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Suspension Overhaul Advice

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Old Jul 22, 2014 | 06:07 PM
  #1  
neurodave's Avatar
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From: Jersey City, NJ
2001 C320 w/ Sprt Pkg
Suspension Overhaul Advice

So I'm looking to do an overhaul of my cars suspension. I would like to piece it all together the best I can. When I push down on the car, it is very bouncy and it is very rough over bumps. I am trying to stick to original ride quality, even though aftermarket is tempting. I am just not very sure where to begin. I looked around ECS tuning and saw some options. My car is a 2001 C320, but I am not sure if I should be aiming for a specific "sport" suspension, or stock. It did come with the sport package, but I am not too sure what that comes with from the dealer. I am trying to keep it as economical as possible, without sacrificing quality and comfort. Someone suggested coilovers, but those run pretty high. I also see that AMG suspension is available, but I'm not sure if it would work with my car.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
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Old Jul 22, 2014 | 07:10 PM
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2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Mercedes' "Sport" designation means less than the paper it's written on.

So what exactly do you want? Stock ride height, stock firmness, stock wallowing? If so, then best bet is probably to just get a set of inexpensive struts. Tirerack has some cheap options for you.

Tirerack Options for your C320

If you're not looking to get a better suspension with a slightly firmer ride, don't waste your money. Though you'd be sticking with crap just for a stock-ish ride, which I don't see much logic in.
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Old Jul 27, 2014 | 01:37 PM
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2002 c240
Keep it stock!

I have 209000 miles on my C240 and replaced suspension (bushings, shocks and struts) twice! Each time I had a shop replace the front struts, bearings because it was too difficult to get the springs out with generic spring compressors. I always replaced the rear shocks and the front/rear suspension components. After that the ride handling was perfect. I used Bilsteins the second time around and Sachs shocks before that. I really think there is no need to upgrade your suspension. its firm and handles great. thats my take. Good luck
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Old Jul 27, 2014 | 06:17 PM
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From: Jersey City, NJ
2001 C320 w/ Sprt Pkg
I would like a sporty ride, maybe a bit stiffer, if you will. The front of my car is sitting much higher than it should be (and higher than the rear) and I'm assuming it's because the suspension is shot. The car is very bouncy over bumps and I'm sure that is not how it should feel. Also, if I push down lightly on either the front or the rear of the car, it bounces. It's safe to say even the factory suspension feel would be a welcomed thing.
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Old Jul 27, 2014 | 06:26 PM
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2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
Panzafio, so what would you say about Sachs vs Bilstein in terms of firmness/harshness? How are they different if you remember? Thanks!
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Old Jul 27, 2014 | 07:16 PM
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From: Kalifornication, USA
2007 C230 SS 6MT
http://www.ecstuning.com/Mercedes_Be...nce/ES2738373/

If you click on "Kit contents" it tells you what comes with the kit - this looks like it would fit your car.

Originally Posted by neurodave
So I'm looking to do an overhaul of my cars suspension. I would like to piece it all together the best I can. When I push down on the car, it is very bouncy and it is very rough over bumps. I am trying to stick to original ride quality, even though aftermarket is tempting. I am just not very sure where to begin. I looked around ECS tuning and saw some options. My car is a 2001 C320, but I am not sure if I should be aiming for a specific "sport" suspension, or stock. It did come with the sport package, but I am not too sure what that comes with from the dealer. I am trying to keep it as economical as possible, without sacrificing quality and comfort. Someone suggested coilovers, but those run pretty high. I also see that AMG suspension is available, but I'm not sure if it would work with my car.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2014 | 07:48 PM
  #7  
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The front being much higher than the rear is not evidence of anything - it's normal for our cars.
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Old Jul 29, 2014 | 10:45 AM
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From: Jersey City, NJ
2001 C320 w/ Sprt Pkg
Originally Posted by tommy
The front being much higher than the rear is not evidence of anything - it's normal for our cars.
Really? Cause every C320 I see around has generally sat flush with the rear whereas mine is about 4 or so inches higher. It's quite a chunk, and looks quite ugly, too.
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Old Jul 29, 2014 | 11:13 AM
  #9  
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I guess it can be more obvious on some cars than others, but yes, the front gap should be bigger on every stock car. My car's got Eibach Pros / Koni Sports and is also ridin' high in the front.

People can mess with the stops, cut coils, etc. to get a more level playing field, too.
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Old Jul 29, 2014 | 11:45 AM
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2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
Think about it, what can cause it to sit higher over time?
Springs might sag, shocks get shot and cease to provide the last bit of support.
The wheel gap should actually get less as the car ages, imho.
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