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W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread

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Old Mar 2, 2006 | 12:16 AM
  #176  
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From: P. Pinez, FL
'02 MB C240 6spd / '92 BMW 325i 5spd
I just got the H&R Cup Kit for my '02 c240 today!!! I might put them on probably this weekend but w/ my stock 16's for now till I get my 19's soon.

I want to know what pad # should I get for the 19's fit nicely tucked in the fender in the front or rears. I know that the new models dont carry pads in the front but what about the rear?
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Old Mar 2, 2006 | 09:56 PM
  #177  
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2002 C320
So on all of the non sport model c classes an inch an a half drop will look decent
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Old Mar 2, 2006 | 11:08 PM
  #178  
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Originally Posted by drexappeal
You should've done some research first before jumping the gun and just going to buy springs. Just buying springs will not be much of an upgrade from the stock springs you have on your '06 sport sedan.

First off, sorry KingKong, I do not have an answer for you, and I thought I should jump on this thread rather than starting a new one.

I'm getting an '06 C230 and want to drop it a little without sacrificing ride quality and was going to get Eibach springs until I saw this thread. What solution is there without going big $$$ for coil overs????

I've also read on another thread that the Renntech springs are really Eibachs that have been painted. True????
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Old Mar 3, 2006 | 12:39 PM
  #179  
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by SteveL1
First off, sorry KingKong, I do not have an answer for you, and I thought I should jump on this thread rather than starting a new one.

I'm getting an '06 C230 and want to drop it a little without sacrificing ride quality and was going to get Eibach springs until I saw this thread. What solution is there without going big $$$ for coil overs????

I've also read on another thread that the Renntech springs are really Eibachs that have been painted. True????
When you say drop it "a little", how much is "a little" to you? To me, "a little" drop would be 1 inch. Most of the springs out right now will probably drop 1/2 inch from where the stock sport suspension sits right now. Do a little searching with the different manufacturers that have been posted on the board (H&R, Renntech, TEIN, Eibach) with regards to springs specifically and you'll see a commonality that most people that were dropping their cars with springs were the 240/320 luxury owners (before more suspensions became available).

Problem with your car will be, it's a 2006 230, which means it's a different motor and probably different weight ratios (although, I doubt it'll be that off from the m271 230 K's). I did the R&D for the TEIN S-Tech's and I believe they are available for sale now. Those, unlike a lot of the other springs, were measured and made based off the 230K SS springs on my car. Assuming the suspension didn't change on the 2006, the S-Tech's might be well suited for you.

No matter what you do, do the research first (on here or even contact the manufacturers directly) to find out how much the springs will lower the car. As for the Renntech springs being painted Eibach's, I have no clue. Never researched the springs that much because I always knew I wanted coilovers.
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 07:29 PM
  #180  
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2005 C200K
Can I have opinions on Bilstein B14 PSS vs H&R?

Sorry to bump up a kinda old-ish thread but basically I'm up in arms in which coilover kit to get.

In Australia they are the same cost to purchase, however installation on the Bilstein is slightly higher.

Me not knowing much about suspension brands, I was wandering if anyone knows which brand is better built / developed / easy to live with?

Thanks
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 07:51 PM
  #181  
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by EagleW203
Can I have opinions on Bilstein B14 PSS vs H&R?

Sorry to bump up a kinda old-ish thread but basically I'm up in arms in which coilover kit to get.

In Australia they are the same cost to purchase, however installation on the Bilstein is slightly higher.

Me not knowing much about suspension brands, I was wandering if anyone knows which brand is better built / developed / easy to live with?

Thanks
Don't apologize for bringing back this thread. This is much better than if you were to start a whole knew thread.

The only Bilstein coilover setup available for the w203 is the PSS-9 coilover setup. The difference between these and the H&R is that the Bilstein PSS-9 coilovers are damper adjustable, whereas the H&R coilovers are only ride height adjustable. Another comparable coilover setup to to the H&R coilovers are the TEIN Basic coilovers.

I hope this makes sense. How much more $$ are you talking about in terms of install for the Bilstein PSS-9's. If it's not that much more, get the Bilstein's.
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 08:03 PM
  #182  
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From: Sydney, Australia
2005 C200K
All in Aus dollars.

They are both going for $2,700.

The Bilstein Australia agent assures me the B14 PSS are height only adjustable and WILL fit my W203, he quoted me $660 installation.

H&R Coilovers agent says he'll do installation of the H&R's for $250.

How much US$ are they going for over there?
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 08:12 PM
  #183  
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by EagleW203
All in Aus dollars.

They are both going for $2,700.

The Bilstein Australia agent assures me the B14 PSS are height only adjustable and WILL fit my W203, he quoted me $660 installation.

H&R Coilovers agent says he'll do installation of the H&R's for $250.

How much US$ are they going for over there?
Oh, well, in that case, if they are not the PSS-9's, then these must be originally made for another chassis (possibly CLK). Regardless, that's a big difference in installation. Did they explain why it's more expensive to do the Bilstein's?

You can get the PSS-9's for relatively cheap over here. The cheapest price I've seen is in the $1,400 US range (but I believe that may have been an old group buy - not positive). I'm figuring the weight difference between the 200k and the 230k isn't that far off, therefore you might want to explore looking at the TEIN coilovers as well. They are fairly affordable. Some of the sponsors on here might even be able to get it to you in Australia, but I would check with them. If you don't know where to find the sponsors, there's a link at the top of the forum that you can follow.
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Old Mar 21, 2006 | 12:46 AM
  #184  
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can any 1 tell me what kind of coil overs to get for my c230k coupe?? please help
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Old Mar 21, 2006 | 01:36 AM
  #185  
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'09 A4 S Line
Originally Posted by c230 o5
can any 1 tell me what kind of coil overs to get for my c230k coupe?? please help
*shakes head*

Come up with a budget, do the research, and make a decision.
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 06:41 AM
  #186  
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2005 C200K
If anyone is interested I made a choice, they look like a serious bit of gear.

Bilstein B14 PSS Coilovers, height adjustable.

Will be getting them in within the week, will let people know how they go.

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W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread-dscf3172.jpg
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 07:09 AM
  #187  
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From: global traveller
some slow@$$diesels
Model: 2001 Mercedes C270CDI station
Miles: 108.000km which is approx 67.500 miles

Suspension: H&R Coilovers (as I believe they are called in the US) at 1cm above lowest setting
Rear Pad: #1
Spacers: 5mm in the FRONT to clear strut


Wheels: 17inch adharaz (staggered setup)
Tires: nokian wintertires 225/45-17
Comments: No rubbing, crappy ride quality, noisy tires (never again)


Wheels: 18 inch CLK multispoke rims (staggered setup)
Tires: continental 255/35-18 & 225/40-18
Comments: never drove with these rims/tires

Suspension: H&R Coilovers (as I believe they are called in the US) at lowest setting (WITHOUT the adjustment pieces in the rear)
Rear Pad: #2
Spacers: 5mm in the FRONT to clear strut

Wheels: AMG styling III (newstyle R171 SLK) staggered setup
Tires: good year 245/35/18 & 225/35/18
Comments: No rubbing at all but too low for daily driving as the undercariage and exhaust keep rubbing the raod surface on every single speedbump (and that is WITHOUT any passengers or load in the rear)

greetingz,

Last edited by MBenzNL; Mar 22, 2006 at 07:12 AM.
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 03:29 PM
  #188  
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From: El Pueblo de la Reyna de los Angeles
The True OG Modded out W203
^^^holy crap where have I been?? Nice W203 Steve!!
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 03:35 PM
  #189  
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From: global traveller
some slow@$$diesels
Originally Posted by LorinserCClass
^^^holy crap where have I been?? Nice W203 Steve!!
thanks enri...I don't know where you have been...I spend 3 threads on that car already, linked here incase interested.

greetingz,
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 06:50 PM
  #190  
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From: Sydney, Australia
2005 C200K
Model: 2004 Mercedes C200 Kompressor
Miles: 40,000kms ~25,00miles
Springs: Bilstein B14 PSS Coilovers
Rear Pad:
Shocks:
Wheels: Brabus 18"
Tires: Nankang 235/35/18 & 255/35/18
Comments: It rides very good the quality of the Coilovers is awesome. Very quiet, it is firmer, but not obtrusive.

Very happy.


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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 09:51 PM
  #191  
c230 o5's Avatar
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BMW 135i
Originally Posted by EagleW203
Model: 2004 Mercedes C200 Kompressor
Miles: 40,000kms ~25,00miles
Springs: Bilstein B14 PSS Coilovers
Rear Pad:
Shocks:
Wheels: Brabus 18"
Tires: Nankang 235/35/18 & 255/35/18
Comments: It rides very good the quality of the Coilovers is awesome. Very quiet, it is firmer, but not obtrusive.

Very happy.


hey im also geting 18"rim and drop it with cliovers soon, how is it with Bistein? how does it feel when u hit a bump?
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 02:39 PM
  #192  
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From: Toronto, Canada
//WALD C320 Magnifique [sold], BMW Z4 3.0i 6spd[sold]
Model: 2002 Mercedes C320
Miles: 53K miles
Suspension: H&R Coilovers
Rear Pad: Stock
Wheels: Autocouture Magnifique 2pc 8,5+9,5
Tires: Nankang NS-2 235/35/19 & 265/30/19
Comments: Ride is smooth, handling is awesome. No rubbing city driving even with 5 people. Highway driving 5 people rubs when i hit huge bumps. No fender rolling. Lowest setting on the rear.
Attached Thumbnails W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread-dock.jpg   W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread-123.jpg  
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Old Jun 23, 2006 | 02:56 PM
  #193  
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From: Valencia, CA
C230 SS
Model: 2003 Mercedes C230 SS
Miles: 65K miles
Suspension: Brabus Sport Springs
Rear Pad: #2
Wheels: Brabus Mono V's Staggered
Tires: Kuhmo Ecstas 225/40/18 & 245/40/18
Comments:
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Old Aug 11, 2006 | 06:37 AM
  #194  
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ML550
Question

Guys, what is the difference between the HR cup kit and HR coilover kit? and which is better?
Also, if i would like to upgrade from oen wheels to Maya 19" do I have to upgrade my suspension? what happens if I don't?
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Old Aug 11, 2006 | 09:57 AM
  #195  
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by xecuter
Guys, what is the difference between the HR cup kit and HR coilover kit? and which is better?
Also, if i would like to upgrade from oen wheels to Maya 19" do I have to upgrade my suspension? what happens if I don't?
cupkit is non-adjustable. coilover is height adjustasble.

u dont hav 2 but if you don't want to have gaps, it's suggested.

If you don't, your car will have a wheel gap. Nothing bad, just doesn't look quite as clean.
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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 01:49 AM
  #196  
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02' C240 Luxury Model
What about spring pad info??
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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 09:52 PM
  #197  
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From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
This is a really good thread for aftermarket suspension. What about OEM? I love the ride height of the 04.5+ C's. Would those springs work on an 02'? What about camber issues, even with aftermarket springs? I don't want to go through tires too fast.
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 03:04 AM
  #198  
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From: Bangkok
C200K W203
Have anyone used TIEN coil over setup? I heard it is quite stiff. I have Bilstien on my C200k with 18" rims and Eibach springs. The car roll a lot during hard corner and rides quite poorly. Dont get me wrong they work great but just looking for a better setup for driving on curvy road.
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 12:27 PM
  #199  
drexappeal's Avatar
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by NG C-Klasse
What about spring pad info??
what wbout it? There are 4 levels of thickness 1-4 (1 being smallest 4 biggest).
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 12:30 PM
  #200  
drexappeal's Avatar
Super Moderator Alumni
 
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by Ryanr317
This is a really good thread for aftermarket suspension. What about OEM? I love the ride height of the 04.5+ C's. Would those springs work on an 02'? What about camber issues, even with aftermarket springs? I don't want to go through tires too fast.
2004.5 can work on an '02. Shouldn't be camber issues with oem's. Aftermarket springs, shouldn't cause camber issues either. If you're worried about camber issues after lowering, buy a camber kit.
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