Report on H&R Sport Springs
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M5
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C32 AMG
It's possible that Tein Basics are good, but there has to be some reason why they are 1/2 the price of the next cheapest coilover.
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From: Chicago
04 C32
I'd much rather have the AMG shocks with Renntech springs than the Tein coilovers. If I were going to get coilovers, they would be the Bilsteins PSS9s, and those are more than I want to spend. I don't track the car.
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M5
I am just hoping they are at least better than or equal to my 65K old OEM setup. I don't track my car either... just want something height adjustable. Well, guess I shall experience them soon enough.
rlee02135 - why do they "suck"?
rlee02135 - why do they "suck"?
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
I’m pleased with the H&Rs. My travails with their as-delivered ride height have been well documented in several threads. I’ll spare you the protracted details this time ‘round.
Because my C32 has performed admirably for over 50k miles, the time has come to renew its damping prowess. There are several quality coilover packages one could consider. Bilstein’s PSS9s, KWs, and Carlssons are all worthwhile upgrades. No disrespect intended, but the Tien products are manufactured for the low and slow market.
From my perspective, there is something to be said for “stock appearing.” Not only from the tech inspector at track days, but also from the gearheads with whom I associate. If a car has coilovers, it is bumped up a class or two, and is expected to chase down the P cars. Few occasions provide more smug pleasure than being asked from the guy running behind you than, “Is that thing stock?”
To that end, I’ve sourced OEM C55 struts, shocks and springs. I’m awaiting their delivery. I’ll share the results after some track time and routine highway commutes.
Because my C32 has performed admirably for over 50k miles, the time has come to renew its damping prowess. There are several quality coilover packages one could consider. Bilstein’s PSS9s, KWs, and Carlssons are all worthwhile upgrades. No disrespect intended, but the Tien products are manufactured for the low and slow market.
From my perspective, there is something to be said for “stock appearing.” Not only from the tech inspector at track days, but also from the gearheads with whom I associate. If a car has coilovers, it is bumped up a class or two, and is expected to chase down the P cars. Few occasions provide more smug pleasure than being asked from the guy running behind you than, “Is that thing stock?”
To that end, I’ve sourced OEM C55 struts, shocks and springs. I’m awaiting their delivery. I’ll share the results after some track time and routine highway commutes.
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2002 c32
I’m pleased with the H&Rs. My travails with their as-delivered ride height have been well documented in several threads. I’ll spare you the protracted details this time ‘round.
Because my C32 has performed admirably for over 50k miles, the time has come to renew its damping prowess. There are several quality coilover packages one could consider. Bilstein’s PSS9s, KWs, and Carlssons are all worthwhile upgrades. No disrespect intended, but the Tien products are manufactured for the low and slow market.
From my perspective, there is something to be said for “stock appearing.” Not only from the tech inspector at track days, but also from the gearheads with whom I associate. If a car has coilovers, it is bumped up a class or two, and is expected to chase down the P cars. Few occasions provide more smug pleasure than being asked from the guy running behind you than, “Is that thing stock?”
To that end, I’ve sourced OEM C55 struts, shocks and springs. I’m awaiting their delivery. I’ll share the results after some track time and routine highway commutes.
Because my C32 has performed admirably for over 50k miles, the time has come to renew its damping prowess. There are several quality coilover packages one could consider. Bilstein’s PSS9s, KWs, and Carlssons are all worthwhile upgrades. No disrespect intended, but the Tien products are manufactured for the low and slow market.
From my perspective, there is something to be said for “stock appearing.” Not only from the tech inspector at track days, but also from the gearheads with whom I associate. If a car has coilovers, it is bumped up a class or two, and is expected to chase down the P cars. Few occasions provide more smug pleasure than being asked from the guy running behind you than, “Is that thing stock?”
To that end, I’ve sourced OEM C55 struts, shocks and springs. I’m awaiting their delivery. I’ll share the results after some track time and routine highway commutes.
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2002 c32
I've put a couple of days on the springs, and overall I am very happy.
Appearance: It is an absolute MUST to install the rear springs with the MB #4 (tallest) rear spring shims in order to achieve a relatively even ride height drop front-to-back. With the tallest spacers, the front fender gap (tire to lip) is still a bit more than the rear, and in a perfect world, I would want it evened up. (I wish there was a #5 shim!). As I thought, the lowered car looks longer and sleeker. (Pics soon.)
Ride: The ride is noticeably firmer, but by no means harsh. Sharp bumps are soaked up gently, and longer humps and dips are handled more swiftly with a lot less float and reaction time. The ride is simply more "serious" and less luxurious. I used the stock shocks and I don't regret it.
Handling: The real test will be next week at the track, but so far, it's pretty clear that turn-in is sharper, and the car stays flatter. I feel that it is a good compromise -- any better for the track would degrade street use. I'm not expecting any change in the relentless understeer, but that's impossible to tell on the street on cold tires. We'll see what kind of speed I can hold through the uphill "S" turns at VIR!
TireRack did a comparison of H&R Sports, Eibach and OEM springs, and the H&R and Eibach were very, very similar. I have to confess that I was influenced by price (H&Rs were cheap), but I have no regrets.
Appearance: It is an absolute MUST to install the rear springs with the MB #4 (tallest) rear spring shims in order to achieve a relatively even ride height drop front-to-back. With the tallest spacers, the front fender gap (tire to lip) is still a bit more than the rear, and in a perfect world, I would want it evened up. (I wish there was a #5 shim!). As I thought, the lowered car looks longer and sleeker. (Pics soon.)
Ride: The ride is noticeably firmer, but by no means harsh. Sharp bumps are soaked up gently, and longer humps and dips are handled more swiftly with a lot less float and reaction time. The ride is simply more "serious" and less luxurious. I used the stock shocks and I don't regret it.
Handling: The real test will be next week at the track, but so far, it's pretty clear that turn-in is sharper, and the car stays flatter. I feel that it is a good compromise -- any better for the track would degrade street use. I'm not expecting any change in the relentless understeer, but that's impossible to tell on the street on cold tires. We'll see what kind of speed I can hold through the uphill "S" turns at VIR!
TireRack did a comparison of H&R Sports, Eibach and OEM springs, and the H&R and Eibach were very, very similar. I have to confess that I was influenced by price (H&Rs were cheap), but I have no regrets.
Thanks!
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C32 AMG
AFAIK the fronts have NO spacer - or if they have one that cannot be replaced.
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C32 AMG
All indications are that the C55 suspension is superior to the C32 in terms of handling (Nurburgring test).
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..
I believe the weight of the V8 is roughly the same as the s/c V6. The reported weight of the cars is approximately the same. So the struts/shocks should be equivalent.
All indications are that the C55 suspension is superior to the C32 in terms of handling (Nurburgring test).
All indications are that the C55 suspension is superior to the C32 in terms of handling (Nurburgring test).
It is roughly the same +/- 50 lbs. KW uses the V6 application coilovers for the V8's no noticeable difference.
