W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Boston
2004 C32 ///AMG
ok... so i've read though about 4 pages of this thread and wanted to get some feedback. i know there are alot of options out there and i'm not sure if its worth it to dish out for coilovers. here are the three things i value in order:
1. durability (i dont want other parts to wear out quickly b/c of a unbalanced setup)
2. comfort (i want the ride to be comfortable like stock)
3. performance (duh....)
my budget range is 600-1300 and i am deciding to do suspension instead of bixenons because that can wait. (of course i dont want to spend my max amount if i dont have to!)
a few ideas from reading around:
1. eibach lowering kit
2. H&R cup kit
3. Bilstein Sport Shock/H&R Sport Spring combo
4. KW V2 coilovers
5. H&R coilovers
some maybe out of my range... but if i go for something more expensive, i will probably plan to install myself to save money.
any suggestions for the best value for the price if my goals are comfort, looks, and peformance? (i doubt i will adjust after they're on)
**i also noticed that some people change their pads i guess for ride height?... but anyways, i dont want to do more than i have to
1. durability (i dont want other parts to wear out quickly b/c of a unbalanced setup)
2. comfort (i want the ride to be comfortable like stock)
3. performance (duh....)
my budget range is 600-1300 and i am deciding to do suspension instead of bixenons because that can wait. (of course i dont want to spend my max amount if i dont have to!)
a few ideas from reading around:
1. eibach lowering kit
2. H&R cup kit
3. Bilstein Sport Shock/H&R Sport Spring combo
4. KW V2 coilovers
5. H&R coilovers
some maybe out of my range... but if i go for something more expensive, i will probably plan to install myself to save money.
any suggestions for the best value for the price if my goals are comfort, looks, and peformance? (i doubt i will adjust after they're on)
**i also noticed that some people change their pads i guess for ride height?... but anyways, i dont want to do more than i have to
2) get the KW V2 so you can adjust the dampening
for comfort, get an adjustable coilover.
for looks, well it doesn't matter unless you are looking underneath the car.
for performance, get an adjustable coilover.
i'd say go for the KW V2
BTW, you don't use spring pads in a coilover install.
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From: DC/VA
CL203
thanks rlee... i think i will probably go with the KW V2... but eibachs sound tempting... b/c i would save money and people say its a comfortable ride, but i dont know if its comfort is comparable to KW V2
plus do you know if either ride height or dampening adjustment on the KW V2 can be done easily? (w/o mechanic and by myself?)
plus do you know if either ride height or dampening adjustment on the KW V2 can be done easily? (w/o mechanic and by myself?)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,665
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From: Boston
2004 C32 ///AMG
thanks rlee... i think i will probably go with the KW V2... but eibachs sound tempting... b/c i would save money and people say its a comfortable ride, but i dont know if its comfort is comparable to KW V2
plus do you know if either ride height or dampening adjustment on the KW V2 can be done easily? (w/o mechanic and by myself?)
plus do you know if either ride height or dampening adjustment on the KW V2 can be done easily? (w/o mechanic and by myself?)
for the KW's, to adjust height, in front you just take off the wheel, but in rear you need to take the spring out. (only 1 bolt)
to adjust dampening, in front, you open the hood and twist the knob on top of the strut. in rear, you twist the knob in the trunk, under the trunk liner, on top of the strut.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: DC/VA
CL203
eibachs are not adjustable...
for the KW's, to adjust height, in front you just take off the wheel, but in rear you need to take the spring out. (only 1 bolt)
to adjust dampening, in front, you open the hood and twist the knob on top of the strut. in rear, you twist the knob in the trunk, under the trunk liner, on top of the strut.
for the KW's, to adjust height, in front you just take off the wheel, but in rear you need to take the spring out. (only 1 bolt)
to adjust dampening, in front, you open the hood and twist the knob on top of the strut. in rear, you twist the knob in the trunk, under the trunk liner, on top of the strut.
i know that eibach's aren't adjustable.. i just thought that they may be less hassle and may give a decent result for a better price.. but i cant say b/c i haven't experienced them myself.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
thanks... its good to know that dampening can be adjusted easily... maybes me more likely to get the KW V2's
i know that eibach's aren't adjustable.. i just thought that they may be less hassle and may give a decent result for a better price.. but i cant say b/c i haven't experienced them myself.
i know that eibach's aren't adjustable.. i just thought that they may be less hassle and may give a decent result for a better price.. but i cant say b/c i haven't experienced them myself.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: DC/VA
CL203
i actually prefer to do a spring and shock combo b/c it seems like less hassle. do you recommend a setup that has good comfort, is durable, and lowers at least 1.5 inches?
MBworld Guru
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
I would say KONI shocks for sure for the damper adjustment. H&R will give it a softer right and Eibach will give a stiffer ride because of the spring rate difference. It's your call.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 226
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ontario
'15 C400, 03' C240, '79 240D
eibachs are not adjustable...
for the KW's, to adjust height, in front you just take off the wheel, but in rear you need to take the spring out. (only 1 bolt)
to adjust dampening, in front, you open the hood and twist the knob on top of the strut. in rear, you twist the knob in the trunk, under the trunk liner, on top of the strut.
for the KW's, to adjust height, in front you just take off the wheel, but in rear you need to take the spring out. (only 1 bolt)
to adjust dampening, in front, you open the hood and twist the knob on top of the strut. in rear, you twist the knob in the trunk, under the trunk liner, on top of the strut.
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,665
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From: Boston
2004 C32 ///AMG
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
hehe, some people just rather wait for an answer than search, they should know better. Well for the guy who was waiting for an answer this whole thread will give you wealth of info on your question. I was ok to ask since after reading pages and searching this forums i couldnt find an accurate info for my 4matic. i was lucky enough Frank was bored to hook it up so dont feel we get special treatment.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,152
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From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
choosing suspension is like getting new wheels it a freak headache and a big Task but good luck on your choice.
Coilover = Adjustable Height & Dampers If Available
Cupkit Or Pro Kit = Lower ride NOT Adjustable with Matching Springs & Shocks
Springs = Lower ride with JUST Springs but using your stock Shocks
Coilover = Adjustable Height & Dampers If Available
Cupkit Or Pro Kit = Lower ride NOT Adjustable with Matching Springs & Shocks
Springs = Lower ride with JUST Springs but using your stock Shocks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
I would have to disagree. The first time I lowered my sedan I used Eibach springs on stock shocks with #4 pad in the rear. The drop was very mild, but pretty even all around like the 04.5+ sport sedans, though the ride quality was horrible. I ran like that for about six months and switched out to H&R cup kit for a bit more aggressive drop. The matched spring/shock combo provided a MUCH improved ride quality and performance, but the rear was much lower than the front, so I had a half coil cut off the front springs to even it out. After about a year, the H&R setup started getting soft and since TEIN had just released their coilover kits I figured I'd try out the Basics and it was love at first drive! I got the drop dialed in perfectly and the ride was "comfortably stiff". After my sedan was totalled, I picked up a CPO'd coupe and had the TEIN Basics installed as soon as I drove it off the dealer's lot. My advice: don't cheap out...spend a little extra and mod it right the first time.
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane, Australia
C32
PSS9 adjustment question ?
I just recieved my PSS9s, and all the suspension componenets are in the box, but no adjustment tool. There should 2 tool correct ?
a height adjustment spanner for the upper height adjustement ring
and a height adjustment spanner for the lower height adjustement ring
Is this correct ?
Thanks
Steve
a height adjustment spanner for the upper height adjustement ring
and a height adjustment spanner for the lower height adjustement ring
Is this correct ?
Thanks
Steve
Last edited by steve_bris; Apr 23, 2007 at 04:33 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
my CARLSSON RS / BILSTEIN PSS9 kit came with the 2 spanner tools.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,840
Likes: 1
From: MA
E90 M3
Hey guys, I was browsing around on Ebay and saw the guy with the Tein lowering springs listed for $192 + $5 shipping. I made him a Best Offer thing of $175, and he accepted...and it's binding, so I guess I had to pay him. I was kind of planning on waiting until after I got rims to buy the springs, but my ADD veered off the plan. My question is: should I put on the springs when I get them (I have stock rims) or should I wait until I buy a set of nice rims?
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Grand Cherokee Limited
question about tein basic coil overs with TSW bremma's: can u do an agressive drop with these rims, or will the coilover be in the way? i dont want an gap in the front or rear, not tucked but you get the point. any help will be appreciated. 
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
Read through the thread and you'll see the common offsets people are using with TEIN Basic's. You can also take a look at the Aftermarket Wheel thread and that'll give you a good idea as well.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 89
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From: Oregon
Grand Cherokee Limited
i did cant find the offset for the bremmas prob. just gonna go with h&r right now and cut half a coil in the front. also a question cant you just cut half a coil yourself with a hacksaw, or would i need a special tool and shop to do it?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,665
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From: Boston
2004 C32 ///AMG
Hey guys, I was browsing around on Ebay and saw the guy with the Tein lowering springs listed for $192 + $5 shipping. I made him a Best Offer thing of $175, and he accepted...and it's binding, so I guess I had to pay him. I was kind of planning on waiting until after I got rims to buy the springs, but my ADD veered off the plan. My question is: should I put on the springs when I get them (I have stock rims) or should I wait until I buy a set of nice rims?
besides, it'll look better than with stock suspension
