Jim Banville

I've only had my C240 for 2 weeks now, but after noticing the much larger vertical gap between the front tires and the fender vs. the much narrower gap on the rear tires, I'd like to investigate possiblities for lowering the front end. The gap on the front end is a 3" - 4" and the rear gap is around 1 1/2". I'd like to lower the front by 1" - 2". I don't know a lot about suspensions. It is true that spring height is what sets the suspension height? The shocks just damp movement, correct? They don't have anything to do with the height, do they? I DO NOT want to screw up the cars "ride" characterists. I assume various spings have different tensions? I guess, if I'm correct up to now, I need a pair of front springs that are 1" - 2" shorter than stock and have the same tension characteristics. What do you think?

thanks!
Jim

Class C

I pondered the same possibility, however it's very difficult to find just the front springs. I've been asking around aswell. It's not really a good idea because you would want your suspension to work in unison.

Jim Banville

I've heard that the C32 AMG has a lower stance than the other C class sedans. Perhaps we could use the front springs from it? How hard is it to exchange springs? By the way, I just measured the distance from the level ground to the black line (on my silver car) running along the bottoms of the doors. Distance from ground at the front (just behind the front wheel well) is 12" and distance at the rear (just in front of the rear wheel well) is 13". At least the car isn't leaning back

Jim

Class C

I to like the factory looks of the rear, however could not stand the front. Let me know if you are successful in finding just the front springs.

spindrome

may have cut 1 or 1/2 a coil on his front springs and ride quality was not affected.

I'm not a physicist, but doing so would change the spring dampening rate.

I dont know if there are coilovers for the C class yet, but to my understanding you can adjust the coilovers to your selected height and not afffect the spring rates.

Harris

As I've said on the previous post, the gap in the front is due to the "design" of the car, its not that your car is unbalanced and leaning back. If you want to minimize the gap in the front and maintain a similar comfort level, I would recommend you to get a set of H&R or Carlsson springs. The H&R springs will drop the car nicely in the front by 1.3-1.5" (depends on what options you've) and the rear by 1" and the Carlsson springs will lower yr car by 1-1.2" all around. The Carlsson springs are supposed to give you a more comfortable ride. You can check out the user testimonies in the following links:

http://www.mercedesbenzamg.com/topic...=&TOPIC_ID=512

http://www.mercedesbenzamg.com/topic...=&TOPIC_ID=469

HOWEVER, IMO, the car will look awkward with the stock 16" wheels if you lower it. I think you've to at least upgrade yr wheels to 17", personally, I prefer 18"+. Otherwise, dont waste yr money.

Cutting the springs will kill your shocks! Dont even think about it.

Jim Banville

Well that sucks I don't want the back to be any lower. There is already about a 1 1/2" gap on the rear now (and that is unloaded!). I don't want there to be NO gap. I can't believe there is no practical way to only lower the front by at least 1" Bigger wheels and tires are out of the question. Looking at the front wheel well on the car from the side, there is an equal amount of gap between the tire and fender at the front and back (about 3"), but along the top the gap grows to about 4". Dropping the front would make it a nice even 3" or so gap from all points of the fender and tire

Jim

gab

try H&R Coilovers, you can adjust to the any ride height you want

Harris

Then the best thing for you to do is to remain everything untouched! Coilovers are VERY stiff, wouldnt recommend that. And if my info is correct, the H&R coilovers are not even available yet.

Jim Banville

Harris, I followed those links and read where one guy only replaced the front springs with very positive results! Do you what the differences are between the springs on a C32 and a C240?

thanks
Jim

Harris

I'll post the answer on my board later tonight.

Jim Banville

Okay, so it isn't a good idea to cut or alter my current springs, or to replace only the front springs. And seeing as how stiff the H&R springs are supposed to be, would I be safe in just having a set of Carlsson springs installed all around without changing anything else? I like the ride of the car now, and wouldn't mind if it was a little stiffer. After the springs are installed, how much should I have to pay for 4 wheel a re-alignment? Is camber the only aspect of alignment altered by the lowering?

thanks
Jim

PS- Harris, I tried responding on your site, but it seems VERY slow the last couple of days, and I can't seem to find the "reply to post" button! Yes, I have logged-in.