C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Eibach Sways, good and bad news...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 27, 2003 | 01:31 PM
  #1  
preyx's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
Eibach Sways, good and bad news...

Good news: I received my sways on Friday and installed them that same afternoon. Already, with just the front sways installed only, I can claim at least 75% reduction in body roll, with stock spring/shock
Bad news: Athough I installed the front sway-bar without incident, I ended up stripping 2 bolts on the rear sways while uninstalling the stock one, so needless to say the rear didn't get installed. I ordered a new set of bolts from the dealer, and since they're special order, It'll probably be at least 2 weeks before I can get them and have a shop do the rears for me.

Anyways, I'm really satisfied with the sways, even half-installed. The front sways were only slightly thicker than stock, but the rear sways seemed almost double-thickness to me. I can't wait to get those installed and have the whole body stiffer instead of just the front. It still makes hard cornering a lot more fun, though.

(This is what I get for trying to use a standard metric wrench on those special-shaped bolts...)
Reply
Old May 27, 2003 | 01:33 PM
  #2  
BrabusCClass's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,869
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
GL450, Sienna SE
Hehe. Im sure you are gonna love it when they are both installed.
Reply
Old May 27, 2003 | 01:55 PM
  #3  
preyx's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
Not bad... just got a call from the MB tech at the dealer. He told me they're shipping the bolts direct from Germany so it'll be about a week before they come in. Perfect timing, since this is finals-week for me at school.
Reply
Old May 27, 2003 | 02:17 PM
  #4  
vraa's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
what exactly do sway bars do?
Reply
Old May 27, 2003 | 02:24 PM
  #5  
oggle's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,587
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
E320
Originally posted by vraa
what exactly do sway bars do?
They cure the post-***** addiction.

Actually, they couple your suspension (left and right) so that your car doesn't wobble as much when turning.
Reply
Old May 27, 2003 | 02:47 PM
  #6  
trench's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Originally posted by oggle
Actually, they couple your suspension (left and right) so that your car doesn't wobble as much when turning.
Good short answer, although I'd replace the word wobble with lean.

Cheers, BT
Reply
Old May 27, 2003 | 04:24 PM
  #7  
jscavo's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
w203
$$$

as for the sways, where did you get them and for how much? been looking for awhile and it seems $350 + shipping. that right??
Reply
Old May 27, 2003 | 05:08 PM
  #8  
oggle's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,587
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
E320
Ok here's a longer more detailed explanation of how sway bars work:

http://www.houseofthud.com/cartech/swaybars.htm
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 27, 2003 | 05:17 PM
  #9  
mdp c230k's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2002 c230k
Re: $$$

Originally posted by jscavo
as for the sways, where did you get them and for how much? been looking for awhile and it seems $350 + shipping. that right??
Got mine from Shox at $350
Reply
Old May 27, 2003 | 07:08 PM
  #10  
preyx's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
My friend hooked me up with these for $350.
Reply
Old May 28, 2003 | 11:42 PM
  #11  
pcbchow's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
C200K
Re: Eibach Sways, good and bad news...

Originally posted by preyx


Anyways, I'm really satisfied with the sways, even half-installed. The front sways were only slightly thicker than stock, but the rear sways seemed almost double-thickness to me. I can't wait to get those installed and have the whole body stiffer instead of just the front. It still makes hard cornering a lot more fun, though.[/i] [/B]
I've got Eibach spring and shocks installed in my car already, and I am very happy with them. I am thinking to throw the sway bar as well, but a little bit concern that it might become too bumpy and therefore losing some comfort.

Since you already got them installed, tell me how they feel.....

Thanks
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 08:58 AM
  #12  
mdp c230k's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2002 c230k
Re: Re: Eibach Sways, good and bad news...

Originally posted by pcbchow
I've got Eibach spring and shocks installed in my car already, and I am very happy with them. I am thinking to throw the sway bar as well, but a little bit concern that it might become too bumpy and therefore losing some comfort.

Since you already got them installed, tell me how they feel.....

Thanks
They do not effect the ride smoothness at all. You only notice them on turns where they are great. Put them on!
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 09:00 AM
  #13  
tommy's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Re: Re: Re: Eibach Sways, good and bad news...

Originally posted by mdp c230k
They do not effect the ride smoothness at all. You only notice them on turns where they are great. Put them on!
I don't think that's totally true. For example, when you go over a pothole on one side only, you'll feel it more than without thicker sways, as the car now moves in unison, ie, the right side doesn't act as independently as before, and cannot swallow up bumps as well. It's well worth it, though.
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 09:05 AM
  #14  
mdp c230k's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2002 c230k
Re: Re: Re: Re: Eibach Sways, good and bad news...

Originally posted by tommy
I don't think that's totally true. For example, when you go over a pothole on one side only, you'll feel it more than without thicker sways, as the car now moves in unison, ie, the right side doesn't act as independently as before, and cannot swallow up bumps as well. It's well worth it, though.
True but you can hardly notice it. The car just sucks the pothole up like a pro! On speed bumps you cant notice it at all.
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 09:08 AM
  #15  
tommy's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
You LA people just don't understand NE potholes! It's not fair, I tell ya!
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 02:40 PM
  #16  
dmichael's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
2007 BMW 328xi sedan
Do you need a special tool....

for those special shaped bolts? Or did you just not have the correct size. I am confused, was thinking about doing this myself as well.
TIA
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 03:14 PM
  #17  
preyx's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
Well, the bolts have a special 6-point shape, similar to but not exactly matching a standard wrench. They fit all of my metric sockets, but you have to be very careful about not stripping the head as you remove the bolt. I was able to remove the other two bolts on the rear, but I was unable to complete installation due to the fact that the other two were stripped. I have no idea where to obtain the EXACT socket to fit those bolts, so you'll have to experiment like I did. Remember, I had no problem dealing with those bolts on the front, only 2 on the rear.
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 03:18 PM
  #18  
mdp c230k's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2002 c230k
Re: Do you need a special tool....

Originally posted by dmichael
for those special shaped bolts? Or did you just not have the correct size. I am confused, was thinking about doing this myself as well.
TIA
You just need the right size, 10mm Torqs, I believe.
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 04:05 PM
  #19  
KOMPRESSORnSC's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: New Castle, IN
C230Kompressor
Re: Re: Do you need a special tool....

Originally posted by mdp c230k
You just need the right size, 10mm Torqs, I believe.
You can get a set of Torx sockets at Sears. I think I paid about $22.00 for a set of 7 (6-16), which covers every Torx nut I've had to remove on the car. And if anyone finds my #10, please let me know! Wouldn't you know I'd loose the most common size...
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 05:59 PM
  #20  
mdp c230k's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2002 c230k
Re: Re: Re: Do you need a special tool....

Originally posted by KOMPRESSORnSC
You can get a set of Torx sockets at Sears. I think I paid about $22.00 for a set of 7 (6-16), which covers every Torx nut I've had to remove on the car. And if anyone finds my #10, please let me know! Wouldn't you know I'd loose the most common size...
It's the law, Murphy's law!
P.S. Look in the corner...:p
Reply
Old May 29, 2003 | 06:28 PM
  #21  
HeirKranz's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: NPR florida
C230k coupe 500sec convertible
well you guys could settle for the better choice and combine the better handling with the better ride for the pothole and save a buttload of money. BUY THE AMG C32 swaybars I love them, but not too stiff about $150 for whole kit front and rear!! and oem part numbers
Reply
Old May 30, 2003 | 08:43 AM
  #22  
mdp c230k's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2002 c230k
Originally posted by HeirKranz
well you guys could settle for the better choice and combine the better handling with the better ride for the pothole and save a buttload of money. BUY THE AMG C32 swaybars I love them, but not too stiff about $150 for whole kit front and rear!! and oem part numbers
They are not even close to the Eibach's handling! For half the price you get half the handling. The Eibachs are more than fine over potholes unless you are bothered by the stock suspensions ride. In that case, you won't like the ride of any MB.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:00 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE