W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2006 Mercedes C230
I was told spacers would make my tires stick out too far. Is there a way to adjust the shocks in the front to make them raise up about an inch from the top of the tire? That is the only thing stopping me from putting my 20's on the car. The back fits with no problem. I really appreciate your suggestions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
only way to do height adjustment is coilovers. It all depends on the offset of your wheels. what is the offset? it should say on the inside of the wheels.
I personally would trade the wheels for 19 or 18s. 20s are just too large IMO for our cars. 19s are max I would go.
I personally would trade the wheels for 19 or 18s. 20s are just too large IMO for our cars. 19s are max I would go.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
since you have an 06 i'm assuming its the sport. another way to raise it up is to get non sport springs from other model w203 like a c320 or c240 and it'll raise the car up since you're on sport springs.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: windsor ON
2004 c230 kompressor coupe
need to know a few things
1) Can the fluted bolts be used for the rear to correct camber??
2) what cheaper alternatives for adjustable endlinks are out there besides HP autowerks? Does the Alta endlinks from the mini cooper still hold true for fittment? are there any other alternatives that people have tried out of curiosity?
1) Can the fluted bolts be used for the rear to correct camber??
2) what cheaper alternatives for adjustable endlinks are out there besides HP autowerks? Does the Alta endlinks from the mini cooper still hold true for fittment? are there any other alternatives that people have tried out of curiosity?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
Wanted to post a few pics of before and after.
2006 C55. Stock springs and shocks to H&R springs and Bilstein shocks.
During the install I found out I have #3 pads in the rear. Are the struts in the front numbered as well? I've not seen anything related to that.
2006 C55. Stock springs and shocks to H&R springs and Bilstein shocks.
During the install I found out I have #3 pads in the rear. Are the struts in the front numbered as well? I've not seen anything related to that.
Last edited by speed7; May 30, 2012 at 01:28 PM.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 587
Likes: 6
From: Boston
12 E350 4Matic Sport
I'm having the hardest time finding a good shocks/struts/springs replacement for my '04 C240 4Matic.
Just upgraded to 17" AMG's and would absolutely love to replace the entire suspension with a '05-'07 SS suspension but since I have a 4Matic it is OOTQ.
My current options are OE replacement or coilovers. The OE replacement would run me just under $500 for the shocks/struts alone...then probably another $100 or so for springs so I'm wondering, do you guys know of a decent coilovers option that would run me around the same price?
A senior member had suggested Megan Racing Coilovers and from what I have gathered that would be my only option for the 4Matic, final cost about $1k.
Just upgraded to 17" AMG's and would absolutely love to replace the entire suspension with a '05-'07 SS suspension but since I have a 4Matic it is OOTQ.
My current options are OE replacement or coilovers. The OE replacement would run me just under $500 for the shocks/struts alone...then probably another $100 or so for springs so I'm wondering, do you guys know of a decent coilovers option that would run me around the same price?
A senior member had suggested Megan Racing Coilovers and from what I have gathered that would be my only option for the 4Matic, final cost about $1k.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2007 MB c230
This is my first post and I have a '07 c230 sport. It is stock. I bought H&R springs. My understanding is that springs will lower car .04-.06 ". With stock 17's I can't imagine it will rub? Will it w/ 18" or 19" rims? How about recommended profile on tires? I want the car to comfortable w/o compromising the ride.... Thx
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
if you want comfort i wouldnt do more than 18s. depending on your width of the wheel I would do 235/40/18 and 255/35/18 or 265/35/18 if youre doing a staggered setup. go to the wheel and tire thread and take a look at the cars. also with your sport model, the rears drop a lot more than the front with H&R springs. You'll probably want to buy some #4 pads for the rear springs. w203 can adjust height in the rear with pads that range from 1-4, 1 being the thinnest pad which usually comes on the sport models. also the H&R lower the car about 1.5" front and 1.4" back. you might be looking at the cup kit numbers because H&R springs lowers our cars the most of any springs.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
C Class
Hi there. Note sure if this is the right place to post.... Just seeking advice on some graunching noises....
Car is W203 2004 C180k. Been lowered by previous owner (imported) with unknown hardware. 18" rims came with it.
Not exteremely low, but definitely not factory setup... looks a little like a C36/55 without the body kit.
When going over speed bumps I get this terrible grawnching noise from the FRONT struts only... Also apparent when going through poorly maintained roads.
- Has anyone else experienced this?
- What are they likely causes?
- Does anyone know any fixes?
Thanks for your advice =)
Here are some pics.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Car is W203 2004 C180k. Been lowered by previous owner (imported) with unknown hardware. 18" rims came with it.
Not exteremely low, but definitely not factory setup... looks a little like a C36/55 without the body kit.
When going over speed bumps I get this terrible grawnching noise from the FRONT struts only... Also apparent when going through poorly maintained roads.
- Has anyone else experienced this?
- What are they likely causes?
- Does anyone know any fixes?
Thanks for your advice =)
Here are some pics.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 704
Likes: 0
From: NY, NY
2004 C240 4matic, 2009 C300 4Matic
Quick question if I were to do lowering springs on my stock shocks, how bad would the ride be?
I cant find performance (bilsteins) shocks for my 4matic.
Its that or coilovers
I cant find performance (bilsteins) shocks for my 4matic.
Its that or coilovers
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Sweden
W203 C220 CDi, Elegance -00
Hi there. Note sure if this is the right place to post.... Just seeking advice on some graunching noises....
Car is W203 2004 C180k. Been lowered by previous owner (imported) with unknown hardware. 18" rims came with it.
Not exteremely low, but definitely not factory setup... looks a little like a C36/55 without the body kit.
When going over speed bumps I get this terrible grawnching noise from the FRONT struts only... Also apparent when going through poorly maintained roads.
- Has anyone else experienced this?
- What are they likely causes?
- Does anyone know any fixes?
Thanks for your advice =)
]
Car is W203 2004 C180k. Been lowered by previous owner (imported) with unknown hardware. 18" rims came with it.
Not exteremely low, but definitely not factory setup... looks a little like a C36/55 without the body kit.
When going over speed bumps I get this terrible grawnching noise from the FRONT struts only... Also apparent when going through poorly maintained roads.
- Has anyone else experienced this?
- What are they likely causes?
- Does anyone know any fixes?
Thanks for your advice =)
]
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
a lot have done lowering springs with OEM struts. the ride will be ok but it will cause the struts to wear out faster than normal since the strut will be compressed at all times because its lowered so it wont have full travel. eventually it will wear out and you'll hear the struts bottoming out.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 704
Likes: 0
From: NY, NY
2004 C240 4matic, 2009 C300 4Matic
a lot have done lowering springs with OEM struts. the ride will be ok but it will cause the struts to wear out faster than normal since the strut will be compressed at all times because its lowered so it wont have full travel. eventually it will wear out and you'll hear the struts bottoming out.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
'03 C240 and '05 C230
I have an '03 C240 and I recently changed out the suspension. I went with H&R sport springs and Bilstein B8 shocks/struts. I changed the rear shocks out first and installed the springs with the OEM struts in the front. I would not advise putting a sport spring with a luxury shock. The ride was very bumpy-- caused by the strut from bottoming out. I busted the front strut-- only took one day for the strut to start leaking oil so I replaced it with the same setup as the rear.
Ultimately, it depends on your driving style. The ride I have now is excellent. Stiff yet smooth
Ultimately, it depends on your driving style. The ride I have now is excellent. Stiff yet smooth
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 613
Likes: 14
From: Edmonton, Alberta
R129 SL500 & W140 S500
I also, have the H&R sport spring set. Debating on whether to go with Bilstein or Koni. Any suggestions from the members here?
Thanks
Thanks
I have an '03 C240 and I recently changed out the suspension. I went with H&R sport springs and Bilstein B8 shocks/struts. I changed the rear shocks out first and installed the springs with the OEM struts in the front. I would not advise putting a sport spring with a luxury shock. The ride was very bumpy-- caused by the strut from bottoming out. I busted the front strut-- only took one day for the strut to start leaking oil so I replaced it with the same setup as the rear.
Ultimately, it depends on your driving style. The ride I have now is excellent. Stiff yet smooth
Ultimately, it depends on your driving style. The ride I have now is excellent. Stiff yet smooth
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
I'd recommend Bilstein.. Car was awesome with those. My only regret was not going with the Bilstein coil overs though. Mainly because I would have liked to have the car a tiny bit higher for car washes in the winter.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
The Bilsteins I see on Tirerack aren't adjustable; The Koni sports are, and they're a little cheaper, so that would be my recommendation. I have had no problem with my Konis, and the ability to adjust them is a good thing.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 613
Likes: 14
From: Edmonton, Alberta
R129 SL500 & W140 S500
Here's another idea I've been considering: the H&R sport cup suspension kit is about the same amount as the koni struts on their own. Maybe I should consider getting that over just the struts and get a brand new setup overall?
