Shorter front springs on Euro-spec vs. US-spec?!

Oct 17, 2002 | 10:19 AM

Jim Banville

Thread Starter

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 1,823

Likes: 1

From: GA

'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto

Shorter front springs on Euro-spec vs. US-spec?!

Rather than starting this in the "How do I get this to work?!" thread, where I read it, I'll ask here. Is it true that Euro-spec W203's have shorter front springs? Are the shocks the same? One thing I don't like about then look of my sedan is the large gap between the tire and fender. I have considered getting lower springs, but have been concerned about changing the handling and ride, which I'm happy with. I assume the Euro springs have the same spring-rate, or whatever would make them identical to the US spings except for the height? How much lower are they?

thanks
Jim

Oct 17, 2002 | 10:37 AM

tberry

Super Member

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 987

Likes: 0

From: Houston, TX

2002 C230 Coupe Black/Charcoal C5 C7 Auto

Didnt know the 240 was like that too. I see the same issue on my coupe where the front has about 3+ finger gap but the rear has nice 2 snug finger gap. I got rid of my A4 b/c after doing shocks/spring the susp. was screwed up beyond help so i'm really affraid of doing any aftrmkt spring/shocks. but if there are Euro MB springs for front that'll close the gap better I'm interested. Also does your C240 have sport pkg?

Oct 17, 2002 | 10:44 AM

avlis

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,265

Likes: 1

From: Nashua, NH

2008 VW GTI

Simply compare the part number of a US spring vs. the Euro spring.

Oct 17, 2002 | 10:48 AM

shtatc

Super Member

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 572

Likes: 0

From: Oro Valley, AZ

2001 C240 6spd

This is what I found on the MB of Europe website.
Copied from one of their pages...sorry to infringe on their copywrite laws.

"The chassis. Because not all roads are the same

The chassis of the new C-Class has been designed for comfort, without compromising spontaneity and agility. And for people who want even more of those last two, we offer a sports chassis with firmer suspension and damping characteristics. The body is lowered by 15 mm and the handling is even more dynamic. "

So, if you get the sport package - you do get shorter springs. But, I think the Classic and Elegance versions are still the same ride height. It is only the Advantgarde or Sports package that offers lower springs - in Europe.

Oct 17, 2002 | 11:34 AM

Buellwinkle

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 6,211

Likes: 2

From: Laguna Niguel, CA

I went through this about a month ago with the coupe and emailed several of our European members. It turns out that it's the same or within a 1 cm of mine (pre-Eibach). It didn't matter that one had the evolution package or one was a C200K vs. a C230K. That's why I gave up on that idea and got the Eibachs, a 3/4" moderate drop but with my 16" wheels that's all I wanted.

Oct 17, 2002 | 12:43 PM

GTIDAN

Member

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 138

Likes: 0

From: So. California

2002 C230K, Auto, etc.

spring height

From what I've read if you have the US C230K the spring height is lower than the C230 or C320. In addition you get a larger front sway bar.
Seems I read that in the ads somewhere.

Enjoy the ride............

Oct 17, 2002 | 01:14 PM

trench

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 2,465

Likes: 0

From: SF Bay Area

2002 C230 K

Quote:

Originally posted by tberry
Didnt know the 240 was like that too. I see the same issue on my coupe where the front has about 3+ finger gap but the rear has nice 2 snug finger gap.

Most of the gap difference is due to the body lines of the car. Notice where the impact strip on the doors interesects each of the wheel wells. The wheel well arch in the rear is simply lower, this was a fairly common design feature in older cars (think of how the rear wheel is about 1/4 hidden on a 60s/70s sedan). Mercedes is simply revisiting it, but everyone is now used to cars with relatively similar wheel well arches in both front and back - so it looks odd.

Cheers, BT