C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Need help with W204 Spring Rate for Coilovers

Old Sep 5, 2018 | 12:06 PM
  #1  
WhiteonBlack's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
2013 C250
Need help with W204 Spring Rate for Coilovers

Hey guys I need your help on what spring rates are normal for the car. I currently have the H&R coilovers for the W204 and it’s IMPOSSIBLE to slam the car because of how soft the suspension is. I’ve noticed BC racing offers a 7k/11k front and rear respectively spring rates. I’ve heard that’s a little soft. CXRacing offers a 10k/13k spring rate and I’m not sure if that’s too stiff for stance or just about right. Getting my 3-piece Brabus Monoblock IV rebuilt and just looking to dial in the fitment to be the only W204 in the U.S. with those wheels (that I’m aware of).
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2018 | 10:13 PM
  #2  
CGC's Avatar
CGC
Member
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 133
Likes: 8
From: Stanwood WA
2009 C350
Originally Posted by WhiteonBlack
Hey guys I need your help on what spring rates are normal for the car. I currently have the H&R coilovers for the W204 and it’s IMPOSSIBLE to slam the car because of how soft the suspension is. I’ve noticed BC racing offers a 7k/11k front and rear respectively spring rates. I’ve heard that’s a little soft. CXRacing offers a 10k/13k spring rate and I’m not sure if that’s too stiff for stance or just about right. Getting my 3-piece Brabus Monoblock IV rebuilt and just looking to dial in the fitment to be the only W204 in the U.S. with those wheels (that I’m aware of).
Spring rate and ride height are independent. With coil-overs you should be able to dial in the ride height and use the dampening knob to get the ride more or less firm. I would go BC long before CXRacing. I have dealt with both, trust me.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2018 | 11:26 AM
  #3  
WhiteonBlack's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
2013 C250
Originally Posted by CGC
Spring rate and ride height are independent. With coil-overs you should be able to dial in the ride height and use the dampening knob to get the ride more or less firm. I would go BC long before CXRacing. I have dealt with both, trust me.
Yeah I wasn't planning to get CXRacing just referencing what spring rates they offer. You are right but my main issue I'm battling with these H&R coilovers is the lack of dampening adjustability and the suspension compresses way to much to have aggressive fitment. I may plan on going with Silver's coilovers. They are new but the only company so far to offer custom spring rates with height adjustability from the shock and not the spring perch which is a huge pain. Also includes the front top hat with camber plates. Fortune auto adjusts height from the spring perch unfortunately. Would it be better to go with a little stiffer spring and softer dampening or a softer spring and stiffer dampening?
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2018 | 11:48 AM
  #4  
CGC's Avatar
CGC
Member
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 133
Likes: 8
From: Stanwood WA
2009 C350
Originally Posted by WhiteonBlack
Yeah I wasn't planning to get CXRacing just referencing what spring rates they offer. You are right but my main issue I'm battling with these H&R coilovers is the lack of dampening adjustability and the suspension compresses way to much to have aggressive fitment. I may plan on going with Silver's coilovers. They are new but the only company so far to offer custom spring rates with height adjustability from the shock and not the spring perch which is a huge pain. Also includes the front top hat with camber plates. Fortune auto adjusts height from the spring perch unfortunately. Would it be better to go with a little stiffer spring and softer dampening or a softer spring and stiffer dampening?
If you contact BC they will do custom spring rates, they will also do Swift springs as an upgrade that ride even better.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2018 | 12:00 PM
  #5  
WhiteonBlack's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
2013 C250
Originally Posted by CGC
If you contact BC they will do custom spring rates, they will also do Swift springs as an upgrade that ride even better.
i have contacted them and they can’t do custom rates for Mercedes. The most I got out of them was a 13k spring in the rear and they didn’t even sound confident in offering it to me. Hence why I’m considering Silver’s.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2019 | 11:45 PM
  #6  
SGT-PillzBury's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: Seattle, Washington
Mercedes C63 AMG W204
Originally Posted by WhiteonBlack


i have contacted them and they can’t do custom rates for Mercedes. The most I got out of them was a 13k spring in the rear and they didn’t even sound confident in offering it to me. Hence why I’m considering Silver’s.
What coilovers did you end up going with? I'm trying to decide between silvers and BC
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2019 | 01:02 AM
  #7  
Cruel-Merc's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 214
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon
2009 C350
Im currently running BC coilovers on my c350 and car is slammed, i love the handling and how they absorb bumps. Although we have ****y roads in here but for a slammed car they ride pretty well specially around the city. I totally recommend BCs .
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2019 | 07:45 PM
  #8  
WhiteonBlack's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
2013 C250
Originally Posted by SGT-PillzBury
What coilovers did you end up going with? I'm trying to decide between silvers and BC
I did actually go with Silver's! The front suspension is great with a stiff spring however the rear you're not able to fully slam and preload the spring. I am working with them now to get some shorter rear shocks so I can slam the rear with proper preload. If you're not looking to fully slam then they're great!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 12, 2019 | 12:31 AM
  #9  
SGT-PillzBury's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: Seattle, Washington
Mercedes C63 AMG W204
Originally Posted by WhiteonBlack
I did actually go with Silver's! The front suspension is great with a stiff spring however the rear you're not able to fully slam and preload the spring. I am working with them now to get some shorter rear shocks so I can slam the rear with proper preload. If you're not looking to fully slam then they're great!
What do you mean by slammed? Got any pics of how low you are? Also did you go with the super low kit or stiffer springs? I am looking to tuck a little tire (little lower than I already am) If you don't mind me asking you some more questions about them before I pull the trigger can you DM on instagram @1Bad63?

https://silvers-na.com/product/silve...204-2008-2014/
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2019 | 12:33 AM
  #10  
SGT-PillzBury's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: Seattle, Washington
Mercedes C63 AMG W204
Originally Posted by Cruel-Merc
Im currently running BC coilovers on my c350 and car is slammed, i love the handling and how they absorb bumps. Although we have ****y roads in here but for a slammed car they ride pretty well specially around the city. I totally recommend BCs .
My buddy has had problems with his on his C63. You might know him on insta his username is pure_amg. After hearing his experience I don't want to get BC
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2019 | 12:40 AM
  #11  
Cruel-Merc's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 214
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon
2009 C350
Originally Posted by SGT-PillzBury
My buddy has had problems with his on his C63. You might know him on insta his username is pure_amg. After hearing his experience I don't want to get BC
I dont have any issues with BC coilovers, i have them for a year now and this car is my DD.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2019 | 10:29 AM
  #12  
SD_R's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
e55
So what ever happened with the silvers? We’re you able to get shorter shocks? I’m looking to get coilovers but can’t find anyone that can do a rear spring stiff enough. Ideally I was planning to run 18f and 16r but can’t find anyone that offers more than 11k in the rear. I’m gonna lower the car as much as possible so that’s why i need the stuff springs.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2019 | 11:06 AM
  #13  
WhiteonBlack's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
2013 C250
Originally Posted by SD_R
So what ever happened with the silvers? We’re you able to get shorter shocks? I’m looking to get coilovers but can’t find anyone that can do a rear spring stiff enough. Ideally I was planning to run 18f and 16r but can’t find anyone that offers more than 11k in the rear. I’m gonna lower the car as much as possible so that’s why i need the stuff springs.
You actually have impeccable timing. I actually received the shorter shocks from Silver's about a week ago now during my trip to Australia so I wasn't able to install them. Since I got back I ordered 13k replacement BC springs that will work with the Silver's kit because they don't make a spring higher than the 11k. The highest that was offered to me was a 15k rear spring thats 10mm shorter than the 11k/13k spring. I personally wouldn't go higher spring rate in the front than the 10k that came with the Silver's though. Whenever those springs come in I'll install the shorter rear shocks and new springs and update the thread

Unless you're going full stancenation static on us I really see no way of you getting that low without some serious fender work and doing some magic to not get the tire to hit the inner wheel well to be able to drive static.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2019 | 11:09 AM
  #14  
Tom in Austin's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 522
2019 S560, 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
I'm a Porsche guy, relatively new to MBZ ... used to seeing spring rates expressed as pounds per inch deflection. When you refer to 11k, 18f, 16r, etc. what are those units of measure?

BTW, have looked and looked and never seen factory spring rates anywhere ... do they exist? FWIW, we can't find them for Porsche either.
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2019 | 11:13 AM
  #15  
SD_R's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
e55
Oh nice!!!

i just got off the phone with a guy from BC and he said that they now have the front camber plates so think I’m just gonna go and order from them. The main reason why I was looking at other brands was because with BC you had to reuse your stock front top hats while other brands offered top camber plates.


unless you guys have advice otherwise?




This is my old car just for reference
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2019 | 11:21 AM
  #16  
WhiteonBlack's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
2013 C250
Originally Posted by SD_R
Oh nice!!!

i just got off the phone with a guy from BC and he said that they now have the front camber plates so think I’m just gonna go and order from them. The main reason why I was looking at other brands was because with BC you had to reuse your stock front top hats while other brands offered top camber plates.


unless you guys have advice otherwise?
Oh nice they finally have front camber plates. That's the main reason I went with Silver's too but you can't really use them unless you modify the strut top in the engine bay since there is only room for the damper adjustment (I've yet to modify mine). I probably would've went with them if they had that from the beginning but I also don't regret going with Silver's they've been good so far.

Nice car man but fitment in the 204s is really tricky I've only seen less than one handful of people actually get fender to lip fitment and they have all have bags besides this one guy in Asia, but hes had major fender work done and 326 coils he told me. I'm not underestimating your skill just letting you know its not close to being easy to slam this car as low as your previous car.

Looking forward to see the final product!
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2020 | 09:29 PM
  #17  
PhuongNguyen's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 148
Likes: 16
From: Mississippi and Texas
2013 E550 coupe
This was a great thread and I learned a lot. Might do the same as OP and get silvers with rear 13k springs from BC.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:39 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE