nlpamg

I've noticed some throwback/retro posts, so I decided to do one of my own...

what a difference 8 years and MBWorld has taken on my cars and wallet!

I got my old MB in Oct. of 1996, it was a 1997 C280 Sport Sedan with only the only options being a Sunroof, Telescoping Wheel, and Split-Fold Down Rears (which I don't have in my current car! ).

I didn't join MBWorld until 2002. That's when I asked for help for one of my two mods to that car--a CD changer. The other mod was an "avantgarde" grill (eBay).

I traded that car in in August of 2004 for my current car.

I love how we're all talking about non-lowered 05's with 19's as 4x4's, but as you can see from the pics, my old car was a true 4x4 at stock height with the good old stock 15" AMG monoblocks :p

MBWorld has just contributed to me spending way too much...

if I had spent more time or known of MBWorld earlier, I probably would have had done more to my w202 (I always wanted to get 18" monoblocks for it...)

Here are some pics, still a C class, still black/black, but just a few refinements.

MBWorld Rocks!

Kenzmbz

Nice Upgrade!!

FrankW

my car's ride height looks only slightly lower in the front...LOL

CM208

very nice!

So that's a 18" monoblocks on the W203 right?

clkcadet

very cool before and after!

i love your rims!

nlpamg

thanks guys!

actually, those are 19" SSR GT3's on the w203.

white_w203

suspension is definitely next.....

nlpamg

see! dammit! I don't know what to do!



ARRRRG! I don't know what to do. I kinda want to drop it, I don't have the cash for the coilovers, but I want it done right still. The problem is yes, the springs are cheap, but with everything else that needs to be done (install, rolling the rear fenders, and alignment) it comes out to be pretty pricey...

And, I'm soooo confused as to what springs to get and what rear pads to use. I've STFF and have seen every possible setup that people have posted, but not too many of the springs are 05 and up specific. I was originally gonna go with H&R Springs with pad 3 at the rear, but now I'm thinking of going with Vogtland Springs with pad 2 at the rear but I have no clue where to get Vogtland for 05's (purems doesn't have them nor can I understand the Vogtland site).

CitronC230K_03

i havent changed out my coupe (dont plan on it either), but i know how you feel.

Blake P

If I'm not mistaken, you don't need springs specific for the '05+. It's just that the spring companies made their products based on the cars before they came with lowered suspension from the factory, so their lowering range is different for your car than it would be for an earlier model. I'm sure the OEM shocks are also a little different to accomodate the shorter/stiffer OEM springs, but any spring that works for 2001-2004 C's will work on your '05. Save up and get coilovers, otherwise the drop will never end up perfect. I started with Eibach springs only, then went with H&R cup kit, then cut the front springs a half coil, and now have the TEIN Basic c/o's. I'm happy to say I'm finally pleased with my drop and love the fact that I can easily adjust the ride height if my taste changes, which I'm sure it will.

drexappeal

Phil, STFF!...LOL...LOL...There are a lot of mods available for the car J/K

BTW, just to point out a few that you need to consider still:
decklid spoiler
roof spoiler
euro-trunk lid
w220-style taillights

and most importantly

SUSPENSION, SUSPENSION SUSPENSION
You'll go from this:

to this:


LOL

drexappeal

I'll second that, Blake!

Coilovers Phil! F' the money! You can always recover that once you've passed the bar! Do it, do it, do it!

drexappeal

Phil, if you go with the Vogtland's you won't need to switch out your spring pad, cuz you should already have #2's on.

...on second thought, back up and get the BASIC's! Perfect for your needs bro. Trust me, you won't regret it...unless of course, you're planning on upgrading the car after you're done with school. In that case, keep it as is and do appearance mods that can be swapped back to stock.

FrankW

go to TWS and heat the springs

nlpamg

Dammit Drex! The farther and farther I go into the poor house...

Frank, what does heating the springs mean/do?

FrankW

they heat the springs and compress them to make them lower without cutting the springs. TWS has done them for years on all the cars.

drexappeal

Only for a brief period of time, bro. Before you know it, you won't even blink an eye at spending the cash

nlpamg

woah, that's pretty cool, so I could probably have that done to the H&R's or vogtland's in the front so that I have a more even front gap... interesting. so no damage to the springs like cutting, and my ride won't be as bad? I never knew that. thanks!

nlpamg

haha, I hope man. thanks!

drexappeal

Well, when you cut aftermarket springs, it's not necessarily going to damage the springs, but your suspension has a possibility of not sitting properly even. The reason every aftermarket shop suggests not cutting springs is because it's not an "exact" science.

Heating the springs can be a little more accurate, but there's no guarantee that the springs will cool to the same levels. TWS has a good reputation, so I'd trust the work they do with this, but not necessarily any other shop.

CitronC230K_03

i just want to tightin up my front end. the rear is low enough for me. i want to decrease teh gap in the front. would heating the springs work for this"? whats the cost? i cant do it until next year, i've got $$$ going everywhere else but my car right now!

nlpamg

haha, me too! I think my gap at the rear isn't that bad, but the front is what I want to change...