milsons200

Any pros / cons when pick between Carlsson / Brabus suspension kits ?

which kits is more aggressive and which one is more comfort ?

shaunpaulinc

I want to lower my car, but I know that just lowering with some springs is a VERY VERY VERY bad idea. But with the new suspension I get I want it be be up to par or superior to mercedes stock suspension. I love the way mercedes ride, thats why I have had so many, so I dont want to change that.

Anyone know more?

Or should I forget about lowering it all together?

Shaun

DucatiGuy

In most cases, when you swap out the OEM springs with lowered aftermarket springs in excess of .25-.50", the "useable" travel or reach the OEM shocks were designed for is altered, thus adversely effecting ride quality and longevity. To give you a better explanation of what is happening, when a shock is manufactured, certain design traits are inherently built into the system. Designers valve and setup each shock depending on it's length, the weight that will be exerted on to it, and several other factors proprietary to each shock manufacturer and application. When you go and in a sense readjust that same shock by lowering it's height, you throw off those design characteristics it was built to accommodate / handle.

This is the reason why shocks on vehicles that have been lowered with springs die out 50% quicker than non modified shocks.

But with that said, it's all a matter of time, and how low you go. A drop of .25-.50" usually won't effect much. It's when you go over .75-1.00" that things can get out of whack (not to mention camber and tires issues). It's the price you pay for performance.

The right way, or I should rephrase that, the more economical way (for those who want to look at the big picture, not necessary the $$$ amount) is to get an aftermarket spring and shock or coil over setup designed specifically for your application. Sure you'll spend more $$$, but hey you'll only have to do it once and for the most part, these setups usually offer multiple levels of adjustment, including ride height, and firmness. The drawback to these setups however is that they usually can never match or meet the OEM ride quality due to the fact they're intended for either track or more spirited driving. But then again, if you're in the market for a lowered suspension, chances are you're not using your MB to go to the grocery store - you'll be able to live with the difference in ride quality.

Last but not least, I briefly touched on camber and tires issues. Whenever you lower your car more than .25", either with springs or a full suspension setup, you will need a wheel alignment to get things back to factory spec. In some cases, vehicles lowered in excess of 1" cannot be brought back to spec with conventional means, and may require additional components such as an aftermarket toe/camber kit to help it get back to factory spec. Check with the spring or suspension manufacturer BEFORE you buy!!! Sure you can live with a little negative camber, but if it's to much, you will wear out your tires in as little as 5-10K miles on the street.

Some food for thought, for those looking to lower your C...

Derspeed

I called Eibach about a month ago and the the rep said their Pro Kit springs can be used with the stock shocks (big surprise). The springs will lower the sport about 1/2 inch since it's already lower. I think that would be perfect. The lux will be lowered just over an inch. I have always heard that Eibachs were designed to be used with stock shocks, but I am leary of that.

H&R makes springs for the new C as well. I ran H&Rs and Bilstein shocks on my 2003 Passat and the ride was really good. Actually better on 18" wheels than on the OE 15". I also had Eibachs with Boge Turbogas shocks (essentially stock) on one of my cars and they were really good. B+G springs are horrid. Wait a few more months. The popularity of this car will not go un-noticed. The number aftermarket offerings should increase.

You can get the springs here:

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/S...lar=&brand=all

My question is...shouldn't the shocks on the C compensate for the firmer lower aftermarket springs because of the way they are designed? Don't they adjust themselves through the way they are valved or something?

I agree w/ Ducatiguy. This is something that you only want to do once. Also, no matter how low you go, if you take your suspension apart, you should always have the alignment checked.

tanktube67

if you slam the car you will never be able to bring it up tp specs, but 1" to 1 1/2" no problem

Hungy

I got mine lowered with H & R Spring for abut 1 1/4 inches.

So far so good. Spring is hard, absorb most the vibration. For some reason its more comfy that before modded.

uhear

I want to lower mine (Brookes) but l fear pretty much what Ducati had to say. Very well written by the way! I don't want to make a mod that will ultimately cost me in the future.

what have we all decided about the best method to lower at least an inch? For me anything less just isnt worth it.

milsons200

I am waiting for either Carlsson or Brabus to release the PSS9(Bilstein) equivalent suspension kits(fully adjustable). The Bilstein already release the PSS9/10 for W204, not sure if anyone try or heard anyone installed on their C class ?

PoaMike

^Really? Nice info... Ill look into that.

tanktube67

^+1