OK. I'm trying to find information about this but getting mixed answers. I installed Tein Basic coilovers a couple of weeks ago and I have them set almost at the lowest setting in the rear, yet I still have a near finger gap between the fender and tire. I did use the bottom #2 spring pad in the rear and I'm finding out now that possibly I wasnt supposed to? Could someone help me out on this one?

 

you dont use the spring pads with coilovers on the w203

 

Ahh son of a ***** have to disassemble everything! Thank you for clearing that up

 

But ok wait a sec, looking at the installation manual on Tein's website, it looks like you are supposed to use the pad. Isn't the spring insulator on page 9 for the rear spring the spring pad?

http://www.tein.com/tech_info/inst/lg00u.pdf

 

No... On the teins you dont use the pads since the adjustment base is on top. if you use the pad it makes the spring setup uneven. bottom of the control are shouldnt have anytthing, the spring sits straight in it. If you look into it youll see that its designed to where the spring is suppose to sit. It has a little notch where the beginning of the spring starts so put the spring in the groove and have the beginning of the spring hitting the notch, this is to prevent it from spinning and aligns the spring correctly.

My c/o's are different in that the adjustment base is on the bottom of the spring in the control arm so the upper part of the spring is required to have the pads. In trutaings diy on the teins he states not to use the pads.

Once you remove it you can definately slam it down.