BLT

Hi All,

I gave my H&R Springs away the other day and now I'm thinking of going either C32 or C230 SS (06' and up) springs. Would you guys happen to know the quantitative difference in ride height for either? Ideally I'd like something lower, but still not sacrificing the comfort the aftermarket springs usually bring about. I would stick with stock, but the front wheel gap is atrocious!

I have a C240 and I plan to let my Mum drive it a lot more now that the sport suspension is out and I'll get myself another car (C55 mayhaps? =P) at the end of this year. I want to get either of those springs more for the slightly more poised look than actual handling. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks!

e1000

2005+ C230 springs will be lower than C32 springs

TemjinX2

The c32 springs are pretty high. It might look higher on the c240 if the c240 engine is lighter then the c32 engine. If you want to stay oem, maybe look at some c55 springs. There lower then the c32 ones.

mtnman82

What about '06+ c230 springs? I'm guessing the V6's probably weight about the same?

timmynabenz

+1 except, im not positive but wouldnt he need the 2006+ suspension to support his V6? cuz i know they slightly tweeked the suspension on 06 to accomodate for the V6

BLT

Yep that's my exact question. Anyone have any ideas. I'm basically wondering whether or not the pre v6 C230 springs would affect my car in the same way as the 2006 and up V6 C230 springs.

Complicated question, I know. Any ideas?

Hope you're enjoying my H&Rs, Tim!

e1000

I believe the springs for the 2005 and 2006+ cars are the same. The pre 2005 springs are REALLY high.

If that's your concern, just get springs for a 2006+ car, they are definitely lower than a C32.

timmynabenz

I know for sure the suspension is a little different in the 2006 vs the 2005.

i'm just unsure if he needed the 06+ to support the V6 or not

W203E35

Waz up BLT, Long time no see. When you gonna take pictures of me naked on my car just like you promised?

Last time you said your camera lens broke what's the excuse now?

splinter

US-specification C32 springs have ~20% higher rate than other early V6 versions.
Their ride height will essentially be the same as yours, however.

Why did you ditch the H&Rs? Limited travel or too stiff? Therein lies the rub.
A lower ride height requires higher-rate springs and firmer damping to have any chance of proper articulation before jounce wheel rate approaches infinity.

Front end weight differences between various powerplant combinations are often overstated. 220 pounds on my front bumper alters ride height slightly more than a quarter of an inch. Mom’s ‘07 C230 ‘Sport’ has about the same static ride height as mine, but rides and handles like a fluffy pillow. Installed OE 203 321 70 04 C55/CLK55 springs and 203 320 09 44 bump stops on the C32. Came down ~two inches from stock. It’s an inch higher than with the its former H&Rs. Revalved dampers and upgraded anti-roll bars - among other tweaks - transformed its dynamics, although I know that’s not your intent.

You’re welcome to try mine sometime to see if its combination will work for you.

TemjinX2

i would go with splinters suggestion. He always knows what he's talking about..

BLT

Haha long time no see, my friend - Well, my camera lens is fixed, but now my eyes might get broken from the sight =P

But seriously though, hit me up if you wanna photo shoot; I don't think I have you on facebook anymore.

Well, I loved the handling and cornering abilities, but I'm probably giving the car to my Mum at the end of the year and getting a new car for myself, and she absolutely detested the stiff ride and my previously loud exhaust. I couldn't afford coilovers ):

Forgive me for being an amateur, but what is that? Also, how's your ride quality now?

Sounds good, sir.

Thanks again for all the help peeps; much appreciated!

W203E35

I left facebook bro.

We should hang out. We have a huge MBWorld family going we should all hang out sometime.

BLT

Yeah totally man. Shot you my phone number.

Everyone else - Thanks ever so much for the help; if any of you have C230 springs to sell/trade with me, let me know!

splinter

Not at all.

A smooth ride and sporty handling are typically diametrically opposed - contingent upon your roads’ various contours and how quickly they’re being traversed, of course. They’re not necessarily mutually exclusive, however. Ride comfort is almost entirely subjective. My octogenarian mom thinks our C rides like a lumber wagon when compared with her stocker - although it’s ostensibly pleasant enough for the Mrs.’ needs. Given sufficient ground clearance, she has yet to squawk. As if they had any say in the matter.

Bump stops are a integral suspension tuning variable. They progressively limit jounce (upward) suspension travel relative to the sprung chassis. They’re fitted to the dampers’ shafts to provide a highly-desirable rising rate as the suspension nears the limit of its travel. Their function is to enable relatively modest spring rates - helping to ensure an agreeable ride for the workaday commute.

Leaning on the bumps stops during spirited maneuvers enables one to strike an acceptable compromise with the soft versus firm equation in most road-going machines.

Offer still goes.


photo credit AMGDave

MIKESV8

you should definately get a 2006 c55. i just bought one with a full dealership warranty for 25k

BLT

Believe me, I would if I had the $$!

Thanks for the info, Splitter. I do appreciate it and might take you up on that offer soon. My car could use your expertise!

BLT

Btw if anyone is selling their stock C230 2005 and up springs, let me know!