Chassis Stiffening
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
Chassis Stiffening
Are there any companies that make chassis upgrades for the w203.
I’m looking for a trunk brace, lower tie bar, a ladder bar, or at the very least a strut tower bar. I know Carlsson once made strut tower bars but even they seem hard to find now.
GT spec makes some amazing products for the JDM’s, are there any companies that make parts for the EDM?
I’m looking for a trunk brace, lower tie bar, a ladder bar, or at the very least a strut tower bar. I know Carlsson once made strut tower bars but even they seem hard to find now.
GT spec makes some amazing products for the JDM’s, are there any companies that make parts for the EDM?
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
There is virtually nothing to be gained from reinforcing our strut towers, as they’re already quite stout.
All due respect, the W203 is nowhere near as weak-kneed as the various German and Asian offerings of yesteryear.
The majority of our C’s front suspension compliance --excluding that from its woefully flaccid torque and thrust arms’ bushings-- emanates from within the upper strut mounting bearings/bushings. Have you witnessed their massive underhood articulation and deflection while an assistant cycles the steering from lock to lock?
Several links and their bushings in the rear are in need of upgrading before the aft end’s subframe proves suspect, too. An upper tie bar will accomplish nothing, as the damper mounts are merely along for the ride.
If you’ve already fit pillow blocks, ala the CLK63 Black Series, a strut tower bar might then prove a worthy upgrade.
To your initial query, GLK4MATIC fabricates excellent hardware.
All due respect, the W203 is nowhere near as weak-kneed as the various German and Asian offerings of yesteryear.
The majority of our C’s front suspension compliance --excluding that from its woefully flaccid torque and thrust arms’ bushings-- emanates from within the upper strut mounting bearings/bushings. Have you witnessed their massive underhood articulation and deflection while an assistant cycles the steering from lock to lock?
Several links and their bushings in the rear are in need of upgrading before the aft end’s subframe proves suspect, too. An upper tie bar will accomplish nothing, as the damper mounts are merely along for the ride.
If you’ve already fit pillow blocks, ala the CLK63 Black Series, a strut tower bar might then prove a worthy upgrade.
To your initial query, GLK4MATIC fabricates excellent hardware.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 717
Likes: 1
From: Dunellen, NJ
Chrysler Crossfire
We offer adjustable rear aluminum arms. Does 0 for stiffening, but adds a ton of adjustability. Well I guess it does make it more stiff, but not it a chassis bracing sense.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
Could your dampers, bushings, and/or rack have already exceeded their useful service life?
When my then-stock C32 had 45,000 miles, or even driving mom’s showroom fresh '07, they feel rock steady well into triple-digit (off highway) velocities. By that I mean a few ounces' worth of grip on the steering wheel are all that’s required to point them in their intended direction. They’re not sports cars by any stretch of the imagination, but they certainly don’t lack directional stability when functioning as engineered.
Must admit that after having installed and massaged several upgraded damper/spring/anti-roll bar combinations --among other chassis tweaks-- a stock C rides and goes around corners like a wet dishrag. The Mrs. (it’s her daily driver) exclaims it now “holds the road like a magnet!”
Next time you’re out this way, you’re welcome to experience how composed it ought to be -
without any additional structural reinforcements.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
Since our w203's have independent suspension in the rear, i doubt it would make a difference in the rear. It might help in the front, since it runs on struts.
You would get more of a noticeable improvement in handling if you went to larger sways or upgraded to coil overs. Even on the civics it barely made a difference.
You would get more of a noticeable improvement in handling if you went to larger sways or upgraded to coil overs. Even on the civics it barely made a difference.
Last edited by TemjinX2; Jun 1, 2010 at 08:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
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From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
I have no idea what cars you guys are driving, but I feel the chassis flex in the rear if I tap a pot hole in a turn. Mind you this is the NYC area, so the pot holes outnumber the cars. Its very possible my chassis has loosened up with time.
Now I dont know if the chassis is made of butter or the car is just so heavy it causes flex. But it is a problem that needs attention.
I know there will be little in the way of preformance upgrades, but it will make me happy to not have reverb through the chassis if I tap a pothole. For anyone tech savy that means increasing the modal frequency (stiffness).
This is the greatest analogy of all time. 
I intend to use it for everything. My 4matic makes options limited, so no change of front bar, is possible, and there is only one set of coilovers, I would prefer to only upgarde the struts but that is not an option.
GLK4matic does not make parts for the w203, he is busy with other projects at the moment. Or rather thats the last I've heard of it, I could be misinformed. Has anyone purchased or more importantly installed a strut tower bar form GLK4matic for the w203?
Do you have any part numbers or sources for these upgraded bushings? It might be just what I'm looking for. Are there any after market manufactuers?
Now I dont know if the chassis is made of butter or the car is just so heavy it causes flex. But it is a problem that needs attention.
I know there will be little in the way of preformance upgrades, but it will make me happy to not have reverb through the chassis if I tap a pothole. For anyone tech savy that means increasing the modal frequency (stiffness).
Originally Posted by splinter
a stock C rides and goes around corners like a wet dishrag
I intend to use it for everything. My 4matic makes options limited, so no change of front bar, is possible, and there is only one set of coilovers, I would prefer to only upgarde the struts but that is not an option.
Originally Posted by Milkm4n
To your initial query, GLK4MATIC fabricates excellent hardware.
agreed, op talk to this guy
agreed, op talk to this guy
Originally Posted by splinter
Several links and their bushings in the rear are in need of upgrading before the aft end’s subframe proves suspect
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 526
Likes: 2
From: NYC
08 ML CDI
NYC here aswell...my car had seen Jenny Craig, which helped alot, got biggest sways available, and its lowered about an inch....im considering upgrading my stock dampers to Konis/Bilsteins soon...but i am really itching for a tie bar front/rear...
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 19
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
if the chassi's any stiffer I don't think i'll make it into any shopping plaza...LOL
went to change oil for the 203 and the first thing the mechanic said "your car is really stiff huh? saw you three-wheel up that ramp" lmao.
went to change oil for the 203 and the first thing the mechanic said "your car is really stiff huh? saw you three-wheel up that ramp" lmao.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
I have no idea what cars you guys are driving, but I feel the chassis flex in the rear if I tap a pot hole in a turn. Mind you this is the NYC area, so the pot holes outnumber the cars. Its very possible my chassis has loosened up with time.
Now I dont know if the chassis is made of butter or the car is just so heavy it causes flex. But it is a problem that needs attention.
I know there will be little in the way of preformance upgrades, but it will make me happy to not have reverb through the chassis if I tap a pothole. For anyone tech savy that means increasing the modal frequency (stiffness).
This is the greatest analogy of all time. I intend to use it for everything. My 4matic makes options limited, so no change of front bar, is possible, and there is only one set of coilovers, I would prefer to only upgarde the struts but that is not an option.
GLK4matic does not make parts for the w203, he is busy with other projects at the moment. Or rather thats the last I've heard of it, I could be misinformed. Has anyone purchased or more importantly installed a strut tower bar form GLK4matic for the w203?
Do you have any part numbers or sources for these upgraded bushings? It might be just what I'm looking for. Are there any after market manufactuers?
Now I dont know if the chassis is made of butter or the car is just so heavy it causes flex. But it is a problem that needs attention.
I know there will be little in the way of preformance upgrades, but it will make me happy to not have reverb through the chassis if I tap a pothole. For anyone tech savy that means increasing the modal frequency (stiffness).
This is the greatest analogy of all time.
I intend to use it for everything. My 4matic makes options limited, so no change of front bar, is possible, and there is only one set of coilovers, I would prefer to only upgarde the struts but that is not an option.GLK4matic does not make parts for the w203, he is busy with other projects at the moment. Or rather thats the last I've heard of it, I could be misinformed. Has anyone purchased or more importantly installed a strut tower bar form GLK4matic for the w203?
Do you have any part numbers or sources for these upgraded bushings? It might be just what I'm looking for. Are there any after market manufactuers?
The chassis is made out of steel. I doubt it would loosen over time. Splinter is probably correct. Your brushings are probably cracked given the fact you live in a snow belt state. The extreme colds tend to crack and wear out the brushings more quickly. Cracked or wore brushing would give a feel of loose or sloppy turning ability and a floaty feeling at high speeds.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
Important note, chassis stiffness and suspension stiffness are two different things.
Swaybars, springs, and struts contribute to suspension stiffness.
Roll cages, strut tower bars, and tie bars contribute to chassis stiffness.
If your car 3 wheels, it is because the suspension is too stiff for every day use. If however you hit a pot hole and the back end of the car vibrates separately from the front that is because the chassis is too soft, and the frame is not stiff enough to transfer the impact. It has nothing to do with the suspension and will not make cornering better.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: NYC
2007 C280 4Matic
The chassis is made out of steel. I doubt it would loosen over time. Splinter is probably correct. Your brushings are probably cracked given the fact you live in a snow belt state. The extreme colds tend to crack and wear out the brushings more quickly. Cracked or wore brushing would give a feel of loose or sloppy turning ability and a floaty feeling at high speeds.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
I agree with the others, if your car feels loose and unstable at high speeds, SOMETHING is wrong. This car is one of the best I have owned for high speed stability. When it comes to the suspension/chassis, I believe John (Splinter) 100%. Listen to what he says, and follow his recommendations.
Last edited by johnand; Jun 2, 2010 at 09:41 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: So Fla
2007 W203 SS
Important note, chassis stiffness and suspension stiffness are two different things.
Swaybars, springs, and struts contribute to suspension stiffness.
Roll cages, strut tower bars, and tie bars contribute to chassis stiffness.
If your car 3 wheels, it is because the suspension is too stiff for every day use. If however you hit a pot hole and the back end of the car vibrates separately from the front that is because the chassis is too soft, and the frame is not stiff enough to transfer the impact. It has nothing to do with the suspension and will not make cornering better.
Swaybars, springs, and struts contribute to suspension stiffness.
Roll cages, strut tower bars, and tie bars contribute to chassis stiffness.
If your car 3 wheels, it is because the suspension is too stiff for every day use. If however you hit a pot hole and the back end of the car vibrates separately from the front that is because the chassis is too soft, and the frame is not stiff enough to transfer the impact. It has nothing to do with the suspension and will not make cornering better.
IMHO, a weak suspension would make chassis flex more pronounced whereas better tuned dampers would absorb more of the impact reducing the effects of a weaker chassis. The combo of dampers and chassis stiffening can make a world of difference as it did on mine.
With that said, my Z28 can't touch the MB even with all the aftermarket mods. The C's frame seems to be solid as a rock and the sport suspension is a pretty well tuned match with the exception of the built in understeer!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
Once you replace them, the car will feel tighter on the turns and the floaty feeling should go away.
Also if the front brushings are bad, you'll also hear a clanking sound when you go over speed bumps.
You can take it to any indy shop with a press and you can press out the old ones and put in the new ones. Most shops are lazy and will make you buy the control arms so they can just swap out the pieces without a press.
Last edited by TemjinX2; Jun 2, 2010 at 11:39 AM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 19
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Important note, chassis stiffness and suspension stiffness are two different things.
Swaybars, springs, and struts contribute to suspension stiffness.
Roll cages, strut tower bars, and tie bars contribute to chassis stiffness.
If your car 3 wheels, it is because the suspension is too stiff for every day use. If however you hit a pot hole and the back end of the car vibrates separately from the front that is because the chassis is too soft, and the frame is not stiff enough to transfer the impact. It has nothing to do with the suspension and will not make cornering better.
Swaybars, springs, and struts contribute to suspension stiffness.
Roll cages, strut tower bars, and tie bars contribute to chassis stiffness.
If your car 3 wheels, it is because the suspension is too stiff for every day use. If however you hit a pot hole and the back end of the car vibrates separately from the front that is because the chassis is too soft, and the frame is not stiff enough to transfer the impact. It has nothing to do with the suspension and will not make cornering better.
going over pot holes and the rear end vibrates separately simply tells me something is wrong with your rear suspension and not the chassis. The most obvious sign of when chassis flex is listen to the creaking sound of the interior trim pieces when a car gets old. going over a simple pot hole and causing your rear suspension to go haywire pretty much tells you that either you have bad shocks or bad suspension bushings or sway bar end links.
the point of the strut bar is to evenly distribute the forces applied to the shocks and springs during cornering. it's not going to help you solve the rear end vibrations.
Last edited by FrankW; Jun 2, 2010 at 05:46 PM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 19
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Are you still under warranty? If so, just tell them the front end feels loose and makes popping and creaking sounds. They will likely replace the control arm bushings or control arms completely. I had mine replaced TWICE under warranty. I had loose feel and popping. The last time they replaced them, they put the W204 arms on. They are a newer part, but not necessarily better. Time will tell.
I agree with the others, if your car feels loose and unstable at high speeds, SOMETHING is wrong. This car is one of the best I have owned for high speed stability. When it comes to the suspension/chassis, I believe John (Splinter) 100%. Listen to what he says, and follow his recommendations.
I agree with the others, if your car feels loose and unstable at high speeds, SOMETHING is wrong. This car is one of the best I have owned for high speed stability. When it comes to the suspension/chassis, I believe John (Splinter) 100%. Listen to what he says, and follow his recommendations.
