hobie

Searching tff got no hits for "Koni" so I'm reluctantly starting another suspension thread. Just an FYI, really, for anyone who prefers to upgrade without lowering the car: I am happy with the adjustable Koni sport (yellow) shocks and struts on my coupe. I installed the rears myself (easy) and had a garage do the struts. The tech was very consciencious and took his time, thus no alignment was needed. REARS: The rear has 3 detents for the adjustment and requires one to lift a cap on top of the fat part of the shock under the car. Beneath the cap is a button which, when pushed, allows the action of turning the skinny part the ability to adjust the firmness. The skinny part is turned from inside the car using a supplied knob that fits on top. It is not nessecary to remove the interior trim to reach the top for adjustment (it is for installation).
FRONTS: The fronts are adjusted by simply turning a supplied knob on top of the strut. It s not nessecary to get under the car. There are no detents, one just zeroes it out and counts the rotation (approx. range of 3 turns).
DRIVING: So far so good. Soft seems about equal to fresh factory, although that was 92k mi. ago. If anyone cares I'll post some more feedback after I try some different settings. I'm driving with both set at the middle at the moment. I like this very much, although the trade-off is some impact harshness.

C240-Merc

I like your thread. I just ordered a set of Koni shocks and I am looking forward to having them installed. Do you have any updates?

splinter

For those contemplating a Koni 8741-1412 (F) & 26-1679 (R) installation, if a well-damped chassis is what you seek, wait no longer!

Before investing some quality time in the garage, or setting an appointment with a competent technician, there is a potential issue of which to be aware. The Koni struts are supplied with a 10mm anti-roll bar link mounting hole. If your link is the smaller variety, you’re good to go. For those of us with 12mm links, a minor tweak will be necessary.

As delivered -

Modified -


There is some debate as to which links are supplied with the W203.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/30960-02-c32-amg-sway-bar-connecting-rod-myth.html
It’s probably best to simply measure them beforehand so the appropriate adjustment can be made, if necessary.

Enlarging the 10mm link strut hole to 12mm can best be accomplished with a trusty drill bit. The nearest readily available sized bit (metric #12, .472”) is perfect. A slight cleanup with a deburring tool will enable the link threads to slide through. Please do not run a 1/2 inch/12.7mm bit through there because it will leave .070” of potentially noise-generating clearance.


When installing the new struts, it’s an ideal opportunity to replace worn strut bushings, as well. The work/labor required is exactly the same, so now would be the time. https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/210973-diy-strut-bearing-replacement.html

Before-

After-


For those interested in such minutia, or looking for improved cornering prowess, kindly take heed...

When compared with not only OE C32, but also the C55 strut, the Koni allows for more jounce travel. Although the lower strut body dimensions are virtually identical, the Koni shaft compresses an additional 1.5 inches before reaching the limit of its stroke, or mechanically bottoming. I trimmed the jounce snubbers one (~.5”) ridge to exploit their additional travel and to help reduce understeer. It has served its purpose well by enhancing front end traction. Absolutely no fenderwell interference has been encountered. In addition, strut tube-to-tire clearance was increased by ~.25 inch with my current 8.5x34ET front wheels.

dmatre

Excellent info, thanks!

How do the Konis feel on the street, and behave on the track; compared to the AMG shocks?

gaiex

What about the new KONI FSD, any one tryed it!??

I'm really thinking go on it, since I read wonderfulls about them!

PS: in the past I had koni sport on my E46 and they are good, but since I bougth the CL203 I'm so used to the confort now that I don't want a harsh ride, but I'm considering lowering...

mig888

I completely know what John is talking about....well, so does MJ :p.

splinter

They are valved to appeal to and suit the needs of the enthusiast. They’re in no way objectionable.

The Mrs. didn’t even notice...


The Koni pieces do control oscillations a bit more firmly than the AMG parts. It is closer to a BMW M ride feel. For me, it’s less tiring on extended jaunts than the previous semi floaty ~ porpoise feel. On the track, it behaves like a proper European sedan should when getting after it. Doesn’t feel too bad bouncing off the limiter at 155 either.

Because ride quality is subjective, YMMV. It’s a shame you are in Charlotte, (although there are many excellent shock techs in your neighborhood) or you could borrow mine for a weekend. When you install them, I’m certain you will not regret it.

C240-Merc

Thanks for the heads up!
What w203 models have 10mm Anti-Roll Bars? I have a 2001 C240 non-sport edition and I plan on having these installed this week.

C230 Sport Coup

So are the 12mm the AMG versions?
Found these on ebay, wrote to try to get the thickness in mm.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=120169902224

Are we talking the thickness of the bar, or the just the bolt?
Looks like the stock c coupe back in the day were 9mm from the old thread mentioned here.

If I could go to 12mm for 50 bucks....I'll bet I'd feel the difference.
There is some sloppiness on the initial turn in.

splinter

No sloppiness is permissible! j/k. Unless your link joints are worn, or you have found them to have discernible looseness upon inspection, it is from another source.

The link shaft dimension has remained consistent regardless of the rod end bolt size. That link is a screamin' deal for a pair of links...lol. They might (must?) be 10mm because the seller claims they will work on any W203/209. Too small and they are in the clear. If it’s too big, e.g., 12mm, then the buyer could be SOL because they will not bolt on without modification(s).

Your 203 323 31 65 (22.4mm/.880”) anti-roll bar has 12mm link holes.

splinter

Anytime…I’m always pleased to help another member, however obliquely.

Cannot say for sure, but chances are you do have the 10mm links.

Hope your installation goes smoothly…and please let us know how you like ‘em.

nlpamg

great posts John! thanks!

looks like we should go for another run in PV and use those Koni's some more!

C240-Merc

Well, I had my yellow sport Koni's and Eibach springs installed this past Wednesday and I have a new love for my car! The installation was great and the price was reasonable. For some reason the shop said that they had to remove the back seat to install the rear suspension components, but if they hadn't told me I would not have known. The ride is firm and comfortable.

The drop is exactly what I wanted. My car is a 2001 C240 that had the luxury suspension set up and with 18 inch TSW Bremmas there was a huge gap between the tires and the wheel wells. Now I might be able to put two fingers in the gap where before I could put four! I didn't want to go with the coilovers because the ride would be too low and too rough.

Over all-I am very happy with this mod. My car needed the new shocks and I am glad that I chose this route. To be honest, if it was not for this forum and its members I would have never known about the Konis and would probably have gone to the dealership to get OEM. In my situation and opinion, I feel that I saved money and purchased better quality parts. Thanks!

BTW: The front shock Koni part numbers are 8741 1412Sport.
The rear shock Koni part numbers are 26 1679Sport

Blake P

That would be a first, as far as I know. They could have gotten to the necessary hardware by temporarily removing some of the liner in the trunk. Perhaps they weren't familiar with the W203? Glad to see it all worked out well for you in the end!

drexappeal

John, the more vocal you have become on the forums, the easier it makes keeping the w203 forums! Great job on this

MJ50

YUP!

SeaCoupe

Splinter, I had no idea, you had Konis on the car. WOW!

I have some twenty + year old version on the Fiat. To adjust them, you have to take the shock off the car, and take off the spring to turn the valve.

The wonders of advacements. Hate to ask, but what did it run you back?

E

splinter

Thanks for your feedback and comments. Wishing you many pleasant miles!
>$650. The aft dampers are old tech. They are simply not adjusted as often..lol.
http://www.koni-na.com/cat_search.cf...mit.y=9&submit

Djcoak

So what is a good spring/strut combo to help with handling but not lower a 05 230?

Blake P

Koni shocks with H&R springs.

skittles

guys quick question. gonna lower my car this weekend some more.. drop the front 1 inch and raise the rear an inch also.

question is. how much should i cut the spring? 1/2 coil or 1 coil? H&R's btw.

and the rear what size spring pad should i add/put on?

skittles

bump

TruTaing

Personally, I dont think you should cut the front spring, but I believe most people who do cut it, cut half a coil.

As for the rear pad, I would suggest one of the taller spring pads in the rear. H&R springs tend to sit pretty dang low in the rear. Way to bump an ancient thread about konis