Lowered w203 4MATICs. Pics please and what you used (springs/ coilovers)
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Member
Joined: Mar 2013
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2007 c280
Lowered w203 4MATICs. Pics please and what you used (springs/ coilovers)
I know there are threads on lowering the w203. But I didn't see any directly related to 4matics. Even less with any useful information in the thread or any hints as to how the look was achieved. I have found H&R springs at my local H&R dealer for $275 but want to see what I can expect. Is it worth it for the 1.3" drop?
I've also read that the 4matics were not designed to be lowered any any changes to the geometry will destroy cv joints. But that was only a few random posts. Any truth to this?
Thank you gentleman!
I've also read that the 4matics were not designed to be lowered any any changes to the geometry will destroy cv joints. But that was only a few random posts. Any truth to this?
Thank you gentleman!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 200
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2007 c280
No issues with cv joints lowering these though?
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Joined: Jun 2014
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2005 Mercedes C240 Wagon
Ahhhh.. The infamous "don't lower your AWD car or it'll explode" debate. Don't let people scare you with the CV axle death if you lower your 4-matic. Is it ideal? No, probably not. You may have to replace them at 70K intervals instead of 100K, but that's true with a lot of aftermarket performance parts working with stock components.
Picture of my lowered 1998 E320 4-MATIC for reference. Factory CV's with over 200K and it's been lowered since 175K.
And the wife's E30 325IX for good measure, also lowered on coilovers which is a total no-no according to the E30 community.
Hopefully picking up a C240 4-Matic soon to replace my E Class which I plan to lower as well!
Picture of my lowered 1998 E320 4-MATIC for reference. Factory CV's with over 200K and it's been lowered since 175K.
And the wife's E30 325IX for good measure, also lowered on coilovers which is a total no-no according to the E30 community.
Hopefully picking up a C240 4-Matic soon to replace my E Class which I plan to lower as well!
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: VA
THE C350
I have actually never heard anyone on here mention cv joints being a concern I think the reason most don't recommend it is that in the past at least lowering springs were very hard to come by for the 4matic models. Also as I am sure you know when lowering any car you risk the chance of messing up the alignment which depending on the shop and the suspension setup can be fun to fix. That said as long as you do it right I doubt you would ever notice much of a difference in part longevity unless you are dragging the car 1mm above the ground lol
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Coon Rapids MN
2005 C240
I would have to agree that most of the reason for not lowering a 4matic is lack of parts not decreasing the lifespan of factory parts.
That being said i love the look of a lowered car but would not lower my AWD car.
That being said i love the look of a lowered car but would not lower my AWD car.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
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2007 c280
Funny this thread gets bumped yesterday.
I'm sitting at firestone now getting new tires and an alignment. Apparently my right rear is at -1.6 camber and left front at -1.7.
The guys say there is no rear camber adjustment at all. The front I can use crash bolts to bring it in about -.5. But what about the rear?
Are those lobed SPC and Eibach camber adjustment bolts appropriate here?
Is it more important for my camber to be close to factory spec or closer to the opposite tire on its end of the car?
This sucks.
I'm sitting at firestone now getting new tires and an alignment. Apparently my right rear is at -1.6 camber and left front at -1.7.
The guys say there is no rear camber adjustment at all. The front I can use crash bolts to bring it in about -.5. But what about the rear?
Are those lobed SPC and Eibach camber adjustment bolts appropriate here?
Is it more important for my camber to be close to factory spec or closer to the opposite tire on its end of the car?
This sucks.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
You can get a kit to fix the rear camber
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...amber-kit.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...djustment.html
Take a look at both and see if that will work for you I don't know if the rear suspension on a 4matic is different I don't believe it is.
My rear camber was off but not to bad as I added the thickest rubber pads you could to keep ride height within reason and so I wouldn't have this issue as bad.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...amber-kit.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...djustment.html
Take a look at both and see if that will work for you I don't know if the rear suspension on a 4matic is different I don't believe it is.
My rear camber was off but not to bad as I added the thickest rubber pads you could to keep ride height within reason and so I wouldn't have this issue as bad.
