How come C32 has no spare tire?
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 176
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From: Fairfax, VA
2002 C32 AMG Orion Blue Charcoal/Blue
Please no run flats for me...
with all due respect, I wouldn't want a heavy and expensive run flat tire. I think it would limit tire option and zap some power to the wheels with a heavier weight.
My 2002 didn't come with a spare but buying a fifth wheel, aluminum or the 2003 spare, would give you the emergency mobility you need and you can take it out and lose a few pounds when you want to go fast!
My 2002 didn't come with a spare but buying a fifth wheel, aluminum or the 2003 spare, would give you the emergency mobility you need and you can take it out and lose a few pounds when you want to go fast!
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 132
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2002 C32
carl amg,
How do you like the Renntech springs? My C32 is still stock and Renntech seems to be the only company thus far that sells a spring for the C32. I have H&Rs on my C240 and they are great but H&R do not have one specifically for the C32.
How do you like the Renntech springs? My C32 is still stock and Renntech seems to be the only company thus far that sells a spring for the C32. I have H&Rs on my C240 and they are great but H&R do not have one specifically for the C32.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
Please explain what about a spring for the C32 makes it specific for the C32? If it would make people feel better, we can take any C Class spring and sell it specifically for the C32. The reality is, there is no difference in the fitments of the springs between the models. There is a difference of about 70lbs between the C32 and the C320. Do companies sell springs designed for multiple passengers? It's not like we're talking about the differences between the 3 series and the M3 (larger difference in weight, not to mention the M3 suspension has different spring and shock placement.
It's like a Sparco Milano (seat) for the C Class. They can sell it for the C32, but what's the difference?
What H&R usually does (when weights are close) is design one spring to be the best cross-platform. Why should C320 guys settle for less than a C32 owner?
It's like a Sparco Milano (seat) for the C Class. They can sell it for the C32, but what's the difference?
What H&R usually does (when weights are close) is design one spring to be the best cross-platform. Why should C320 guys settle for less than a C32 owner?
Last edited by Mach430; Nov 15, 2002 at 07:48 PM.
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2002 C32
When I spoke to the people at H&R they told me that they did not make one for the C32, but that they did make one for the C240 and the C320. I purchased a set for my C240 and they are great but I have yet to purchase a set for my C32.
The person that I spoke to at Renntech told me that they had their springs tuned specifically for the C32 and that they differed from the ones they sold for the C240 and C320.
I do know what would make them different but perhaps the springs for the C32 would be a little stiffer given the sportier nature of the car.
The person that I spoke to at Renntech told me that they had their springs tuned specifically for the C32 and that they differed from the ones they sold for the C240 and C320.
I do know what would make them different but perhaps the springs for the C32 would be a little stiffer given the sportier nature of the car.
Last edited by Franco; Nov 15, 2002 at 07:54 PM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Re: How come C32 has no spare tire?
Originally posted by C32Andy
Just wondering.....
Just wondering.....
no biggie, we still get the pump and tire patch...hehe
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Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 176
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From: Fairfax, VA
2002 C32 AMG Orion Blue Charcoal/Blue
I am very happy with the RENNtech springs. I'm sure any spring that brings the front end down and shows some better body control will help a C32 tremendously.
I heard some very nice comments about the RENNtech's from owners who knew what they were talking about and am glad I listened. The lower springs and a good alignment with some negative camber really make the car very neutral. It corners flatter and turns in much quicker.
I heard some very nice comments about the RENNtech's from owners who knew what they were talking about and am glad I listened. The lower springs and a good alignment with some negative camber really make the car very neutral. It corners flatter and turns in much quicker.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: San Diego, CA
C32 AMG
Ben,
In my mind, when H&R tells customers that their spring was designed for the C320/C240, they are telling us not to keep our expectations high. Last time I checked, they really have no product that they would fully endorse for the C32. I think this has changed recently. Are they working on coil-overs for the C32? If they are, it would seem highly unnecessary to sell these if their springs are "one size fits all" for the entire W203 sedan range. Of course, coil-overs and springs are different things. Yes the springs do the job, but not much better than the stock C32 springs according to everyone I have talked to on this board. I'm leaving aesthetics out of it....
It seems to me that the Renntech springs are better in every category and I'm willing to pay for it. Everyone who has bought them has had wonderful reviews and some have even switched from the H&Rs to the Renntechs. No one has given me a reason to buy the H&R set other than price. I don't mind a few extra bucks in the wallet, so if you have a reason, please tell us.
Anyway, I'm no expert. If I was, I'd open my own shop called JustinSport and compete with you guys. You are the expert, I'm just trying to make sense of my options.
In my mind, when H&R tells customers that their spring was designed for the C320/C240, they are telling us not to keep our expectations high. Last time I checked, they really have no product that they would fully endorse for the C32. I think this has changed recently. Are they working on coil-overs for the C32? If they are, it would seem highly unnecessary to sell these if their springs are "one size fits all" for the entire W203 sedan range. Of course, coil-overs and springs are different things. Yes the springs do the job, but not much better than the stock C32 springs according to everyone I have talked to on this board. I'm leaving aesthetics out of it....
It seems to me that the Renntech springs are better in every category and I'm willing to pay for it. Everyone who has bought them has had wonderful reviews and some have even switched from the H&Rs to the Renntechs. No one has given me a reason to buy the H&R set other than price. I don't mind a few extra bucks in the wallet, so if you have a reason, please tell us.
Anyway, I'm no expert. If I was, I'd open my own shop called JustinSport and compete with you guys. You are the expert, I'm just trying to make sense of my options.
Last edited by JustinTRW; Nov 16, 2002 at 01:36 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Southern CA
I haven't spoken to anyone who has changed from H&R to Renntech, only the other way around. What I'm trying to say is that if the spring is designed properly (in this case), there is no need for a seperate spring for the C32. H&R can easily tell you that the same spring is for the C32, and then you could feel more confident about it.
The coilovers are awesome, we have them on Vadim's car, and they've made a great difference in the stability at high speeds. I highly recommend them for the C32. But don't take my word for it, come drive the car!
Thanks
Ben
The coilovers are awesome, we have them on Vadim's car, and they've made a great difference in the stability at high speeds. I highly recommend them for the C32. But don't take my word for it, come drive the car!
Thanks
Ben
Last edited by Mach430; Nov 16, 2002 at 03:47 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 500
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From: NYC
C32 AMG, C300 Sport
fortunately havent had to find out
I have been fortunate and not had a flat yet although I have picked up a nail and had the area patched. That was about 4 months ago and the tire is fine. I have about 13k on my car and the tires still have plenty of wear left. I dont beat it up and only run at high speeds when I have lots of empty, open road. Still havent seen the speed limiter although Im anxious to try it out. I am glad to hear that for '03 their is a spare just for peace of mind. This GOOP and air compressor are not gonna work in all situations and the thought of having to wait on the side of the road for MB to come and rescue me is not appealing. The GOOP isnt too appealing either to tell the truth.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 176
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From: Fairfax, VA
2002 C32 AMG Orion Blue Charcoal/Blue
I'd love to know who switched from RENNtech's to H&R's and why. I find it hard to believe that anyone thought the RENNtech's didn't work as advertised. This isn't a comment on the H&R's because I have no experience with them. I do agree with Justin in that everyone seems to post rave reviews on the RENNtech's but you rarely hear any comments on the H&R's even though they are probably used by more people because of the lower cost.
One poster said before he put them on that theoretically the H&R's should reduce understeer more than the RENNtech's because of the spring rates. When he put them on he said he didn't feel much difference in handling. When I asked him about it he said he never felt understeer in the stock configuration??
What about the fact that the C32 uses different sway bars and shocks than the other C class cars and this may effect the tuning of the springs? What about the greater degree of weight transfer from the superior power and brakes?
The comment that they can tell you they are specific to the C32 if that's what you want to hear isn't exactly comforting to me as a customer.
One poster said before he put them on that theoretically the H&R's should reduce understeer more than the RENNtech's because of the spring rates. When he put them on he said he didn't feel much difference in handling. When I asked him about it he said he never felt understeer in the stock configuration??
What about the fact that the C32 uses different sway bars and shocks than the other C class cars and this may effect the tuning of the springs? What about the greater degree of weight transfer from the superior power and brakes?
The comment that they can tell you they are specific to the C32 if that's what you want to hear isn't exactly comforting to me as a customer.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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Back to the original spare topic
I honestly believe MB was saving both weight and cost by deleting the spare. Performance would be a little higher and they would save a few bucks. They never really advertised "look we have no spare tire". What they didn't count on is the customer backlash.
Best bet is to just get a spare. For me that means a real AMG twinspoke that I can swap in if I ever hit a curb. These AMG rims are not expensive. Winter wheel guys should just carry one of their extras.
Personally I find filling with goop a non-solution. Waiting roadside to be towed to the nearest dealer so they can keep my car for a couple of days and they can sell me a replacement is only worse. If a fellow actually drove up with the correct replacement tire mounted on the correct rim, in say one hour, I think I would drop dead from cardiac arrest.
BTW if anyone needs a real 17x7.5 AMG twinspoke spare I have an extra. It would be a good deal, and includes a OK tire.
Best bet is to just get a spare. For me that means a real AMG twinspoke that I can swap in if I ever hit a curb. These AMG rims are not expensive. Winter wheel guys should just carry one of their extras.
Personally I find filling with goop a non-solution. Waiting roadside to be towed to the nearest dealer so they can keep my car for a couple of days and they can sell me a replacement is only worse. If a fellow actually drove up with the correct replacement tire mounted on the correct rim, in say one hour, I think I would drop dead from cardiac arrest.
BTW if anyone needs a real 17x7.5 AMG twinspoke spare I have an extra. It would be a good deal, and includes a OK tire.
