Quick DIY guide to C203 Coilover Installation?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 227
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From: Bay Area
01 S2000, E46 M3, 99 ML320
Quick DIY guide to C203 Coilover Installation?
hey guys,
I did a few searches and couldn't find anything. I'm sure many of you have done suspension installs and was wondering if you can give me a few quick tips. I've done many coil/spring installs before but just not on a Benzo.
Any tips or pics, advice?
thanks,
rick
I did a few searches and couldn't find anything. I'm sure many of you have done suspension installs and was wondering if you can give me a few quick tips. I've done many coil/spring installs before but just not on a Benzo.
Any tips or pics, advice?
thanks,
rick
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 577
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From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
Although I didn't install my springs myself, I watched my mechanic do them, here's my observations (for C-class):
Front suspension is the standard strut setup. Nothing really special with these, just like any other car.
Rear suspension is wishbone-type. This means you'll have to compress the spring slightly (by pushing up on the member with a jack) in order to loosen the bolt holding the shock in place. Once the bolt is removed, the jack can be removed, allowing access to the spring (unbolt the shock at the top if needed).
The rear spring has a spring pad above it which can be changed to any of four thicknesses (this subject has been explained to death), don't forget to make sure you have it on correctly before replacing the spring into the suspension. To reinstall the rear suspension, compress the spring once again with the jack until the holes for the shock line up, then bolt it back into place.
Of course, with any suspension work, be sure to get it aligned. Good luck!
Front suspension is the standard strut setup. Nothing really special with these, just like any other car.
Rear suspension is wishbone-type. This means you'll have to compress the spring slightly (by pushing up on the member with a jack) in order to loosen the bolt holding the shock in place. Once the bolt is removed, the jack can be removed, allowing access to the spring (unbolt the shock at the top if needed).
The rear spring has a spring pad above it which can be changed to any of four thicknesses (this subject has been explained to death), don't forget to make sure you have it on correctly before replacing the spring into the suspension. To reinstall the rear suspension, compress the spring once again with the jack until the holes for the shock line up, then bolt it back into place.
Of course, with any suspension work, be sure to get it aligned. Good luck!
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From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
Originally Posted by preyx
Rear suspension is wishbone-type. This means you'll have to compress the spring slightly (by pushing up on the member with a jack) in order to loosen the bolt holding the shock in place. Once the bolt is removed, the jack can be removed, allowing access to the spring (unbolt the shock at the top if needed).
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
Originally Posted by KWiK
You do not need to remove any shock bolts...You don't even need to remove the rear wheels. The only bolt that needs to be removed is the inner one on the lower control arm. The jack is used to keep the arm in place until the bolt is removed & then the arm can be lowered slowly until the spring is free.
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From: Bay Area
01 S2000, E46 M3, 99 ML320
Ok I will answer....haha
We just completed the H/R coilover install and here are some interesting notes I found:
1) For the rear, it's not that bad but you do need to remove the one large bolt close to the tranny. On the driver's side, we had to drop the exhaust too to get to that bolt! We also removed the sway bar bolt to make it easier to access. The coilover adjustment goes on the upper portion but my complaint is that it's totally not adjustable without first removing the entire assembly if you need to raise/lower the car!
2) Fronts need to have the springs compressed before pulling out the entire assembly. The C-class front is very unusual in that the center bolt is part of the entire rubber assembly so it requires to be twisted onto the upper collar.
After doing the coil install, we realized the 19" rims were rubbing up front so now we need to get spacers
Anyone else with H/R coils had this problem?
rick
1) For the rear, it's not that bad but you do need to remove the one large bolt close to the tranny. On the driver's side, we had to drop the exhaust too to get to that bolt! We also removed the sway bar bolt to make it easier to access. The coilover adjustment goes on the upper portion but my complaint is that it's totally not adjustable without first removing the entire assembly if you need to raise/lower the car!
2) Fronts need to have the springs compressed before pulling out the entire assembly. The C-class front is very unusual in that the center bolt is part of the entire rubber assembly so it requires to be twisted onto the upper collar.
After doing the coil install, we realized the 19" rims were rubbing up front so now we need to get spacers
Anyone else with H/R coils had this problem?
rick
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 577
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From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
Originally Posted by s4play
1) For the rear, it's not that bad but you do need to remove the one large bolt close to the tranny. On the driver's side, we had to drop the exhaust too to get to that bolt! We also removed the sway bar bolt to make it easier to access. The coilover adjustment goes on the upper portion but my complaint is that it's totally not adjustable without first removing the entire assembly if you need to raise/lower the car!
Originally Posted by s4play
After doing the coil install, we realized the 19" rims were rubbing up front so now we need to get spacers
Anyone else with H/R coils had this problem?
Anyone else with H/R coils had this problem?
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Originally Posted by s4play
2) Fronts need to have the springs compressed before pulling out the entire assembly. The C-class front is very unusual in that the center bolt is part of the entire rubber assembly so it requires to be twisted onto the upper collar.
Is it really true that the front spring need to be compressed before
pulling out??????
I know the C-class front strut looks funny with only one bolt and a
black channel to hold on the top.
Can anyone explain the proper procedure for removing the front strut?
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From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
Originally Posted by s4play
2) Fronts need to have the springs compressed before pulling out the entire assembly. The C-class front is very unusual in that the center bolt is part of the entire rubber assembly so it requires to be twisted onto the upper collar.
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From: Houston, TX
2015 E250D
I second that. I have done this upgrade myself and the front does not need to be compressed before removal. The whole assy. comes out. You need a special tool to remove that nut on top though. I have it the garage. I will get part number later on. You will need a very good spring compressor. The best is Klann. Or go to a shop with a hydraulic compressor. Those stock springs are loooonnnnggg when you uncompress them.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 69
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2002 C230 Coupe
I think he means the MB tool to remove the retaining nut holding the strut cap on. According to the other forum, the part number is:
203.589.00.07.00
I can't find the picture of it right now, but it's basically a socket with two pins sticking out the end to fit in two holes in the retaining ring. I bought mine, and it was pretty handy, but you can probably make do with two small screwdrivers and some swearing.
203.589.00.07.00
I can't find the picture of it right now, but it's basically a socket with two pins sticking out the end to fit in two holes in the retaining ring. I bought mine, and it was pretty handy, but you can probably make do with two small screwdrivers and some swearing.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
I think he means the MB tool to remove the retaining nut holding the strut cap on. According to the other forum, the part number is:
203.589.00.07.00
I can't find the picture of it right now, but it's basically a socket with two pins sticking out the end to fit in two holes in the retaining ring. I bought mine, and it was pretty handy, but you can probably make do with two small screwdrivers and some swearing.
203.589.00.07.00
I can't find the picture of it right now, but it's basically a socket with two pins sticking out the end to fit in two holes in the retaining ring. I bought mine, and it was pretty handy, but you can probably make do with two small screwdrivers and some swearing.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Boston
2004 C32 ///AMG
MB dealers charge about $36 for this piece.
