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CAR TOO BOUNCY! H&R SS Springs & 5mm pads on Stock 18" AMG Wheels & Nitto Motivo Tire
Thread Starter
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LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
CAR TOO BOUNCY! H&R SS Springs & 5mm pads on Stock 18" AMG Wheels & Nitto Motivo Tire
My CAR is TOO BOUNCY! Now that I have finally put on H&R Super Sports & 5mm pads on Stock 18" AMG Wheels & Nitto Motivo Tires
I am very surprised, since I went this route after searching through countless threads where many members stated that the combo was in fact riding similar to that of OEM, none having stated that the ride became bouncier, stiffer maybe but that's to be expected given the springs, this combo was also based off given statements from members that the OEM shocks are used across the many trims of the W204 all of which stock have different heights from one another.
Quoted from this thread, which is exactly how I feel as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...stein-b8s.html
Am I just too sensitive, just like Knightmare69? Or is there something wrong with my install?
I didn't think I needed the performance of coil overs because I didn't think "bounce" was an issue with the H&R Super Sports, but now I am ready to trade these out and just get the H&R Street Coil Overs or maybe upgrade the shocks...
Anybody have any recommendations which is the best course of action at this point (having already installed springs but wanting to get rid of bouncy ride)?
Thanks in advance for your recommendations and comments
I am very surprised, since I went this route after searching through countless threads where many members stated that the combo was in fact riding similar to that of OEM, none having stated that the ride became bouncier, stiffer maybe but that's to be expected given the springs, this combo was also based off given statements from members that the OEM shocks are used across the many trims of the W204 all of which stock have different heights from one another.
Quoted from this thread, which is exactly how I feel as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...stein-b8s.html
Am I just too sensitive, just like Knightmare69? Or is there something wrong with my install?
I didn't think I needed the performance of coil overs because I didn't think "bounce" was an issue with the H&R Super Sports, but now I am ready to trade these out and just get the H&R Street Coil Overs or maybe upgrade the shocks...
Anybody have any recommendations which is the best course of action at this point (having already installed springs but wanting to get rid of bouncy ride)?
Thanks in advance for your recommendations and comments
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
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LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
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Likes: 5
LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
SRT-6
No, I mean your shocks could be rendered inoperative because your basically sitting on the stops. If you only have 1/2" of travel before you hit the stopper the ride will be unusual. How much lower is the car and did you trim the bump stops?
Les
Les
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 5
LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
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Likes: 5
LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
could just be harsher ride... but the way everyone talked about the H&R SS springs made it seem to me that it was hardly noticeable from stock...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 5
LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
-changed out springs only in front to H&R SS
- changed out springs in rear to H&R SS and also changed Spring pads from 13mm to 8mm
Can I check to see if the shocks are inactive without the car being on a lift?
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, Canada
2011 E550 Coupe
I am on 19's with Super Sports, I don't find the ride bumpy however every small bump or hole makes a loud clunking sound like the spring windings are compressing onto each other. It almost sounds like something is loose.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
I mean, even on normal relatively flat, well paved roads or high speeds on Los Angeles freeways... the car feels noticeably more bouncy than stock to where I can feel the bounce ricochet from the front to the back over any grade change or bump...
could just be harsher ride... but the way everyone talked about the H&R SS springs made it seem to me that it was hardly noticeable from stock...
could just be harsher ride... but the way everyone talked about the H&R SS springs made it seem to me that it was hardly noticeable from stock...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 9
From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
My CAR is TOO BOUNCY! Now that I have finally put on H&R Super Sports & 5mm pads on Stock 18" AMG Wheels & Nitto Motivo Tires
I am very surprised, since I went this route after searching through countless threads where many members stated that the combo was in fact riding similar to that of OEM, none having stated that the ride became bouncier, stiffer maybe but that's to be expected given the springs, this combo was also based off given statements from members that the OEM shocks are used across the many trims of the W204 all of which stock have different heights from one another.
Quoted from this thread, which is exactly how I feel as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...stein-b8s.html
I am very surprised, since I went this route after searching through countless threads where many members stated that the combo was in fact riding similar to that of OEM, none having stated that the ride became bouncier, stiffer maybe but that's to be expected given the springs, this combo was also based off given statements from members that the OEM shocks are used across the many trims of the W204 all of which stock have different heights from one another.
Quoted from this thread, which is exactly how I feel as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...stein-b8s.html
Am I just too sensitive, just like Knightmare69? Or is there something wrong with my install?
I didn't think I needed the performance of coil overs because I didn't think "bounce" was an issue with the H&R Super Sports, but now I am ready to trade these out and just get the H&R Street Coil Overs or maybe upgrade the shocks...
Anybody have any recommendations which is the best course of action at this point (having already installed springs but wanting to get rid of bouncy ride)?
Thanks in advance for your recommendations and comments
I didn't think I needed the performance of coil overs because I didn't think "bounce" was an issue with the H&R Super Sports, but now I am ready to trade these out and just get the H&R Street Coil Overs or maybe upgrade the shocks...
Anybody have any recommendations which is the best course of action at this point (having already installed springs but wanting to get rid of bouncy ride)?
Thanks in advance for your recommendations and comments
1) running out of downward shock travel, or
2) riding too hard on the bump stops.
Both have been mentioned before by others, I recall. adding spacers would help both problems, sacraficing some drop but keeping the very stiff springs.
Also, check with H&R if they have a suggested method of shortening (cutting) the bump cushions. They may be mounted on the body, or on top of the struts. Before you dropped it, there was a gap to these rubber, cylindrical cushions during normal ride. But if you rode over a dip or mild pothole, these cushions had a soft initial spring rate to work with the springs (in parallel) to absorb the bump.
Anyone have a pic of the actual H&R SS spring set on the floor (not a cataloge shot) ?
.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,331
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
I've accepted that for some enthusiasts, lowering for appearance IS their thing, and not everyone has to appreciate their cars the way you and I do.
As an a hole that caused death and billions of dollars of damage once said:
"can't we all ... just ... get along ... can't we" as he was ready to pocket millions of dollars for his mischief.
.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Why do you diagnose this if he is complaining about ride harshness on relatively consistent surfaces (highways) without anything close to full jounce/rebound? Don't we need a root cause consistent with minimal suspension deflection? I think it seems more likely spring rate and tire sidewall stiffness are primary suspects.
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
2008 Mercedes C350
Are you guys familiar with Occam's Razor? The principle suggests that the simplest explanation is usually the superior one. Modifying a car with stiffer springs and (possibly) stiffer tires, in of itself, can create the impact harshness you are experiencing. One key clue is your comment quoted here. Even without full jounce and rebound, or much deflection at all on flat highways, the impact on concrete joints, tar strips, or minor irregularities are being transmitted into the body and you are sensitive enough to find them troubling. Others may not. This is one reason I have never left 17" wheels/tires and will never drop the car for an appearance change and a possible performance/ride loss. You may want to revert to your original springs and not worry about a fractional difference in ride height. Few people carry around tape measures and who's to say if higher or lower looks better anyway? If you are trying to improve handling and steering response with minimal effect on good ride comfort, try Eibach anti-sway bars instead of lower, stiffer springs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Harsh Sportstick
I've accepted that for some enthusiasts, lowering for appearance IS their thing, and not everyone has to appreciate their cars the way you and I do.
As an a hole that caused death and billions of dollars of damage once said:
"can't we all ... just ... get along ... can't we" as he was ready to pocket millions of dollars for his mischief.
.
I've accepted that for some enthusiasts, lowering for appearance IS their thing, and not everyone has to appreciate their cars the way you and I do.
As an a hole that caused death and billions of dollars of damage once said:
"can't we all ... just ... get along ... can't we" as he was ready to pocket millions of dollars for his mischief.
.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 5
LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
See responses to questions in Red bold below
I think the problem is either:
1) running out of downward shock travel, or
How do I run out of downward shock travel if I am doing what others did and using SS on stock shocks? Do you mean that the installation was botched and this is not normal?
2) riding too hard on the bump stops.
How do I not "ride hard"? Do you mean put back the 13mm instead of the 8mm?
Both have been mentioned before by others, I recall. adding spacers would help both problems, sacraficing some drop but keeping the very stiff springs.
How do "spacers" sacrafice drop? Don't spacers just widen the wheel base? I was thinking about adding 5mm spacers to the rear just so they sit more flush...
Also, check with H&R if they have a suggested method of shortening (cutting) the bump cushions. They may be mounted on the body, or on top of the struts. Before you dropped it, there was a gap to these rubber, cylindrical cushions during normal ride. But if you rode over a dip or mild pothole, these cushions had a soft initial spring rate to work with the springs (in parallel) to absorb the bump.
I watched my friend put the new REAR H&R spring right back into the new bump stop 5mm cushion, right where the old one was... What do you mean, before it was dropped, there was a "gap"???
Anyone have a pic of the actual H&R SS spring set on the floor (not a cataloge shot) ?
.
I think the problem is either:
1) running out of downward shock travel, or
How do I run out of downward shock travel if I am doing what others did and using SS on stock shocks? Do you mean that the installation was botched and this is not normal?
2) riding too hard on the bump stops.
How do I not "ride hard"? Do you mean put back the 13mm instead of the 8mm?
Both have been mentioned before by others, I recall. adding spacers would help both problems, sacraficing some drop but keeping the very stiff springs.
How do "spacers" sacrafice drop? Don't spacers just widen the wheel base? I was thinking about adding 5mm spacers to the rear just so they sit more flush...
Also, check with H&R if they have a suggested method of shortening (cutting) the bump cushions. They may be mounted on the body, or on top of the struts. Before you dropped it, there was a gap to these rubber, cylindrical cushions during normal ride. But if you rode over a dip or mild pothole, these cushions had a soft initial spring rate to work with the springs (in parallel) to absorb the bump.
I watched my friend put the new REAR H&R spring right back into the new bump stop 5mm cushion, right where the old one was... What do you mean, before it was dropped, there was a "gap"???
Anyone have a pic of the actual H&R SS spring set on the floor (not a cataloge shot) ?
.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 5
LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
Just another example how even with extensive research, you can not always rely on other opinions, because they are just that, opinions and in the end everybody will react differently to the feel of a new suspension setup....
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
C350
I have the same problem with my SS springs. Frankly, it rides like complete sh*t. I'm considering coil-overs but not sure I want to drop that much cash on this car. I'm already kicking myself for not getting the C350. DAMN those fleeting moments of practicality!!
It takes corners well with the SS springs but that's about it. Now that my springs have settled a bit, it looks too low in my opinion. A little on the ghetto side...kinda like those kids with the Honda Civics sitting on bump stops and the wheels tucked half way into the wheel well. Originally, I purchased the Sport springs, not the Super Sports...in retrospect, I should have gone with my gut and kept the Sports or gone with Eibachs.
It takes corners well with the SS springs but that's about it. Now that my springs have settled a bit, it looks too low in my opinion. A little on the ghetto side...kinda like those kids with the Honda Civics sitting on bump stops and the wheels tucked half way into the wheel well. Originally, I purchased the Sport springs, not the Super Sports...in retrospect, I should have gone with my gut and kept the Sports or gone with Eibachs.
