4,152
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From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
so today i went looking under the car to see if i can see where this Hollow knocking sound is coming from everything under the car in the front suspension look fine untill i saw that the thrust arm/control arm the balljoint thing at the end the rubber part around it looked busted o am guessing this is where the knocking sound is coming from see pictures attach.
this is not mines but just a pic to show the thrust arm/control arm ball join rubber part
now these are pictures from my camera phone of the drive side of my car thrust arm/control arm ball joint
look how the black rubber looks
Now these picture are of the passanger side u can tell the difference
now am off to go order some new arms i will let u guys know if this stop the hollow knocking sound.
the thing that causes this to go bad is New York Streets ONLY...... and if u hit some potholes
this is not mines but just a pic to show the thrust arm/control arm ball join rubber part
now these are pictures from my camera phone of the drive side of my car thrust arm/control arm ball joint
look how the black rubber looks
Now these picture are of the passanger side u can tell the difference
now am off to go order some new arms i will let u guys know if this stop the hollow knocking sound.
the thing that causes this to go bad is New York Streets ONLY...... and if u hit some potholes
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Wow...glad you figured it out, cuz I looked all around and couldn't find anything wrong with my limited knowledge. Then again, I didn't know what to look for! Let me know what parts you end up ordering and I'll have to do the same. I figure I might as well change the arms on both sides while I'm at it.
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PLEASE NOTE: I've been compiling this information over the past year and never got the time to filter it down, correct it etc., but I figured it would be helpful.
Also, this is mainly for “newbies” that want to know what suspension options they have for this car (so that there's no excuse for starting a "new" thread on this topic), as well as a "refresher" for "oldies" that still haven't changed their OEM set up. Just another one of “drexappeal’s helpful hints”.
Also, this is mainly for “newbies” that want to know what suspension options they have for this car (so that there's no excuse for starting a "new" thread on this topic), as well as a "refresher" for "oldies" that still haven't changed their OEM set up. Just another one of “drexappeal’s helpful hints”.
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From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
Thanks for the compliments. Wheel size was not even a question for me since the roads I drive on for work are awful. 18" was the maximum I could go without worrying too much about bending my wheels or blowing out tires. The ride isn't as "comfy" as stock, but I prefer the lower ride height, improved handling, responsive feel with the TEIN's.
For reference, here is a picture of my sedan with TEIN Basic c/o's and the rear wasn't even all the way down.
For reference, here is a picture of my sedan with TEIN Basic c/o's and the rear wasn't even all the way down.
say if i wanted to get more hieght just a little more is it safe to used the OEM spring pad ?? if i cut the spring pad in half or just a few millimeter thick to get more hieght is this safe does anyone know??
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
This is how my car looks with 18" wheels and coilover in the rear adjusted all the way to the hieghtest setting well it still have like to thread remaining on the adjuster thingy
say if i wanted to get more hieght just a little more is it safe to used the OEM spring pad ?? if i cut the spring pad in half or just a few millimeter thick to get more hieght is this safe does anyone know??
say if i wanted to get more hieght just a little more is it safe to used the OEM spring pad ?? if i cut the spring pad in half or just a few millimeter thick to get more hieght is this safe does anyone know??
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Then I did the R&D for the 230 SS and Justinius7 did the R&D for the 320 coupe (for TEIN).
Just been editing this thread every now and then (after becoming a moderator).
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 233
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From: Vancouver, BC
C230 coupe, 335i
On my pss9's, the front didn't go that low, still had about 1-1.5 finger gap when I adjusted it all the way down.
Handling on the pss9 is night and day difference compared to the H&R.
If you don't mind having a bumpy ride, you'll be very happy with them.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
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From: california
stock 2001 c320 sedan
Decision question on sway bars or coilovers
Hello everyone,
I'm trying to decide what is the best option for me.
I bought a used 2001 C320 sedan that has the stock suspension on it. I like the ride during normal operations of the car. The only thing I can't stand is the lean ins during sharp turns. Two options I'm considering. Upgrade suspension to either TEIN or H&R coilovers or adding anti-sway bars. I'm not going for looks so lowering the car is not a priority.
What would people recommend to simply take care of the chassis lean? Cost wise, the coilovers are more expensive by roughly double but it's more of a full upgrade. As far as I can tell, my struts and shocks are still good. Any opinion or recommendation would be greatly appreciated. TIA.
I'm trying to decide what is the best option for me.
I bought a used 2001 C320 sedan that has the stock suspension on it. I like the ride during normal operations of the car. The only thing I can't stand is the lean ins during sharp turns. Two options I'm considering. Upgrade suspension to either TEIN or H&R coilovers or adding anti-sway bars. I'm not going for looks so lowering the car is not a priority.
What would people recommend to simply take care of the chassis lean? Cost wise, the coilovers are more expensive by roughly double but it's more of a full upgrade. As far as I can tell, my struts and shocks are still good. Any opinion or recommendation would be greatly appreciated. TIA.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Hello everyone,
I'm trying to decide what is the best option for me.
I bought a used 2001 C320 sedan that has the stock suspension on it. I like the ride during normal operations of the car. The only thing I can't stand is the lean ins during sharp turns. Two options I'm considering. Upgrade suspension to either TEIN or H&R coilovers or adding anti-sway bars. I'm not going for looks so lowering the car is not a priority.
What would people recommend to simply take care of the chassis lean? Cost wise, the coilovers are more expensive by roughly double but it's more of a full upgrade. As far as I can tell, my struts and shocks are still good. Any opinion or recommendation would be greatly appreciated. TIA.
I'm trying to decide what is the best option for me.
I bought a used 2001 C320 sedan that has the stock suspension on it. I like the ride during normal operations of the car. The only thing I can't stand is the lean ins during sharp turns. Two options I'm considering. Upgrade suspension to either TEIN or H&R coilovers or adding anti-sway bars. I'm not going for looks so lowering the car is not a priority.
What would people recommend to simply take care of the chassis lean? Cost wise, the coilovers are more expensive by roughly double but it's more of a full upgrade. As far as I can tell, my struts and shocks are still good. Any opinion or recommendation would be greatly appreciated. TIA.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
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From: california
stock 2001 c320 sedan
Budgets for suspension
I'm hoping to keep it under 1K. Of course, the lower the better.
I guess the fundamental question would be, are sway bars sufficient to take of the lean in issue? Some people say yes and some say no. Given the car is 5 years old, it may be time for new suspension but I just spend a bundle on the car. My local shops are saying coilovers are definitely the way to go but they have $$ in their minds.
The combo coilover + sways would be near 2k, that more than what I want to spend for now.
