GMW

Hi,

New to the C forum and new C-class owner. 2002 model C180, 2litre, Elegance, brand new, had only 66km on the clock. Got it about 2 weeks back. 16-inch Elegance rims, Linguatronic voice control, mobile phone, Bose sound system, Front loading Single CD player, folding mirrors, rain sensor, etc. Andradite Green with Java Leather twin. Pics to follow later.

Now for the question. My first change that I want to do is install 18inch Splite spoke Style IV AMG rims that are designed for the C-class but I need to know if they will rub or what adjustments to the suspension will need to be done? Plus how is the ride for anyone who has these rims.

All help will be appreciated.

GMW

BruNo

18"rims on 225 fronts and 255 rears...no problem i guess. Rides like 17s, still comfortable, minimizes side to side swaying of soft elegance suspension. Potholes give out a loud "bang" than 16s of course. if uve got smooth roads...no problem.

BrabusCClass

Welcome to the forums.

I would stick to 225 front 245 rear.

FrankW

yes, you can put them on directly, just make sure you order the one for C-class. recommanded sizes are 18x7.5 front with 225/40 and 18x8.5 with 255/35.

I'm still saving up for to get it for mine.

GMW

I believe I will go for the 18inch Style IVs, now that I know they fit directly and don't require mods. As soon as I have saved enough cash for the rims and tires they will be put on. I also have to change my shocks to lower the car back to the standard height otherwise it will look odd. Right now it has the high ground clearance shocks. Here are some pics of the car as promised earlier!

FrankW

looks good, but why high ground clearance shocks?

GMW

So I just took it as is but am already going to order the standard shocks next week. Here's a cleaner pic!

FrankW

Your car looks the same height as the US spec cars.

GMW

I'll take some better pics of the car after it has been polished! Here is an interior shot. High ground clearance is standard in this region because of the state of most feeder roads but the main roads are fine. So unless you're going to someone's house out on some terrible road, the standard suspension is fine. A friend of mine has had a C32 for over a year now with no problems on clearance or his rims.

vadim

I don't think the shocks alone will do the trick. Likely, it's a combination of springs+shocks. US spec cars have higher clearance, at least on the front, and many leave the stock shocks on and install shorter springs to achieve this.

GMW

I have seen another C-class over here with the standard height which is lower than mine. That C didn't have the high ground clearance option. After checking together with the MB workshop technician on the MB systems we found the on the front suspension the springs were the same as were the rubber buffers but the shocks were different, however on the rear there were 4 possible height stages of rubber buffers as well as different shocks. The difference of my front height to the standard front height is minimal so the standard shocks fitment would bring it back to the standard height. However, on the rear there is a larger height difference to the standard height so both the rubber buffers and shocks would have to change.

I'll keep you all informed as I progress through this.

P.S. by standard height I'm talking about Europe standard height which is lower in the front than U.S. standard height but looks similar on rear height.

preyx

*sob*

I want right-hand drive...

GMW

Preyx, there are some new Right hand drives at the showroom over here!

Photoshoped pic below, to give me a better understanding of what the real deal will look like and it also makes me understand that I will definately have to lower the car a touch.

TNblkc230wz

Looks good. Right hand drives are cool. Just have to get use to the inside rearview mirror.

FrankW

you also have to get use to driving on the different side of the road. One of my brother's friend who lived in Australia came to visit us couple years ago. He rented a Boxster, and he almost got into accident when he veer onto the left side of the road after making a turn.

GMW

This time I used the proper style IV 18's as used by the CLK 55 in Europe to get a better idea of what the final product will look like.

Modification Phase I: (all parts ordered)
Lower suspension and New Bi-xenon lights

Modification Phase II: (order pending)
7.5 (front) and 8.5 (rear) 18inch style IV AMG rims (C-class specified) to replace the standard 16inch items.

I'll keep updating as I progress.

GMW

This time I used the proper style IV 18's as used by the CLK 55 in Europe to get a better idea of what the final product will look like.
Pic is failing to upload now so I'll try later.

Planned changes to the car.

Modification Phase I: (all parts ordered)
Lower suspension and New Bi-xenon lights

Modification Phase II: (order pending)
7.5 (front) and 8.5 (rear) 18inch style IV AMG rims (C-class specified) to replace the standard 16inch items.

I'll keep updating pics as I progress.

GMW

This time I used the proper style IV 18's as used by the CLK 55 in Europe to get a better idea of what the final product will look like.

Modification Phase I: (all parts ordered)
Lower suspension and New Bi-xenon lights

Modification Phase II: (order pending)
7.5 (front) and 8.5 (rear) 18inch style IV AMG rims (C-class specified) to replace the standard 16inch items.

I'll keep updating as I progress.