W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread
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From: STL
W203 C230SS
i don't have a hi-res picture here at work. but it appears as though that's the part number for the springs i used. i will check when i get home tonight. mine is a c230, but it has the newer v6. try to find the differences in the spring rates- just to see how different they are. i would guess it's not by all that much.
Last edited by bumpnzx3; Sep 5, 2008 at 08:30 AM.
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From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
I bought a set of H&R's from a member here that had them on his '03 c230k. I have the same #'s on my box and springs. Since he had them on his car, I assume they will work peachy keen. He also sent along the rear pads you need to keep the car leveled (it will sit lower in the rear with the stock pads).
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From: STL
W203 C230SS
agreed- the spring rate between the two can't be much different at all. not enough for most any of us to be able to tell a difference when driving. i remember when i did my install, having to call h&r to confirm the springs i had. for some reason i remember thinking i had the wrong set and had to call to confirm. however, i don't remember what made me think the set i had was incorrect in the first place.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Houston TX
2004 C230K
[QUOTE=splinter;3034643] Install ‘em.]
i rather not install them if its not the right one for my car and end up having more problems in the future or having a bouncy ride.
i rather not install them if its not the right one for my car and end up having more problems in the future or having a bouncy ride.
Last edited by importz_; Sep 5, 2008 at 12:19 PM.
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
The worst that can happen is they will be too soft or stiff, or maybe higher or lower than you’d prefer.
You’ll never know how they’ll work on yours until they’re in and have settled to their final height. Chances are you’ll be quite pleased. Many here are. Josh Scott (888) 827-8881 is the technical contact at H&R.
Incidentally, while you’re doing the installation there is no better time to install upgraded dampers to maximize your new springs’ effectiveness.
Just like bumpnzx3 did.
You’ll never know how they’ll work on yours until they’re in and have settled to their final height. Chances are you’ll be quite pleased. Many here are. Josh Scott (888) 827-8881 is the technical contact at H&R.
Incidentally, while you’re doing the installation there is no better time to install upgraded dampers to maximize your new springs’ effectiveness.
Just like bumpnzx3 did.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 254
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From: Houston TX
2004 C230K
The worst that can happen is they will be too soft or stiff, or maybe higher or lower than you’d prefer.
You’ll never know how they’ll work on yours until they’re in and have settled to their final height. Chances are you’ll be quite pleased. Many here are. Josh Scott (888) 827-8881 is the technical contact at H&R.
Incidentally, while you’re doing the installation there is no better time to install upgraded dampers to maximize your new springs’ effectiveness.
Just like bumpnzx3 did.
You’ll never know how they’ll work on yours until they’re in and have settled to their final height. Chances are you’ll be quite pleased. Many here are. Josh Scott (888) 827-8881 is the technical contact at H&R.
Incidentally, while you’re doing the installation there is no better time to install upgraded dampers to maximize your new springs’ effectiveness.
Just like bumpnzx3 did.
Well hopefully it wont be that much difference, and i'm gonna call H&R later on thanks for the number dude
Last edited by importz_; Sep 5, 2008 at 12:21 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
Thanks for the H&R # Splinter! I need to call about getting some bushings for the sway bars I have (yet to go on too). And I totally agree on the dampers. A set of the Bilstein Sport struts/shocks will be going on with my springs ...
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From: Houston TX
2004 C230K
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From: New York
2001 C240
Need Opinions
Hey guys just wanted to check if any one has any experience with these sway bars? Any good or bad reviews?
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pts/778800964.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pts/778800964.html
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: STL
W203 C230SS
is it just me, or is there no mention of a brand?
i don't know what a "u shaped screw" is. maybe they are talking about the bracket that goes around the bushing? if so- i don't know how in the world you are supposed to do that unless you grind it out with a dremel. i don't think i would want to do that- you take too much off and it won't fit snug. it also doesn't mention what the bushing material is- also something i would be cautious of.
i don't know what a "u shaped screw" is. maybe they are talking about the bracket that goes around the bushing? if so- i don't know how in the world you are supposed to do that unless you grind it out with a dremel. i don't think i would want to do that- you take too much off and it won't fit snug. it also doesn't mention what the bushing material is- also something i would be cautious of.
Last edited by bumpnzx3; Sep 5, 2008 at 07:08 PM.
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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
he's talking about the endlinks. He calles them "u-shaped screw" but I think he means the hole itself where the end-link screw would go.
And it is correct. There is a difference from stock to aftermarket or AMG.
I believe it's 10mm vs 12mm
However, the ad does not have part #'s for these sway bars,
so I'm not sure if they are AMG ones or not.
Also, they seem to be painted, as I've only ever seen them in black.
Mercedes-Benz OEM that is.
A bit pricy, even if new. I've seen them much cheaper from just the Classifieds section here on MBWorld, and every once in a while on eBay.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
_______________
1959 220S Ponton
1979 230G Geländewagen
2002 A210 EVO AMG
2003 C320 Sports Coupe
2004.5 C320 Sports Sedan
2005 ML350 Special Edition
2008 smart Passion ForTwo
And it is correct. There is a difference from stock to aftermarket or AMG.
I believe it's 10mm vs 12mm
However, the ad does not have part #'s for these sway bars,
so I'm not sure if they are AMG ones or not.
Also, they seem to be painted, as I've only ever seen them in black.
Mercedes-Benz OEM that is.
A bit pricy, even if new. I've seen them much cheaper from just the Classifieds section here on MBWorld, and every once in a while on eBay.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
_______________
1959 220S Ponton
1979 230G Geländewagen
2002 A210 EVO AMG
2003 C320 Sports Coupe
2004.5 C320 Sports Sedan
2005 ML350 Special Edition
2008 smart Passion ForTwo
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details to be posted in coming weeks !
mega Mercedes-Benz SoCal Meet - 15 Nov 2008
details to be posted in coming weeks !
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I just purchased some '07 17 inch rims and tires from a friend's C2?? sport model and installed them on my '04 C240, with 16 inch rims. They are nice!
My C240 needs to be lowered! My stock C240 needs to be lower so I'm thinking of buying someones old springs if they will fit and lower my car. I don't want a stiffer ride, just a little lower for looks.
Anyone selling their old sport springs (if they lower my car)? I checked the Tire Rack and they sell lowering springs, not sure if they will stiffen the ride or not. Any suggestions on a soft riding lowering spring?
Thanks!!
Dave
My C240 needs to be lowered! My stock C240 needs to be lower so I'm thinking of buying someones old springs if they will fit and lower my car. I don't want a stiffer ride, just a little lower for looks.
Anyone selling their old sport springs (if they lower my car)? I checked the Tire Rack and they sell lowering springs, not sure if they will stiffen the ride or not. Any suggestions on a soft riding lowering spring?
Thanks!!
Dave
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Splinter, got a public link or willing to give out your password to your photobucket account? I am curious to see all your pics of the Koni's and H&R's.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: STL
W203 C230SS
i think those are being sold as aftermarket performance/larger sway bars- which is what made me think he was talking about the brackets that go around the bushings. i don't think the stock or C32 bars are the size posted in the ad are they? for some reason, i was thinking stock sways were smaller
Super Member
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From: Los Angeles, CA
05.C230K.SS
Removed the stock equipment and put the Koni Yellow's and H&R springs on about a week ago.
This made the rear much lower than the front (and of course, I forgot to take a good pic of it
) You can kind of see the rear wheels tucked under the wheel well about 1/4 ~ 1/2"
Picked up the 17mm spacers ( A 210 325 04 84 ) from my MB dealer ($8/each) to replace the 5mm ones I had stock. Brought it up level again:
Yeah it needs a good bath.
While I was under there I noticed the stock sway bar in the rear was kind of beatup so I replaced that with an H&R part as well.
Then did the fuel filter, spark plugs, cabin filter, flushed the tranny fluid, got it tinted & took off a dealer badge.
Oil change and flushing the brake fluid next!
This made the rear much lower than the front (and of course, I forgot to take a good pic of it
) You can kind of see the rear wheels tucked under the wheel well about 1/4 ~ 1/2"Picked up the 17mm spacers ( A 210 325 04 84 ) from my MB dealer ($8/each) to replace the 5mm ones I had stock. Brought it up level again:
Yeah it needs a good bath.
While I was under there I noticed the stock sway bar in the rear was kind of beatup so I replaced that with an H&R part as well.
Then did the fuel filter, spark plugs, cabin filter, flushed the tranny fluid, got it tinted & took off a dealer badge.
Oil change and flushing the brake fluid next!
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
General consensus on W203 (sedan) anti-roll bar sizing seems to be:
Stock: 20 mm front and 13 mm rear
C32: 22 mm front and 16 mm rear (& 2004.5+ Sport Sedans)
H&R: 26 mm front and 19 mm rear
Evosport: 24 mm front and 19 mm rear
Eibach: 24 mm front and 22 mm rear
Seller claims 25/22, although he wasn’t “sure.” Stated that they’re imported, “but not from Germany.” He didn’t strike me as abundantly knowledgeable. Also, he implied there are more than one pair available. The modification required was supposedly to accommodate 12 mm end-links.
If they fit properly, that’s a fair price imho.
I paid more than that for my H&R’s without regret, as they’re performing superbly.
Stock: 20 mm front and 13 mm rear
C32: 22 mm front and 16 mm rear (& 2004.5+ Sport Sedans)
H&R: 26 mm front and 19 mm rear
Evosport: 24 mm front and 19 mm rear
Eibach: 24 mm front and 22 mm rear
Seller claims 25/22, although he wasn’t “sure.” Stated that they’re imported, “but not from Germany.” He didn’t strike me as abundantly knowledgeable. Also, he implied there are more than one pair available. The modification required was supposedly to accommodate 12 mm end-links.
If they fit properly, that’s a fair price imho.
I paid more than that for my H&R’s without regret, as they’re performing superbly.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Los Angeles, CA
05.C230K.SS
I've pretty looked through all 15 pages of this thread..cant seem to find an owner of 05 C230K SS. I wanted to see/ask how much lower my car would look with h&r springs and koni shocks installed (compared with the OEM sport suspension). I am still looking for that aggressive low look, but I got a body shop who's offering his h&r springs and koni shocks used for $500. I just want to know if itll drop the car considerably. Ideally, Im looking for 1 finger gap in front, and no gap in back (stock 17"s right now )
)
