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Lowering the C350 (W204)

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Old Apr 20, 2008 | 01:11 PM
  #1  
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2010 Prius & Miata MX5 PRHT, 2010 Toyota Venza AWD, 05 C55 AMG, Yamaha 1100 Custom, Honda 250 Reflex
Lowering the C350 (W204)

I am planning on lowering our C350 Sports. What do you recommend; Eibach (Pro Kit) or H&R springs. Please comment on your choice.

From what I read on the ads, Eibachs will lowered your front end by approximately 1.2" and the H&Rs by 1.4". Lowering at the rear is the same for both Eibachs and H&Rs at 1.2".

Will the ride be the same on both spring manufacturers? I prefer not to stiffened the ride.

Personally, I have had experience with Eibach Pro-Kits and am quite satisfied with the results. Am wonder what the consensus is with your guys. TIA for sharing.

Last edited by benggolf; Apr 20, 2008 at 01:20 PM.
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Old Apr 20, 2008 | 05:33 PM
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I have had H&Rs and Eibachs; both with great results. I have also used sport shocks every time. I wouldn't use either with stock shocks. I have seen W204s with both brands, and I like the stance with H&Rs. It's a bit more raked. The Eibachs seem to make the rear of the car look saggy. The ride for both is stiffened by 20 to 30%. On car with a wheelbase as long as a W204, the ride will still be good.
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Old Apr 20, 2008 | 10:23 PM
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C350 - Saks Special Edition
Why do you not recommend staying with the stock shocks? I have a SFA C350 and am planning on installing the H&R springs and leaving the rest of the suspension alone. Any info would be much appreciated.
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 09:49 AM
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Eventhough H&R and Eibach indicate you can use their springs with OE shocks, the shorter spring preloads the shocks and causes premature wear. Everyone I asked who sells the springs, advised against using OE shocks. I wish that were not the case, because it is taking forever for the shock manufacturers to get moving. I am surprised the spring manufacturers haven't been held accountable for making the claim. I wish they would provide proof that their springs can be used with OE shocks.

Finally, I think those with the sport models would fare better than lux owners in using OE shocks because the sport is already lower.

Last edited by Derspeed; Apr 21, 2008 at 09:54 AM.
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 02:56 PM
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Sorry for the ultra noob question but approx how much US $ for H&R springs + shocks including install?
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 03:25 PM
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Tire Rack has the best prices. Install is about 3 hours.
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Old Apr 21, 2008 | 08:29 PM
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c300
i have had aftermarket springs on stock struts on all my cars never once have i popped a strut. even my evo cuting 1.4 60ft's never once popped a strut. my w204 on h&r's are on stock struts for 6k miles and still rides like when i picked it up. it took me about 1.5 to do the install at my shop its pretty easy

Last edited by one sick c; Apr 21, 2008 at 08:31 PM.
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 01:04 AM
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C350 - Saks Special Edition
Thanks for the info.

Does anyone have any experience with full lowering suspension kits from Brabus and the like? These kits are pricey and i'm not sure they are worth it when compared to the H&R option.

Also, please share any pics of your ride with the H&R springs.
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 01:26 AM
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+1 on those pics, sick c. I'd appreciate to see that.

I had a VW GTI prior to this and I had Vogtland springs on stock shocks for over 30K miles and it rode ok, but I don't plan to lower the 204 too much like the GTI was, and since it has sport suspension already I'm hoping it will ride great for a long time. I don't mind doing the suspension over with new shocks again in a few years if that changes though.
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 05:20 AM
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Still waiting for the feedback on either Brabus fully adjustble (coil over) suspesion kits or PSS10 from Bilstein. I bet the Brabus's fully adjustble kits come from Bilstein.

Anyone done it ?
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 09:54 AM
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Originally Posted by benggolf
I am planning on lowering our C350 Sports. What do you recommend; Eibach (Pro Kit) or H&R springs. Please comment on your choice.

From what I read on the ads, Eibachs will lowered your front end by approximately 1.2" and the H&Rs by 1.4". Lowering at the rear is the same for both Eibachs and H&Rs at 1.2".

Will the ride be the same on both spring manufacturers? I prefer not to stiffened the ride.

Personally, I have had experience with Eibach Pro-Kits and am quite satisfied with the results. Am wonder what the consensus is with your guys. TIA for sharing.
H&R
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 01:55 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by one sick c
i have had aftermarket springs on stock struts on all my cars never once have i popped a strut. even my evo cuting 1.4 60ft's never once popped a strut. my w204 on h&r's are on stock struts for 6k miles and still rides like when i picked it up. it took me about 1.5 to do the install at my shop its pretty easy
Popping isn't the issue. It's the premature wear. It happens so gradually, you don't usually notice it. Personally, I am waiting for Bilstein struts because they have a lifetime replacement warranty. And, I already know they will replace a shock if you use lowering springs.
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 08:06 PM
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C350
i have H&R sports on my 350, ride is still comfortable and the drop is subtle
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 01:45 AM
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C350 - Saks Special Edition
EFX1....Can you post some pics of your C350 with the H&Rs???
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 11:27 AM
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Where can I find the H&Rs for the best price online? How much did you guys pay for them?
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 01:51 PM
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W204 C300 09' (GONE) W205 C63S Edition 1 Estate
If you guys are looking for H&R sports springs, mine should be up for sale within the next month or so, it's only been on for about 1500 miles at the moment.. PM me if you're interested
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