mbarrad

LOL! I am wiped. I took on the task of replacing my 03 C230 SS springs with 06 C230 SS springs. I did not get finished yet.

Well, I decided to tackle the front springs first because I thought they would take the longest which proved correct. Not many threads out there with pics so I went by other people's text. There are differing install methods that other people use which can be confusing. Many steps were skipped over too.

I got as far as removing and disassembling the strut and was ready to re-assemble the strut assembly with the new spring when I figured out that my spring compressors were useless. Word of advice: Invest in a good set of spring compressors.

I am finished for today and will be going to Harbor Freight tomorrow to pick up a set of clamshell compressors like these:


I have been taking many pics during my install for a complete DIY spring install guide. I had hoped to be finished by today but had to stop due to crappy tools. Here is a before and current state pic.

Before I screwed things up:

After I removed the strut and current state:

mbarrad

Forgot to ask what spring compressors you guys use who perfom their own suspension intalls. Thanks.

splinter

You will find some good ideas here - https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/196424-help-h-r-spring-install.html

Please be careful with those compressed springs, and post some pics of your new ride height!

mbarrad

Thanks John. Good link!

rlee02135

where do you jack the car to get the jack stand under the factory jack point?
i tried jacking the sideskirt when i had my C230, but i cracked it.

SeaCoupe

Rlee, bro, you have a jack point at the front center of the car. Just behind the radiator. Look for the large rubber pieces that stick out from the plastic undercarriage pans.

E

rlee02135

thanks E!

mbarrad

Here is the jack point for the floor jack:


Here is the jackstand point:

TruTaing

omg, I had no idea that was a front/middle jack point...... I wish I found this out before I installed my coil overs...

It'll be useful to know in the future though!

sanf

is there one for the rear too?

mbarrad

The "pumpkin" (transfer case) is what I have been told works best. Have not had a chance to do the rears yet so I do not have any pics to show. Kind of hesitent to put all that weight on the transfer case.

Was also told that the manual suggests that as a jacking point. Can anyone verify this?

rlee02135

best bet is to use the rear control arm as a jacking point.

like this:

mbarrad

Great! It's always good to have a safer alternate method. Thanks for posting.

mbarrad

Update: I decided I do not have the patience to mess with compressing the springs and changing them out. I am not equipped with professional enough tools and can't afford a proper set. I am taking my strut assemblies to a local shop that will exchange both springs for $20. Not bad! Way cheaper than buying a set of quality spring compressors.

I drop the struts off tomorrow morning and will pick them up after work. Installation should take no more than an hour and I'll be sure to take plenty of pics. Rears should be very simple. I hate having my Benz up on jacks this long.

One thing to note is that after having the experience of removing the first strut assembly, the second one only took 15 minutes. LOL! It will probably take me an hour to put them back on!

rlee02135

You're very lucky. My shop wanted $40 per strut to do this.

rlee02135

just called my Autozone...their rental fee for a spring compressor is $0 (with a $40 deposit for the tool)
awesome!!!

splinter

What the heck? Did we read that (other thread) correctly?

Are you now looking at the Tein S Tech springs instead of the SS versions? After all these difficulties and tribulations, please say it isn’t so.

mbarrad

Looking for a back-up plan incase these 2006 springs don't give me a drop at all. I am still moving forward with the 2006 install and should be finished by today. I'll post pics and measurements.

mbarrad

Update: Fronts are on and here are some compare pics:

Fender Measurements
Before

After


Finger Check
Before

After


Airdam Measurements
Before

After


I will be installing the rear springs either tomorrow of Saturday. Please note that these are springs from a 2006 C230SS V6 model. For those who were curious if the heavier V6 springs would drop an 03 C230SS with a 4 cyl M271 motor. Here is your proof. I expect these springs will settle another quarter inch over the next month.

rlee02135

not low enough for me

splinter

We knew he would post that. LOL

Congratulations on having successfully installed your new front springs. It is a hella job regardless of how many times you’ve done it before. If it is any comfort, the rear is too easy. Nice work!

SlvrC230SS

Ditto to that

mbarrad

I've been that low before. I was looking for a nice OEM drop. It could be a half an inch lower.

mbarrad

The rears are done. Kind of disappointed that the rear only dropped a quarter of an inch. Oh well.... This was a learning experience more than anything else.

I will compile all of my pics and create a DIY for spring installs.

rlee02135

change the spring pads and you can get a lower drop.