W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread
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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'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 $$ in their minds.
The combo coilover + sways would be near 2k, that more than what I want to spend for now.
I guess the fundamental question would be, are sway bars sufficient to take of the lean in issue? Some people say yes and some say no. Given the car is 5 years old, it may be time for new suspension but I just spend a bundle on the car. My local shops are saying coilovers are definitely the way to go but they have $$ in their minds.
The combo coilover + sways would be near 2k, that more than what I want to spend for now.
2. Swaybars will take away a lot of the lean that you're experiencing with the stock luxury setup.
3. If you want to stay under $1,000 and keep the ride comfort, you can do the following:
- Aftermarket springs (used - there's always someone upgrading to coilovers) Anywhere from $100-250 would be reasonable, depending on what kind of springs.
- Bilstein adjustable shocks (so that you can keep it on the softest setting, which would possibly be softer than the sport shocks) Buy these new. They're the most expensive of all the things you would need, but would be worth it.
- AMG swaybars $150
OR
- Buy the entire suspension setup used from someone who upgrades their 2005-present Sport Sedan model to coilovers. I believe there are a couple people who have 2005 models that recently upgraded their swaybars, so you might want to look through the Classifieds for those.
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
OR
- Buy the entire suspension setup used from someone who upgrades their 2005-present Sport Sedan model to coilovers. I believe there are a couple people who have 2005 models that recently upgraded their swaybars, so you might want to look through the Classifieds for those.
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
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From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
Anyone know if it would be a bad idea to replace just the front springs with lowering springs and to leave the back stock. The back gap is pretty small as it is, it's just the front gap that is too big. I know the spring rates would then not match up, that's why i'm concerned.
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Anyone know if it would be a bad idea to replace just the front springs with lowering springs and to leave the back stock. The back gap is pretty small as it is, it's just the front gap that is too big. I know the spring rates would then not match up, that's why i'm concerned.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
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 $$ in their minds.
The combo coilover + sways would be near 2k, that more than what I want to spend for now.
I guess the fundamental question would be, are sway bars sufficient to take of the lean in issue? Some people say yes and some say no. Given the car is 5 years old, it may be time for new suspension but I just spend a bundle on the car. My local shops are saying coilovers are definitely the way to go but they have $$ in their minds.
The combo coilover + sways would be near 2k, that more than what I want to spend for now.
https://mbworld.org/forums/classifieds/165675-2005-c-class-sport-sedan-sway-bars-amg-sale.html
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: california
stock 2001 c320 sedan
Question about the ride difference
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
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From: california
stock 2001 c320 sedan
Question about the ride difference
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Why not save up for a couple months and do both? Or, you can always do one now and one later! The ride is much more refined now. I always describe the ride on TEIN Basics as "comfortably stiff". Definitely not as cushy as the stock suspension, but much better handling and feel of the road. There is still some body roll on turns, but definite improvement over stock. Right now I'm saving up for H&R sways in order to further eliminate body roll. To be honest, my main reason for getting the TEIN c/o's was to get my drop just right. Improved handling was an added bonus.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
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From: california
stock 2001 c320 sedan
Another question, sorry.
1. Lowering the car isn't just for "looks". When you get performance springs that shorten the amount of compression and lower the center of gravity, you'll increase handling
2. Swaybars will take away a lot of the lean that you're experiencing with the stock luxury setup.
3. If you want to stay under $1,000 and keep the ride comfort, you can do the following:
- Aftermarket springs (used - there's always someone upgrading to coilovers) Anywhere from $100-250 would be reasonable, depending on what kind of springs.
- Bilstein adjustable shocks (so that you can keep it on the softest setting, which would possibly be softer than the sport shocks) Buy these new. They're the most expensive of all the things you would need, but would be worth it.
- AMG swaybars $150
OR
- Buy the entire suspension setup used from someone who upgrades their 2005-present Sport Sedan model to coilovers. I believe there are a couple people who have 2005 models that recently upgraded their swaybars, so you might want to look through the Classifieds for those.
2. Swaybars will take away a lot of the lean that you're experiencing with the stock luxury setup.
3. If you want to stay under $1,000 and keep the ride comfort, you can do the following:
- Aftermarket springs (used - there's always someone upgrading to coilovers) Anywhere from $100-250 would be reasonable, depending on what kind of springs.
- Bilstein adjustable shocks (so that you can keep it on the softest setting, which would possibly be softer than the sport shocks) Buy these new. They're the most expensive of all the things you would need, but would be worth it.
- AMG swaybars $150
OR
- Buy the entire suspension setup used from someone who upgrades their 2005-present Sport Sedan model to coilovers. I believe there are a couple people who have 2005 models that recently upgraded their swaybars, so you might want to look through the Classifieds for those.
About lowering the car with the coilovers. Does lowering the car with the coilovers change the ground clearance as well? So some reason, a lot of parking lots I'm at has speed bumps.
I suppose it changes the suspension travel but the stiffer springs should reduce the likelihood of bottoming out. Correct?
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
About lowering the car with the coilovers. Does lowering the car with the coilovers change the ground clearance as well? So some reason, a lot of parking lots I'm at has speed bumps.
I suppose it changes the suspension travel but the stiffer springs should reduce the likelihood of bottoming out. Correct?
I suppose it changes the suspension travel but the stiffer springs should reduce the likelihood of bottoming out. Correct?
Stiffer springs don't necessarily "guarantee" your car bottoming out. If you're running on stock shocks, it's still gonna allow the springs to compress/decompress everytime you hit a bump. Stiffer springs only shortens the amount of travel, but doesn't change the amount of dampening there is when the car hits a bump. That's why, when people lower the car with springs and keep the stock shocks, the shocks have a tendancy to go bad faster than what would be considered "normal".
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: n.y.c
2k1 c320, 2k5 wrangler, cbr 929
c240 do u tell that to every1 that is looking 4 answers,i work 12hours per day trying to save pples lives,i be lucky if i get to post a thread and follow up on it 1s a week.... i,m not lazy; i just dont have time, it be gr8 if i get a yes/no answer,is that too much to ask.
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Mercedes is gone physically, but still in my heart.
c240 do u tell that to every1 that is looking 4 answers,i work 12hours per day trying to save pples lives,i be lucky if i get to post a thread and follow up on it 1s a week.... i,m not lazy; i just dont have time, it be gr8 if i get a yes/no answer,is that too much to ask.
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From: EU-Cyprus
2003-c230K 2001-c230k sportcoupe - 1998 A190 - 2008 Smart Fortwo Brabus
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From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
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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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Well i though i had it all figure out i had my Control arm replace for free at the Dealer the noise was gone for a few days then i started hearing the clunking again so yesterday i check it out myself again and i tighten the Sway Bar end links and the noise stop so all the clunking is coming from the end links it doesnt look or feel loose when the car is jacked up but i guess when the car is not jacked up the weight makes it jiggle around while driving causing the clunking knocking sound. i don't know why it keep getting loose am not sure if its because of the tein struts has a bigger hole where the links goes but i am going to double nut the end links and used some loctight on the weekend i let you guys know how this goes.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,152
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From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
is there some sort of Special tools they use to tighten this i think i need the Female & Male Torx Tool set
Last edited by WaveyKat; Oct 26, 2006 at 08:26 PM.
