aecasasus

Hi There,

Just to let you know I'm new to the MB World. I just recently bought a '04 C230K SS and placed a couple of orders to customize my ride. I'm counting backwards and trying hard to stay focused on daily living but can't take my mind off of my new ride. I ordered H&R springs, AMG Style black center wheels (yeah...the ones on the Group Buy from GTUNINGWERKS), tires and clear side markers and I cant wait for them to arrive. I have some other mods I would like to do like a new grill, chip and possibly a pulley kit (if available). I'm just hooked up like the rest of the people in this forum!!! I wish I wouldn't had known avout this forum because...... NOW I know my hobbie will get expensive.

I'll post pictures when all parts ar installed!!! Hopefully it will look good! Wish me luck and PLEASE.....Try to make me think it isn't woth it!!!!

e1000

nice!!!

aecasasus

Thanks e1000!!!! My spring are on their way out for delivery today and I already have the wrenches on hand awaiting....LOL.

drexappeal

Congrats. Welcome to MBWorld. Pics ASAP. Hope you're not expecting too much of a drop with the H&R springs. They're good quality springs, just won't lower the car too much from where it already is stock.

BWG88

What springs should one consider for a nice drop?

drexappeal

Try search with "aftermarket springs" or "coilovers" or "drop".

But just to give you a little head start, if you're dropping a 230 or 320 sport sedan (2005-prior), most of the springs offered will not drop the car that much from what the stock ride is at. The 2006 models (230/350 SS) are different weight, but I don't believe it'll be that off from the 230K/320 SS 2005-prior. I did the R&D for the 230 K SS TEIN S-Tech's and Coilovers (BASIC and SS) and from the numbers they came up with, the S-Tech's will only drop the car .7 (front), 1 (rear) from stock sport suspension. Considering I have a 2004.5 and the measurements were taken from my stock springs, the 2005-2006 models would probably have even less of a drop.

If you're looking for more than .5 drop from stock Sport setup, you would be better off going with coilovers (especially for 2005-2006 models).

Now, if you have a luxury model and are looking for a drop, that's a different story. Now that I've given you a little background. Try the search function and the two stickied suspension threads at the top of the w203 forums.

aecasasus

Thanks for the info Drex....I'll post pictures by the end of the week. At this time it's on it's stock configuration so..... You have seen a lot of those. I'm also looking at installing a set of exhaust tips on it but looking around I'm a bit confused. I saw some on e-bay but not sure if they will fit. My car has the stock dual exhaust muffler but it has ho tips at all. I would like to see a little of chrome down there...You know!!! Here's the link...Please let me know if you think they'll work and if reasonable $$$$.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...A77&sasel=&id=

Thanks Again/Al

drexappeal

From the sounds of it, you've got a 2004 and not the 2004.5 like mine. If that's the case, I'm pretty sure those tips would fit on your car (not positive though. Have you contacted the dealer to see if you can retro-fit the 2004.5-present chrome oval tip on your car? That might be another option also.

aecasasus

Cool...Thanks!!!

aecasasus

Update.....Installed the front springs and it lowered about 1/2 ". I'm a little dissapointed but I'm going to give them some time to settle down. I didn't cut them either. I'll see how it looks after about a week and then decide if to remove and cut and/or install the rears. Still awaiting for the wheels...Can't wait!!!

MJ50

Members like to see install process pics step by step...

aecasasus

Promise...I'll take pictures of the rear install and post them.

drexappeal

After they settle, if you're still not happy, I highly suggest you don't cut them. Cutting springs will never be an exact science and if you do this, there is always a possibility that the cuts are done uneven, which could lead to more problems later on (I know from experience with my MX-6). If it were your stock springs, I'd definitely say don't do it.

Either way, if you're not happy with where it settles, save up some money for the BASIC TEIN coilovers. They are the cheapest coilover setup available with ride height adjustability. Sell the springs (so you can make up some of the money) and you'll be set.

Also, another thing to consider is if you're not happy with the rear drop, you could always change the spring pad (which is only in the rear). Do a search for that information, but there are 4 different sizes of OEM spring pads that will either reduce or increase your ride height. On stock 2004 C 230's, you have a #2 spring pad, so if you're not happy with the rear drop, you could go to a #1 spring pad.

aecasasus

Another update....Springs are setting and car has lowered about 1-1/4" already. The wheels are here and probably will install today if I can find someone to mount the tires and balance them. Hopefully the stud bolts will arrive today from Emotions Garage to complete the installation. I hope the tires dont look too big or rub on the wheelwell. I would hate to drive a MB Monster Truck....We'll see!!!

aecasasus

Here's some pictures with the rims....Tell me what you think.





BTW....I know it need to be lowered some more. I just installed the front springs (not the rears) but it still looks high!!!

drexappeal

If you only replaced the front springs, change the rear spring pad to a #1 spring pad and that should lower the rear a bit.

Doesn't look too bad. Too high for my tastes, but still looks good enough.

C-Dub

Drex- you are kickin knowledge like crazy...

aecasasus

I'll give it a try...Thanks Again Drex!!!!

aecasasus

How about racing springs.....are they really rought on the road? Will they lower the car so much that the 19"s will rub?


Thanks/Al

drexappeal

What do you mean by "racing" springs? Are you talking about custom "one-off" springs that are made for your car? Guarantee you, if you pay to have that done, might as well go with a set of coilovers. If you have hook-ups and they'll do it for free, then go for it. It basically all depends on what you mean by "racing" springs. That's such a vague and general discription....be more specific.

aecasasus

Like Eibach...They have the Pro-Kit and they also have the Sportline models. I know one is stiffer than the other and it also lowers the car about 1/2" more. On the early 90's I was really into the import racers and i had different sets of springs (from the same manufacturer) for street driving and for racetrack driving. Is there such a thing for MB's?

At this time, I'm strongly considering coil-overs. I don't want to pay a fortune (like an eye or something like that) but I'm not a cheap guy either. Any sugestions with Brands? Any good prices from any of our sponsors?

Thanks Again/Al

drexappeal

Currently, TEIN Basics and Super Streets are the most "affordable". The Basics run in or around the $890 range(ride-height adjustable), Super Streets are in the 1250+ range (ride-height and dampening adjustable). I'm sure there are a few of the sponsors that could hook it up for you. Try FrankW (GT Tuning Werks).

If you're considering the Eibach pro-kit, just go with the coilovers. Pro-kit will be a waste of money. Okay, so now's your turn to Search the forum for more info! This has been discussed a lot of times.

aecasasus

Cool Drex!!! Thanks!

aecasasus

Ok....Now another problem!!!

I finally installed the rear lowering springs(H&R) and now I have some rubbing (to the point that upsets me). I don't know exactly where it's rubbing but maybe you guys can give me some pointers or tips. Do I need to roll my bumpers? Do I need to remove the fender or wheelwell covers? I'm riding on the 19" (8.5" F & 9.5" R) AMG Style Wheels (black center) from the Group Buy (GTUNINGWERKS) and they are wrapped on Kumho Ecsta Tires (235/35ZR19 F & 265/30ZR19 R).

The car looks GREAT but the rubbing really bothers me. Any advise will be GREATLY appreciated!!! Come on guys....I REALLY need some help here!

Thanks/Al

drexappeal

Take pics of your tires, then maybe we can evaluate where it's rubbing (i.e. pics of wheel wells, pics of full tire diameter, pics of trim, etc, etc..).