C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

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

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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 02:55 AM
  #1  
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From: El Pueblo de la Reyna de los Angeles
The True OG Modded out W203
W203/CL203 Suspension (Shocks/Springs/Sway Bars) Discussion/Upgrade Thread

Since there is always new n00b's w/questions about suspension set ups I figure instead of STFF'ing them we should take a page out of bnzsport's book and post a Suspension thread over here so if they ASK they REALLY have the STFF coming to them =p

Model: 2001 Mercedes C240
Miles: 42K miles going strong
Springs: H&R Springs cut half a coil in the front
Rear Pad: #2
Shocks: Koni Yellow Adjustables
Wheels: HRE 841 19x8.5/10
Tires: Yokohama AVS Sport 235/35/19 & 265/30/19
Comments: Ride is smooth, handling is awesome. There is minimal body roll but
when I hit big bumps it does shake my car. Have problems on
STEEP driveways. 3 petite people in the back NO problems rubbing-
2 adults minor rubbing, 3 large adults major rubbing.
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 03:09 AM
  #2  
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Re: The Suspension Thread

Model: 2002 C230 Kompressor Coupe
Miles: 16.5K miles
Springs: H&R Sport Springs
Shocks: Stock shocks
Wheels: Brabus Monoblock V 18X8.5/9.5
Tires: Pirelli P7000 Super Sport 235/40/18 & 255/35/18
Comments: Just swapped the springs and wheels last month... ride is pretty good actually... not boat-like, not too rough. Way less roll than when my coupe was an SUV. I just scratched my front bumper on a deep dip today =( which gives me an excuse to get a Brabus lip ... No rubbing problems. Car started pulling to the right after I changed the springs... A little negative camber on the rears.


Last edited by tiffc888; Jan 13, 2004 at 03:14 AM.
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 03:35 AM
  #3  
Guest0001
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Model:2003 C320 Sedan
Miles: 11,000
Springs: Brabus Sport
Shocks: Stock
Wheels: C7s 17 inch
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport
Comments:Best Balance Between Improved Handling and Ride comfort.

(1 byte pic rule still in effect )
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 08:00 AM
  #4  
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From: Santa Barbara Cali
C32
Model: 2003 C32 AMG
Miles: 12K miles
Suspension: H&R coilovers + evosport swaybars
Wheels: Iforged Sprint 19x8.5 19x9
Tires: falken Grb451 235/35/19 245/35/19
Comments: rides nicely, and handling is drastically improved over stock. i love my ride height, also it is adjustable so i can set it where i want it.

Jerry
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 10:43 AM
  #5  
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From: Tampa, Fl
CLK63 Black Series
Model: 2003 C32
Miles: 2.2K miles
Springs: H&R Cup Kit
Shocks: H&R Cup Kit
Wheels: HRE 546Rs, 8.5 x 19, 9.5 x 19
Tires: P-Zero Nero 235/35/19 265/30/19
Comments: 2 Adults in front, no Rubbing, 3 Adults in the rear Rubbing.





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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 11:15 AM
  #6  
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CLS350
Re: The Suspension Thread

Originally posted by LorinserCClass

Model: 2001 Mercedes C240
Miles: 42K miles going strong
Springs: H&R Springs cut half a coil in the front
Rear Pad: #2
And BTW noobs, you wont get that drop in the rear with a #2 pad.. you'll get it with a 15K sound system.
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 11:27 AM
  #7  
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Re: Re: The Suspension Thread

Originally posted by Tezta
And BTW noobs, you wont get that drop in the rear with a #2 pad.. you'll get it with a 15K sound system.
It is much cheaper to just buy a couple of bags of cement.
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 03:45 PM
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Re: Re: Re: The Suspension Thread

Originally posted by Lynn
It is much cheaper to just buy a couple of bags of cement.
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 08:59 PM
  #9  
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From: El Pueblo de la Reyna de los Angeles
The True OG Modded out W203
you clowns =p

So I take it nobody ELSE has there car dropped
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 09:03 PM
  #10  
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From: southern california
Model:2002 C240 Sedan
Miles: unknown
Springs: eibach sport
Shocks: eibach sport shocks
Wheels: trafficstars dtm 19.x8 19x9.5
Tires: dunlop sp9000 235/35/19 and 265/30/19
Comments: only rubbing with 3 large people in back ... 2 people no rubbing
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 09:44 PM
  #11  
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From: Chino Hills, CA
2008 C300 Sport
Model:2003 C230 Coupe
Miles: 10,000
Suspension: H&R coilovers
Wheels: Maya STM 19x8.5 19x9.5
Tires: Pirelli P7000 235/35/19 and 265/30/19
Comments: Awesome ride... and improved handling, no body roll... no rubbing after shaving/rolling fenders all around even with 4 people...
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 11:27 PM
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Brabus w203
old pictures
18" 8.5 front 9.5 rear
Eibach springs cut in the front (dont know how much) stock shocks
was rubbing a little..untill i shaved


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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 11:42 PM
  #13  
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Im still amazed at how much people are willing to spend on their cars and other mods, but still resort to cutting springs. I havent seen so much spring cutting talk since the early 90's on the honda forums.
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Old Jan 13, 2004 | 11:53 PM
  #14  
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Originally posted by s4iscool
Im still amazed at how much people are willing to spend on their cars and other mods, but still resort to cutting springs. I havent seen so much spring cutting talk since the early 90's on the honda forums.


Why don't you guys get some Coilovers?
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 01:17 AM
  #15  
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Brabus w203
because i had coilovers in my last car and i feel that springs feel better than coilovers as far as a smooth ride... i did not cut much of the spring (although cutting it at all causes the compression of the spring to change) but i feel like i have the perfect drop this way and do not feel that i need coilovers to obtain it.....also dont forget im not trying to SLAM my car...i have eibach springs which are pretty conservative. and s4iscool thanks for letting me know i amaze you
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 01:53 AM
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Errr...have no idea how much of my springs are cut really.

But if I had to look and count the number of coils remaining, only can see 2.5 of them Hmmm...maybe I should have just bought two springs instead of four, seems like I would have had enough for all four wheels hahaha.

Gogo H&R! ! !

Ride: Not too bouncy...yet *lowering front end even more*. No rubbing yet *in the process of getting bigger tires* currently able to accomodate 3 medium-sized adults (140-150 pounds) in the rear and 1 passenger in the front without any rubbing...have not tried going beyond that, it's a car not a frickin SUV.
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 02:40 AM
  #17  
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E320
Originally posted by mbphreak
Errr...have no idea how much of my springs are cut really.

But if I had to look and count the number of coils remaining, only can see 2.5 of them Hmmm...maybe I should have just bought two springs instead of four, seems like I would have had enough for all four wheels hahaha.
Not a bad idea!
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 08:54 AM
  #18  
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From: Sydney, Australia
01 C200 Kompressor, 02 C32 AMG
Model:2001 C200K Sedan
Mileage: 44K Kms or 28K Miles for you Yanks :p
Suspension: H&R coilovers
Swaybars: AMG
Wheels & Tires: 18x8.5 with 225/40/18 and 255/35/18
Comments: Handling - Excellent... Comfort: Good enough for daily drive .... no rubbing with 3 people in the back

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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 11:58 AM
  #19  
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Can I use stock AMG springs and shocks from a c32? How much stiffer ride would I have over stock in my c320
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 12:04 PM
  #20  
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From: Chino Hills, CA
2008 C300 Sport
Originally posted by sunman
Can I use stock AMG springs and shocks from a c32? How much stiffer ride would I have over stock in my c320

I dont see why not...
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 12:26 PM
  #21  
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
drop...

Anyone know the difference between the height of stock 2004 C230 sedan springs and the 2004.5 springs? I heard the 04.5's got shorter springs, but I'm wondering how that compares to the height of aftermarket springs like H&R, Eibach, Brabus, etc. I've asked this question to MB parts guys and haven't received a very good answer yet. The reason I ask is that I want to lower my 04 C230, but not sure if I want such an extreme drop where I might experience rubbing.
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 01:32 PM
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2004.5 cars are about 20mm lower than 2004 cars. The drop is less than any aftermarket springs for H&R, Eibach, Vogtland, etc. The aftermarket springs give drops ranging from 30mm to 60mm depending on which brand and series.
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 01:35 PM
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'09 A4 S Line
Thanks for the info. Lynn. If you know the specifics on the drops achieved by using the various aftermarket springs, please post them. Thanks.
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Old Jan 18, 2004 | 05:52 AM
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Old Jan 18, 2004 | 03:52 PM
  #25  
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C320 Coupe
Originally posted by Lynn
2004.5 cars are about 20mm lower than 2004 cars. The drop is less than any aftermarket springs for H&R, Eibach, Vogtland, etc. The aftermarket springs give drops ranging from 30mm to 60mm depending on which brand and series.
Is it just a drop, or are the firmer as well?
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