Post pix of your lowered C450
03-30-2016, 07:41 AM
#2
Thanks a bunch, atl 2 chi. With that fender well gap - which is not so bad, but could be smaller for my tastes - I was looking to get mine lowered as well..........and was curious as to how it would look on stock 18s.
Looks great to the point that I may not even feel the need to get fitted with 19s. Or maybe I will anyway...
...though I'm a bit indecisive. Why? I'm coming out of a C63 with 20" XO Miami wheels (virtually identical to Vossen CV3s) riding on 285/25 rears and 245/30 fronts. As such, the margin for error on bad *** roads is significantly less on those tiny profile tires. Not to mention, it became somewhat nerve-wracking after 5 years, but my mistake was not doing proper wheel-tire research 
. (Was thinking I'd be getting fit with 275/30s and 245/35s - like my G35 coupe - but that fitment was not doable.)
Luckily I got an offer I could not refuse for it, compelling me to part ways for - what I view as - a bit of an upgrade to the C450. (I know; call me crazy.)
Now, much thanks to you, I see the H&Rs might just do the trick on my 40/45 series front/rear tire setup. One can have peace of mind with the right look. You have no idea how 25 series rear tires will have you dodging sh..........err, stuff, on the road every day. Or maybe you do.
Oh, don't even talk about too-wide or uneven expansion gaps on highway off or on ramps / bridges / highway interchanges? Possibly bending the front wheel scared the hell outta me, 'cause I think I did it once on a seriously uneven one.
Take it easy; I'm gone.
Looks great to the point that I may not even feel the need to get fitted with 19s. Or maybe I will anyway...
...though I'm a bit indecisive. Why? I'm coming out of a C63 with 20" XO Miami wheels (virtually identical to Vossen CV3s) riding on 285/25 rears and 245/30 fronts. As such, the margin for error on bad *** roads is significantly less on those tiny profile tires. Not to mention, it became somewhat nerve-wracking after 5 years, but my mistake was not doing proper wheel-tire research . (Was thinking I'd be getting fit with 275/30s and 245/35s - like my G35 coupe - but that fitment was not doable.)Luckily I got an offer I could not refuse for it, compelling me to part ways for - what I view as - a bit of an upgrade to the C450. (I know; call me crazy.)
Now, much thanks to you, I see the H&Rs might just do the trick on my 40/45 series front/rear tire setup. One can have peace of mind with the right look. You have no idea how 25 series rear tires will have you dodging sh..........err, stuff, on the road every day. Or maybe you do.
Oh, don't even talk about too-wide or uneven expansion gaps on highway off or on ramps / bridges / highway interchanges? Possibly bending the front wheel scared the hell outta me, 'cause I think I did it once on a seriously uneven one.Take it easy; I'm gone.
03-30-2016, 07:07 PM
#5
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Current :2018 E63S and a 2017 GLE 63S . Prior, CLA 250, C450 AMG, 2017 AMG C63S
Thanks a bunch, atl 2 chi. With that fender well gap - which is not so bad, but could be smaller for my tastes - I was looking to get mine lowered as well..........and was curious as to how it would look on stock 18s.
Looks great to the point that I may not even feel the need to get fitted with 19s. Or maybe I will anyway......though I'm a bit indecisive. Why? I'm coming out of a C63 with 20" XO Miami wheels (virtually identical to Vossen CV3s) riding on 285/25 rears and 245/30 fronts. As such, the margin for error on bad *** roads is significantly less on those tiny profile tires. Not to mention, it became somewhat nerve-wracking after 5 years, but my mistake was not doing proper wheel-tire research . (Was thinking I'd be getting fit with 275/30s and 245/35s - like my G35 coupe - but that fitment was not doable.)
Luckily I got an offer I could not refuse for it, compelling me to part ways for - what I view as - a bit of an upgrade to the C450. (I know; call me crazy.)
Now, much thanks to you, I see the H&Rs might just do the trick on my 40/45 series front/rear tire setup. One can have peace of mind with the right look. You have no idea how 25 series rear tires will have you dodging sh..........err, stuff, on the road every day. Or maybe you do. Oh, don't even talk about too-wide or uneven expansion gaps on highway off or on ramps / bridges / highway interchanges? Possibly bending the front wheel scared the hell outta me, 'cause I think I did it once on a seriously uneven one.
Take it easy; I'm gone.
Looks great to the point that I may not even feel the need to get fitted with 19s. Or maybe I will anyway...
...though I'm a bit indecisive. Why? I'm coming out of a C63 with 20" XO Miami wheels (virtually identical to Vossen CV3s) riding on 285/25 rears and 245/30 fronts. As such, the margin for error on bad *** roads is significantly less on those tiny profile tires. Not to mention, it became somewhat nerve-wracking after 5 years, but my mistake was not doing proper wheel-tire research . (Was thinking I'd be getting fit with 275/30s and 245/35s - like my G35 coupe - but that fitment was not doable.)Luckily I got an offer I could not refuse for it, compelling me to part ways for - what I view as - a bit of an upgrade to the C450. (I know; call me crazy.)
Now, much thanks to you, I see the H&Rs might just do the trick on my 40/45 series front/rear tire setup. One can have peace of mind with the right look. You have no idea how 25 series rear tires will have you dodging sh..........err, stuff, on the road every day. Or maybe you do.
Oh, don't even talk about too-wide or uneven expansion gaps on highway off or on ramps / bridges / highway interchanges? Possibly bending the front wheel scared the hell outta me, 'cause I think I did it once on a seriously uneven one.Take it easy; I'm gone.
Thanks brotha. I think with 19's, the remainder of the gap will be filled up nicely. I was hoping to put my 19" Vossen CVT's from my CLA on my C450, however, they would not fit over the brakes. I was like WTF!!!
I feel your pain on the dodging potholes and other kind's of tire debilitating road hazzard. I definitely do not want tractor tires on my car but also don't want rubber bands, though they do look better..lol. I am waiting on my new wheels to arrive and Discount Tire wants to put 245/40/19 on the front and 275/30/19 on the rear, however, based on the offset and the piece on the strut/control arm (whatever you call it) juts out, I don't think the 245/40/19 will work on the front.
Guess we will see.
03-30-2016, 07:11 PM
#6
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Current :2018 E63S and a 2017 GLE 63S . Prior, CLA 250, C450 AMG, 2017 AMG C63S
I have been experimenting with the different suspension settings. It does feel slightly stiffer in each mode, thoughI am still trying to figure it out what if any major differences there are.
Assessment to come.
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03-31-2016, 07:33 AM
#8
Thanks brotha. I think with 19's, the remainder of the gap will be filled up nicely. I was hoping to put my 19" Vossen CVT's from my CLA on my C450, however, they would not fit over the brakes. I was like WTF!!!
I feel your pain on the dodging potholes and other kind's of tire debilitating road hazzard. I definitely do not want tractor tires on my car but also don't want rubber bands, though they do look better..lol. I am waiting on my new wheels to arrive and Discount Tire wants to put 245/40/19 on the front and 275/30/19 on the rear, however, based on the offset and the piece on the strut/control arm (whatever you call it) juts out, I don't think the 245/40/19 will work on the front.
Guess we will see.
I feel your pain on the dodging potholes and other kind's of tire debilitating road hazzard. I definitely do not want tractor tires on my car but also don't want rubber bands, though they do look better..lol. I am waiting on my new wheels to arrive and Discount Tire wants to put 245/40/19 on the front and 275/30/19 on the rear, however, based on the offset and the piece on the strut/control arm (whatever you call it) juts out, I don't think the 245/40/19 will work on the front.
Guess we will see.
Them: They're coming, they're coming! Please stand by!
Me: Oh forget you, Vossen; said that back in mid January......
But being 2016, I think they have long since gotten their wheels to fit around AMG upgraded brake packages (W204 C63 had the same 14.2" fronts....with 13.0 rears). And to be clear, they are still a top-notch company; that was just my experience back then. No hard feelings, Vossen; still a potential customer.
Anyway, I'm guessing you're correct regarding tires. In my experience the 245/35's would probably be the right front tire fitment. That's my G35's setup, and with the 275/30 rears, I never had any of those road hazard/expansion gap problems. Still avoided what I could, but if I daydreaming and went over something bad, the tires offered enough cushion.
Oh......was at the dealership Saturday getting the Lojack installed and saw a sweet Dark Blue C450 on the showroom floor with optional 19s. First started to think "perfect setu"......and 'fore I could finish, my Car Nut Guardian Angel said...."Naw, man; drop it about an inch and THAT would perfect." Yeahhhhhh!
So, long story short, your final setup will be BADass.....or badASS, as they say on the West Coast, both the look and the driving experience. For instance, when I dropped the G35 about .75" using some Tein H-Tech 350Z springs, the differences were felt immediately when I drove if off and took it for a hard & twisty run.
Engine seemed to offer a little more zip (less drag), a little more planted on hi-speed ramps and in the "esses" (more downforce), and a slightly better ride (I'd done my spring rate research; got 'em stiff, but slightly less stiff than stock).
Would ask you about a wheel color decision - assuming you've decided - but I'll end this by saying surprise us and..............Pic-tures! Pic-tures! Pic-tures!
Take care, dude.
04-19-2016, 04:19 PM
#15
How is the ride quality with the H&R springs? Handling? I wish to get them but i dont want to compromise handling for spirited driving or even road courses. Can anyone chime in?
04-26-2016, 08:13 AM
#16
Finally it took the tuning shop 3.5 hours to change the springs, no alignment.
The ride is still the same, I have noticed no difference so far. I did not track the car yet, however I dont think the performance will decrease because of the springs.
The ride is still the same, I have noticed no difference so far. I did not track the car yet, however I dont think the performance will decrease because of the springs.
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Naif205 (10-08-2017)
04-26-2016, 04:08 PM
#18
It is nice for the optical line but reduce the quality ride.
It is only good if you have straight roads like in Germany
09-15-2016, 07:48 AM
#20
[QUOTE=atl 2 chi;6753841]Excuse the dirtiness. Better photos coming. Rims coming soon too, I hope, if I can find ones that I like that fit.
H&R Springs
Allow me to thank you once again for posting the pic above and providing us a very good reference point.
While I don't have any pics yet, got mine lowered last Tuesday and it is so frickin perfect as it sits. Yes, Gunmetal 19" Vossen CV3s might be a future mod, but as you know, might always means might not. Gonna try to find some 255/40s for the rears first, though I was originally thinking to go to slightly lower profiles altogether (to 255/35 and 225/40 Yokahama Advan Sport ZPS runflats).
Point being, everything blends so perfectly with the lowered stance + plus my other mild modifications, even on stock 18s; meets or slightly exceeds the vision I had. I'm quite happy, no, extremely happy, and love to - as this car seems to ask us to do alot.......wring it out on my daily drives even more so. Not quite my old maniac C63, but a close 2nd. (Need an ECU upgrade, dammit!!)
And to give you an idea, my 450 is black on black with the night package (has your black front splitter & side skirt insert + the tailpipes/rear diffuser black)....same stock wheels as you.....20% tint all around.....smoked taillamps.....blackened chrome strip below the trunk emblems.....and that's about it. Nothing earth-shattering, but a bit of a head turner - and not quite a neck breaker like the 63 was.
It simply does not look stock and that's the idea, with smoked headlamps now on my mind. Damn mod bug has got me.
As far as driving, as usual, the engine seemed to offer a little more zip from less drag, as opposed to having a more powerful 'shove' from adding more power. Noticeably more planted on hi-speed ramps and in the "esses" with the extra downforce; ride feels relatively unchanged in my individual Sport setting.
Last, but not least, took 'er on a 40 mile highway run to see how it felt and it was - needless to say - still very Merc-like, but a little better. And, bested my previous MPG on a 40 miler by a couple - got up to a sustained 31.7 mpg, up from 29.6 @ stock height.
So, again, much appreciated. I'll get those pics up one day.
H&R Springs
Allow me to thank you once again for posting the pic above and providing us a very good reference point.
While I don't have any pics yet, got mine lowered last Tuesday and it is so frickin perfect as it sits. Yes, Gunmetal 19" Vossen CV3s might be a future mod, but as you know, might always means might not. Gonna try to find some 255/40s for the rears first, though I was originally thinking to go to slightly lower profiles altogether (to 255/35 and 225/40 Yokahama Advan Sport ZPS runflats).
Point being, everything blends so perfectly with the lowered stance + plus my other mild modifications, even on stock 18s; meets or slightly exceeds the vision I had. I'm quite happy, no, extremely happy, and love to - as this car seems to ask us to do alot.......wring it out on my daily drives even more so. Not quite my old maniac C63, but a close 2nd. (Need an ECU upgrade, dammit!!)
And to give you an idea, my 450 is black on black with the night package (has your black front splitter & side skirt insert + the tailpipes/rear diffuser black)....same stock wheels as you.....20% tint all around.....smoked taillamps.....blackened chrome strip below the trunk emblems.....and that's about it. Nothing earth-shattering, but a bit of a head turner - and not quite a neck breaker like the 63 was.
It simply does not look stock and that's the idea, with smoked headlamps now on my mind. Damn mod bug has got me.
As far as driving, as usual, the engine seemed to offer a little more zip from less drag, as opposed to having a more powerful 'shove' from adding more power. Noticeably more planted on hi-speed ramps and in the "esses" with the extra downforce; ride feels relatively unchanged in my individual Sport setting.
Last, but not least, took 'er on a 40 mile highway run to see how it felt and it was - needless to say - still very Merc-like, but a little better. And, bested my previous MPG on a 40 miler by a couple - got up to a sustained 31.7 mpg, up from 29.6 @ stock height.
So, again, much appreciated. I'll get those pics up one day.
11-18-2016, 12:24 AM
#24
Super Member
Now that you have lowered your cars, did you need to do any alignment? I know that once you do lower this will change the camber however I know that the C450 AMG already comes with a negative natural camber setup. I was wondering if anyone was able to align it back without taking off or removing the benefit or if there is now more excess tire wear.
Secondly... How does it effect the Dynamic suspension system? Does feel harder in Comfort that it already does and what happens in Sport + when the dampers get hard? Has anyone noticed any wear and tear on the damper system?
I see people lower the 2016-2017 C63 and have not heard any problems so I can only assume that it would be the same for C450/C43 models.
Secondly... How does it effect the Dynamic suspension system? Does feel harder in Comfort that it already does and what happens in Sport + when the dampers get hard? Has anyone noticed any wear and tear on the damper system?
I see people lower the 2016-2017 C63 and have not heard any problems so I can only assume that it would be the same for C450/C43 models.
11-18-2016, 10:09 AM
#25
Now that you have lowered your cars, did you need to do any alignment? I know that once you do lower this will change the camber however I know that the C450 AMG already comes with a negative natural camber setup. I was wondering if anyone was able to align it back without taking off or removing the benefit or if there is now more excess tire wear.
Secondly... How does it effect the Dynamic suspension system? Does feel harder in Comfort that it already does and what happens in Sport + when the dampers get hard? Has anyone noticed any wear and tear on the damper system?
I see people lower the 2016-2017 C63 and have not heard any problems so I can only assume that it would be the same for C450/C43 models.
Secondly... How does it effect the Dynamic suspension system? Does feel harder in Comfort that it already does and what happens in Sport + when the dampers get hard? Has anyone noticed any wear and tear on the damper system?
I see people lower the 2016-2017 C63 and have not heard any problems so I can only assume that it would be the same for C450/C43 models.
The dynamic suspension still functions as it should. Actually, you'll be surprised how comfort still feels smooth like you didn't do anything different at all, but sport/sport+ does feel stiffer. Altogether, i'm pretty happy with my setup.
