W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Offset is only one part of the equation. Wheel width, lip size, and spoke design also play a major role. Also, having enough room to clear the brakes is as important as clearing the coilovers. Ideally, I'd say 8.5" front with 28-32mm offset and 9.5" rear with 35mm offset.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 17
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'00 C240 W203
just sharing,
Model: 2000 C240
Miles: 35.500 miles
Springs: Stock
Shocks: Stock
Wheels: 19x8.5-9.5 ET32 (I think)
Tires: Michelin Pilot SP2 235/35 - 265/30
Comments:
Driver only-> Major rubbing on the Rear Left while heavy right cornering. Minor rubbing on Rear Right while heavy cornering.
2 medium rear passanger-> Rubbing on Rear Left on bumps.
Model: 2000 C240
Miles: 35.500 miles
Springs: Stock
Shocks: Stock
Wheels: 19x8.5-9.5 ET32 (I think)
Tires: Michelin Pilot SP2 235/35 - 265/30
Comments:
Driver only-> Major rubbing on the Rear Left while heavy right cornering. Minor rubbing on Rear Right while heavy cornering.
2 medium rear passanger-> Rubbing on Rear Left on bumps.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
just sharing,
Model: 2000 C240
Miles: 35.500 miles
Springs: Stock
Shocks: Stock
Wheels: 19x8.5-9.5 ET32 (I think)
Tires: Michelin Pilot SP2 235/35 - 265/30
Comments:
Driver only-> Major rubbing on the Rear Left while heavy right cornering. Minor rubbing on Rear Right while heavy cornering.
2 medium rear passanger-> Rubbing on Rear Left on bumps.
Model: 2000 C240
Miles: 35.500 miles
Springs: Stock
Shocks: Stock
Wheels: 19x8.5-9.5 ET32 (I think)
Tires: Michelin Pilot SP2 235/35 - 265/30
Comments:
Driver only-> Major rubbing on the Rear Left while heavy right cornering. Minor rubbing on Rear Right while heavy cornering.
2 medium rear passanger-> Rubbing on Rear Left on bumps.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
Finally biting the bullet
hey all,
yes blake, be happy, by shocks need to be replaced, and like you always say, might as well go all the way.
Well, I am in the market for either...
Tein Basics
Koni adjustables with eibach springs
h&r cupkit/coilover
I'm running on the frank group buy double spoke amg reps, 19x8.5 front 19.9.5 rear with falken fk451 235/35/19 and 265/30/19.
However, I want the most minimal drop ever, perfer around 1 inch, a litle more or a little less, no more than 1.5" drop front AND rear.
I usually have 4+ people in the trunk, and I would not like the feel of rubbing. I also dont want to roll my fenders or do any sort of shaving. so...
any suggestions for this picky motherf-er?
yes blake, be happy, by shocks need to be replaced, and like you always say, might as well go all the way.
Well, I am in the market for either...
Tein Basics
Koni adjustables with eibach springs
h&r cupkit/coilover
I'm running on the frank group buy double spoke amg reps, 19x8.5 front 19.9.5 rear with falken fk451 235/35/19 and 265/30/19.
However, I want the most minimal drop ever, perfer around 1 inch, a litle more or a little less, no more than 1.5" drop front AND rear.
I usually have 4+ people in the trunk, and I would not like the feel of rubbing. I also dont want to roll my fenders or do any sort of shaving. so...
any suggestions for this picky motherf-er?
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
hey all,
yes blake, be happy, by shocks need to be replaced, and like you always say, might as well go all the way.
Well, I am in the market for either...
Tein Basics
Koni adjustables with eibach springs
h&r cupkit/coilover
I'm running on the frank group buy double spoke amg reps, 19x8.5 front 19.9.5 rear with falken fk451 235/35/19 and 265/30/19.
However, I want the most minimal drop ever, perfer around 1 inch, a litle more or a little less, no more than 1.5" drop front AND rear.
I usually have 4+ people in the trunk, and I would not like the feel of rubbing. I also dont want to roll my fenders or do any sort of shaving. so...
any suggestions for this picky motherf-er?
yes blake, be happy, by shocks need to be replaced, and like you always say, might as well go all the way.
Well, I am in the market for either...
Tein Basics
Koni adjustables with eibach springs
h&r cupkit/coilover
I'm running on the frank group buy double spoke amg reps, 19x8.5 front 19.9.5 rear with falken fk451 235/35/19 and 265/30/19.
However, I want the most minimal drop ever, perfer around 1 inch, a litle more or a little less, no more than 1.5" drop front AND rear.
I usually have 4+ people in the trunk, and I would not like the feel of rubbing. I also dont want to roll my fenders or do any sort of shaving. so...
any suggestions for this picky motherf-er?
If you want the "perfect" ride height and comfort, go for fully adjustable coilovers (TEIN Super Streets and KW V2's will most likely be the least expensive).
From what it sounds like, you don't want much of a drop and if you never plan to show the car, you can always go with the Eibach or H&R springs and Koni Adjustable shocks. Just don't complain when it's not dropped enough for your taste. Considering you haven't dropped your car for all this time, I think you'll be happy with it. If you want to conserve on the amount you spend, go TEIN S-tech's with Koni Adjustable shocks.
No matter what you choose, just make sure you either have adjustable ride height or adjustable dampening or both.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 4
From: Boston
2004 C32 ///AMG
hey all,
yes blake, be happy, by shocks need to be replaced, and like you always say, might as well go all the way.
Well, I am in the market for either...
Tein Basics
Koni adjustables with eibach springs
h&r cupkit/coilover
I'm running on the frank group buy double spoke amg reps, 19x8.5 front 19.9.5 rear with falken fk451 235/35/19 and 265/30/19.
However, I want the most minimal drop ever, perfer around 1 inch, a litle more or a little less, no more than 1.5" drop front AND rear.
I usually have 4+ people in the trunk, and I would not like the feel of rubbing. I also dont want to roll my fenders or do any sort of shaving. so...
any suggestions for this picky motherf-er?
yes blake, be happy, by shocks need to be replaced, and like you always say, might as well go all the way.
Well, I am in the market for either...
Tein Basics
Koni adjustables with eibach springs
h&r cupkit/coilover
I'm running on the frank group buy double spoke amg reps, 19x8.5 front 19.9.5 rear with falken fk451 235/35/19 and 265/30/19.
However, I want the most minimal drop ever, perfer around 1 inch, a litle more or a little less, no more than 1.5" drop front AND rear.
I usually have 4+ people in the trunk, and I would not like the feel of rubbing. I also dont want to roll my fenders or do any sort of shaving. so...
any suggestions for this picky motherf-er?
TEIN Basics is the way to go. It's affordable, and it'll let you adjust the ride height.
Ultraman206 was selling his brand new set in the classifieds: https://mbworld.org/forums/classifieds/213126-fs-w203-tein-basic-coil-over-damper-kit-brand-new.html
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
hmm thanks drex, thanks rob,
I'm considering two...I'm looking at koni adjustables+tein s-tech springs..its about $800
Tein Basics is about $750 and its more "adjustable" than the shocks/springs combo.
I am leaning towards a set of Tein Basics unless Gaston can get me a deal on the H&R c/o
I'm considering two...I'm looking at koni adjustables+tein s-tech springs..its about $800
Tein Basics is about $750 and its more "adjustable" than the shocks/springs combo.
I am leaning towards a set of Tein Basics unless Gaston can get me a deal on the H&R c/o
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
hmm thanks drex, thanks rob,
I'm considering two...I'm looking at koni adjustables+tein s-tech springs..its about $800
Tein Basics is about $750 and its more "adjustable" than the shocks/springs combo.
I am leaning towards a set of Tein Basics unless Gaston can get me a deal on the H&R c/o
I'm considering two...I'm looking at koni adjustables+tein s-tech springs..its about $800
Tein Basics is about $750 and its more "adjustable" than the shocks/springs combo.
I am leaning towards a set of Tein Basics unless Gaston can get me a deal on the H&R c/o
if u r actually considering h&r coilovers, might as well get the tein super street cuz they are fully adjustable and around the same price as the h&r coilovers. h&r's are only ride height adjustable, so at that price, super streets are better bang for the buck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
G, basically, from the choices u indicated, it comes down to what u want more: perfect ride height vs. perfect ride comfort.
if u r actually considering h&r coilovers, might as well get the tein super street cuz they are fully adjustable and around the same price as the h&r coilovers. h&r's are only ride height adjustable, so at that price, super streets are better bang for the buck.
if u r actually considering h&r coilovers, might as well get the tein super street cuz they are fully adjustable and around the same price as the h&r coilovers. h&r's are only ride height adjustable, so at that price, super streets are better bang for the buck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
For an $800 budget, TEIN Basics are the only thing you should be considering. The highest setting will look like the new sport sedan height. If you decide to go lower for any reason, you can adjust the height. You don't have that luxury with a spring/shock combo.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
any suggestion on wheres the cheapest?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
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
Anyways, it's a matter of choosing between adjusting the ride height or adjusting the damper.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Very true, B. But G has gone with stock suspension for a long time and seems to be happy with that. Going with TEIN Basic's may not be the best route for him. If he only had the car for a short period of time, I'd agree, but in his case a spring/koni adjustable shock combo might be even better for him.
Anyways, it's a matter of choosing between adjusting the ride height or adjusting the damper.
Anyways, it's a matter of choosing between adjusting the ride height or adjusting the damper.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,238
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From: Long Island, New York
'05 C230SS 6MT, 1966 Triumph TR4a IRS, Shelby Cobra 427 Supercharged
Just to let people know... the different spring pads are now up on performanceproducts.com (are they still sponsors?!)
http://www.performanceproducts4benz....ame=Spring+Pad
http://www.performanceproducts4benz....ame=Spring+Pad
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
In your case, B, you don't track your car or intend to, so there's no reason for you to need that type of setup. It's basically all up to the user and what they'd prefer. For me, I'd never get anything except fully adjustable coilovers just because I like having the option of doing whatever I want with the suspension.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Well, the "good" side to going with a springs/adjustable damper combo is that if you track the car and are not concerned about getting a "perfect" ride height, it's more ideal to go that route. Getting lowering springs just to lower the center of gravity is fine, as long as you pair it with adjustable dampers.
In your case, B, you don't track your car or intend to, so there's no reason for you to need that type of setup. It's basically all up to the user and what they'd prefer. For me, I'd never get anything except fully adjustable coilovers just because I like having the option of doing whatever I want with the suspension.
In your case, B, you don't track your car or intend to, so there's no reason for you to need that type of setup. It's basically all up to the user and what they'd prefer. For me, I'd never get anything except fully adjustable coilovers just because I like having the option of doing whatever I want with the suspension.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 1
From: Taipei Taiwan
'10 E63 Obsidiant Black; '06 R350 Alabaster White; 05 C55 Obsidiant Black (sold)
I searched for the enitre morning and read thru 11 pages of the thread and didnt see much about C55s, so i'm going to ask here
Do you get a drop with H&R springs and stock shock? Does it affect the ride much? I like the way C55 rides (but i wouldn't mind it to be a bit stiffer), however i'd like to lower my car a little bit. I know i should consider a cup kit or coilovers, but i have a tight budget and i have other mods in mind right now (I'm also getting H&R sway bars). Is there anything i should be caution about (i.e. should i get #4 spring pads for the back)? Would you recommand cup kit over springs + sway bars considering look/performance/ride/$$$? Thank you
P.S. I have 19" Bremma with 265 width at the back, had some rubbing and rolled the fender already. Would i rub more if i lowered it?
Do you get a drop with H&R springs and stock shock? Does it affect the ride much? I like the way C55 rides (but i wouldn't mind it to be a bit stiffer), however i'd like to lower my car a little bit. I know i should consider a cup kit or coilovers, but i have a tight budget and i have other mods in mind right now (I'm also getting H&R sway bars). Is there anything i should be caution about (i.e. should i get #4 spring pads for the back)? Would you recommand cup kit over springs + sway bars considering look/performance/ride/$$$? Thank you
P.S. I have 19" Bremma with 265 width at the back, had some rubbing and rolled the fender already. Would i rub more if i lowered it?
Last edited by RW C55; Oct 23, 2007 at 06:50 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: SF bAy ArEa
04.5' C230 SS
Need to lower my ride (w203 ss)
Hey guys...next project....need to lower my ride! Need some advice on how many inches should i lower my ride and where to get some springs. If anybody is selling some springs pm me.
Thanks!
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
