W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 110
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From: vancouver canada
2001 c240, 65 MG Midget...5.0L V8
lowering, need help plz!!
hey guys i wanna lower my car a little bit (about 1.5") and i was looking at the H&R sports springs, does anyone use these , how is the ride? are they progressive or linear? do i have to change my shocks?
does anyone have any other suggestions on lowring my cra. i wanna give it the stance and performance of a bit of lowering but i don't wanna go full out on a 3" coilover race kit.
does anyone have any other suggestions on lowring my cra. i wanna give it the stance and performance of a bit of lowering but i don't wanna go full out on a 3" coilover race kit.
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
hey guys i wanna lower my car a little bit (about 1.5") and i was looking at the H&R sports springs, does anyone use these , how is the ride? are they progressive or linear? do i have to change my shocks?
does anyone have any other suggestions on lowring my cra. i wanna give it the stance and performance of a bit of lowering but i don't wanna go full out on a 3" coilover race kit.
does anyone have any other suggestions on lowring my cra. i wanna give it the stance and performance of a bit of lowering but i don't wanna go full out on a 3" coilover race kit.
BTW...just merged your question with the "official" suspension thread. Any future questions can be answered here by READING.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 110
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From: vancouver canada
2001 c240, 65 MG Midget...5.0L V8
ok i'm finally going to buy lowering springs but i'm confused so i need a final advice:
considering i want a max 1.5 " drop but balance the front and rear fender gap (so drop the front more). smooth ride. no rubbing. possibly keep stock shocks do i go for:
1) eibach pro street/ stock shocks
2) H&R sport springs /stock shocks
3)either with bilstien (not preferred...expensive)
4)either with their brnad shocks ( kind of expensive but i think i need new shocks anyway, how can i tell btw?)
and why?
could you guys quickly help me make a decision
thanks
considering i want a max 1.5 " drop but balance the front and rear fender gap (so drop the front more). smooth ride. no rubbing. possibly keep stock shocks do i go for:
1) eibach pro street/ stock shocks
2) H&R sport springs /stock shocks
3)either with bilstien (not preferred...expensive)
4)either with their brnad shocks ( kind of expensive but i think i need new shocks anyway, how can i tell btw?)
and why?
could you guys quickly help me make a decision
thanks
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
ok i'm finally going to buy lowering springs but i'm confused so i need a final advice:
considering i want a max 1.5 " drop but balance the front and rear fender gap (so drop the front more). smooth ride. no rubbing. possibly keep stock shocks do i go for:
1) eibach pro street/ stock shocks
2) H&R sport springs /stock shocks
3)either with bilstien (not preferred...expensive)
4)either with their brnad shocks ( kind of expensive but i think i need new shocks anyway, how can i tell btw?)
and why?
could you guys quickly help me make a decision
thanks
considering i want a max 1.5 " drop but balance the front and rear fender gap (so drop the front more). smooth ride. no rubbing. possibly keep stock shocks do i go for:
1) eibach pro street/ stock shocks
2) H&R sport springs /stock shocks
3)either with bilstien (not preferred...expensive)
4)either with their brnad shocks ( kind of expensive but i think i need new shocks anyway, how can i tell btw?)
and why?
could you guys quickly help me make a decision
thanks
What is your budget (including install, unless you're planning on installing yourself)? From what you indicated on your list, it looks like you're trying to do this on a budget, so we need to know that first in order to give you more of a definitive answer.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 110
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From: vancouver canada
2001 c240, 65 MG Midget...5.0L V8
well, if i definetley need new shocks then my budget would be arround the 700-800 CDN which is a little more than what stock shocks would have costed me anyway (about 500)
if i don't need new shocks then about 350, but i don't know if i do need shocks, my suspensions is a little bumpy and i feel most irregularities on the road (stock 16" wheels with yokahama tires)
if i don't need new shocks then about 350, but i don't know if i do need shocks, my suspensions is a little bumpy and i feel most irregularities on the road (stock 16" wheels with yokahama tires)
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
well, if i definetley need new shocks then my budget would be arround the 700-800 CDN which is a little more than what stock shocks would have costed me anyway (about 500)
if i don't need new shocks then about 350, but i don't know if i do need shocks, my suspensions is a little bumpy and i feel most irregularities on the road (stock 16" wheels with yokahama tires)
if i don't need new shocks then about 350, but i don't know if i do need shocks, my suspensions is a little bumpy and i feel most irregularities on the road (stock 16" wheels with yokahama tires)
You actually have several different options with those types of price ranges (especially if you're doing the install yourself).
I would either get H&R springs (used, cuz brand new H&R are expensive) w/ Koni adjustable shocks OR TEIN Basic coilovers. That may bring you a little over your budget, but shouldn't be that much more. And since you have a 2001 240, it'll be a good amount of drop from what you have stock. I think the 240 stock spring pad (search if you don't know what that is, cuz there's a thread about those) is #4, so depending on how it looks with that you have a choice of 4 different ones for pad thickness (used with springs only, not with coilovers) that will change the ride height in the rear.
Now, if you really want to stick within your budget, the most "affordable" springs brand new would be TEIN S-tech springs. The most "affordable" shocks is a little more difficult. Shocks are wear and tear, so if you don't have coilovers, there are options but all of them will be a 'bit pricey.
What I would do, if I were on that budget and couldn't get fully adjustable coilovers, is go with either Eibach or H&R springs with Koni Adjustable shocks. Thing is, I probably would also wait until I could afford fully adjustable (i.e. ride height and damper adjustable) coilovers (i.e. Bilstein PSS-9, Carlsson RS, KW-V2, or TEIN Super Street).
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Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 110
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From: vancouver canada
2001 c240, 65 MG Midget...5.0L V8
thanks drex, its not only that i can't afford it at the moment i just don't wanna go full out on the car cause i'm probably going to replace it in a couple of years (maybe a w204 
)
so i wanna keep it basic, but still enjow it for the next while. so i will probably go with H&R or eibach (which one???) . i haven't shopped arround too much for koni prices are they much cheaper then bilstein shocks? is the performance worst for the lower price?
thanks
)so i wanna keep it basic, but still enjow it for the next while. so i will probably go with H&R or eibach (which one???) . i haven't shopped arround too much for koni prices are they much cheaper then bilstein shocks? is the performance worst for the lower price?
thanks
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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
thanks drex, its not only that i can't afford it at the moment i just don't wanna go full out on the car cause i'm probably going to replace it in a couple of years (maybe a w204 )
so i wanna keep it basic, but still enjow it for the next while. so i will probably go with H&R or eibach (which one???) . i haven't shopped arround too much for koni prices are they much cheaper then bilstein shocks? is the performance worst for the lower price?
thanks
)so i wanna keep it basic, but still enjow it for the next while. so i will probably go with H&R or eibach (which one???) . i haven't shopped arround too much for koni prices are they much cheaper then bilstein shocks? is the performance worst for the lower price?
thanks
If you'd rather just keep it basic, get the Eibach's (more affordable than H&R's) and be done with it. Don't get shocks because if your intention isn't to keep the car very long, you should be okay with stock shocks. Now, if you definitely need new shocks, not sure what the price difference is between Bilstein's and Koni's, but the Koni's are adjustable, so that puts them at a one-up from the Bilstein shocks.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: little ferry nj
08 Silver Lexus IS250 (manual),73 air cooled super beetle-- black 2004 230 ss is gone
Gotta agree with Drex. I have Koni's & Eibach's on my '04 and the ride is still pretty good. Ability to adjust makes a big difference and I was able to find new Koni's on E-Bay for $500.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 110
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From: vancouver canada
2001 c240, 65 MG Midget...5.0L V8
alright thanks guys, it narrowd it down quite a bit. i'll get H&R (the price difference is not much and it lowers the ride an extra 0.5 cm) and i'll get the koni's since i do think i need shocks.
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
But overall, I'd say that I agree with the Basic's (thinking of the price range). Reality would be that I'd save up for fully-adjustables.
Member
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From: vancouver canada
2001 c240, 65 MG Midget...5.0L V8
yeah that c/o idea keeps lurking arround...but i was talking to bilstein tech support about their c/o system and he told me the that once you get into c/o rather than sealed shokcs you start getting into the headaches to prevent dirt from getting into it and if it gets cold it actually might seize up and stuff. c/o are great for race cars but they are just an overkill for street driving no matter how agressive it is...at least that's my opinion
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
yeah that c/o idea keeps lurking arround...but i was talking to bilstein tech support about their c/o system and he told me the that once you get into c/o rather than sealed shokcs you start getting into the headaches to prevent dirt from getting into it and if it gets cold it actually might seize up and stuff. c/o are great for race cars but they are just an overkill for street driving no matter how agressive it is...at least that's my opinion
https://mbworld.org/forums/search.php
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 110
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From: vancouver canada
2001 c240, 65 MG Midget...5.0L V8
Okay...do what you like. Information is there. I freakin' spoon-fed it to you. Now go do more reading and research. There are tons of posts about people installing suspension on their cars and their experiences with different types. It's time for you to use this:
https://mbworld.org/forums/search.php
https://mbworld.org/forums/search.php
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6
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O7 c230, O7 335 E90
Too funny!!!
seriusly though im a noob here but not to other forums! I do realize the search button is the KEY and GOLD to the forums!
for example within 5min this morning i had pulled up a full DIY on the ipod aux cable!
THANK GOD FOR SEARCH!!!
so SEARCHING and seeing all my options!
I want coilovers For sure! I have Kw v2 on my 07 355. and would really like to get Kw for the benz too! Know that said how do the Kw rate against the billstein or what is the best coilover for the benz that has the most adjustablity??
seriusly though im a noob here but not to other forums! I do realize the search button is the KEY and GOLD to the forums!
for example within 5min this morning i had pulled up a full DIY on the ipod aux cable!
THANK GOD FOR SEARCH!!!
so SEARCHING and seeing all my options!
I want coilovers For sure! I have Kw v2 on my 07 355. and would really like to get Kw for the benz too! Know that said how do the Kw rate against the billstein or what is the best coilover for the benz that has the most adjustablity??
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
Too funny!!!
seriusly though im a noob here but not to other forums! I do realize the search button is the KEY and GOLD to the forums!
for example within 5min this morning i had pulled up a full DIY on the ipod aux cable!
THANK GOD FOR SEARCH!!!
so SEARCHING and seeing all my options!
I want coilovers For sure! I have Kw v2 on my 07 355. and would really like to get Kw for the benz too! Know that said how do the Kw rate against the billstein or what is the best coilover for the benz that has the most adjustablity??
seriusly though im a noob here but not to other forums! I do realize the search button is the KEY and GOLD to the forums!
for example within 5min this morning i had pulled up a full DIY on the ipod aux cable!
THANK GOD FOR SEARCH!!!
so SEARCHING and seeing all my options!
I want coilovers For sure! I have Kw v2 on my 07 355. and would really like to get Kw for the benz too! Know that said how do the Kw rate against the billstein or what is the best coilover for the benz that has the most adjustablity??
Welcome to the forums.
As for which coilovers are "better" that's really dependent on each individual's perspective. Sounds like you're going for fully-adjustable coilovers for your '07. That being said, the most cost effective ones that have the most adjusting points are the TEIN Super Street's (16 adjustment points for the dampers)...But, that doesn't necessarily mean they are the "best".
I can't remember how many points of adjustment the KW's have, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are similar to the ones you have on your 355. If you were happy with the KW's for your 355, then that's probably the route you'll want to take. KW's run a little more than the TEIN's, but I'm pretty sure it's only a couple hundred more (not positive though).
Bilstein's have had rave reviews on the w203's (especially because they were less expenssive than the Carlsson RS coilovers), but you've also got to take into consideration the fact that a lot of the reviews were prior to the KW v2's and especially the TEIN SS's were available.
Good luck with the choice. Any way you go with the coilovers, I'm sure you'll be satisfied as all the setups that are available have gotten good reviews.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6
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O7 c230, O7 335 E90
thanks for the super fast response!
Ya i dont really mind paying the xtra bit of cash for the kw's.
I really like them alot on my 335 for the fact they can get really soft or really hard.I like the fact the car is slammed yet still rides as soft as stock.
So i guess what im asking is what are the most comfortable coilovers? I want to get the car low but without that jarring bouncing ride that most coilovers give.
I plan on putting 19's staggered on it as well all at the same time just trying to get it all lined up! Yes i will do it all myself so would u sugeest doing the sway bars as well? what r the best ones? i see alot of u have the eibach??
Ya i dont really mind paying the xtra bit of cash for the kw's.
I really like them alot on my 335 for the fact they can get really soft or really hard.I like the fact the car is slammed yet still rides as soft as stock.
So i guess what im asking is what are the most comfortable coilovers? I want to get the car low but without that jarring bouncing ride that most coilovers give.
I plan on putting 19's staggered on it as well all at the same time just trying to get it all lined up! Yes i will do it all myself so would u sugeest doing the sway bars as well? what r the best ones? i see alot of u have the eibach??
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
thanks for the super fast response!
Ya i dont really mind paying the xtra bit of cash for the kw's.
I really like them alot on my 335 for the fact they can get really soft or really hard.I like the fact the car is slammed yet still rides as soft as stock.
So i guess what im asking is what are the most comfortable coilovers? I want to get the car low but without that jarring bouncing ride that most coilovers give.
I plan on putting 19's staggered on it as well all at the same time just trying to get it all lined up! Yes i will do it all myself so would u sugeest doing the sway bars as well? what r the best ones? i see alot of u have the eibach??
Ya i dont really mind paying the xtra bit of cash for the kw's.
I really like them alot on my 335 for the fact they can get really soft or really hard.I like the fact the car is slammed yet still rides as soft as stock.
So i guess what im asking is what are the most comfortable coilovers? I want to get the car low but without that jarring bouncing ride that most coilovers give.
I plan on putting 19's staggered on it as well all at the same time just trying to get it all lined up! Yes i will do it all myself so would u sugeest doing the sway bars as well? what r the best ones? i see alot of u have the eibach??
Yes. Definitely get swaybars, although...since you have a 2007 you may not need to do it (since the 2005+ models have upgraded suspension parts, which include the swaybars). Your setup is 22/13 (AMG is 22/16), so your sport swaybars are good as they are (compared to older/luxury models). That being said, if you still want to upgrade that, you can search for swaybar threads. Here is one to start you off:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...rabus+swaybars
An yes, my car handles really well (almost too well).
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: sf
04' c230 sedan, 06' e90
hi everyone, i'm new to this forum but i've owned the c230 for the past 4years. i just decided to start modding it cuz i was spending a lot of time modding my e90. i stuck between getting H&R coilovers or KW V1s. i'm feeling more toward the KW and i've read all the pages but is there anything i need to get besides the coilovers??? i.e camber kits, spacers. I'm planning to go as low as no finger gap in the front and 1 finger gap in the rear and i'm riding on stock C7s and stock tires. any help will be nice because i plan on getting them very soon and should be putting something in about a week later. Thanks Jackie
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
hi everyone, i'm new to this forum but i've owned the c230 for the past 4years. i just decided to start modding it cuz i was spending a lot of time modding my e90. i stuck between getting H&R coilovers or KW V1s. i'm feeling more toward the KW and i've read all the pages but is there anything i need to get besides the coilovers??? i.e camber kits, spacers. I'm planning to go as low as no finger gap in the front and 1 finger gap in the rear and i'm riding on stock C7s and stock tires. any help will be nice because i plan on getting them very soon and should be putting something in about a week later. Thanks Jackie
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 49
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From: sf
04' c230 sedan, 06' e90
No finger gap in the front and 1 finger gap in the rear will give your car a ridiculous rake since the W203's are built with a higher fender in front. If you don't want the tucked look, the appropriate drop would be no finger gap in the rear and 1 finger gap in front. Otherwise, no gap in front and tucked tread in the rear. I would guess that in order to get no gap in front with H&R or KW c/o's, you might need a 5mm spacer to clear the coils. Camber kits would definitely help correct the alignment, but they're not necessary. Good luck!
