Recommend shocks for my C32 - HR Lowered
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Bilstein if the ones you got right now are the sports and not the oem replacement. they should have shorter internal travel which when you install the lowering springs they do not affect the overall travel of the shocks.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Ontario, Canada
2002 C32 AMG
Gotcha. However, I remember Splinter mentioning that even the Koni's which are designed for lowering springs had problems and he still bottomed out. I have found KONI's to be a bit softer than Bilstein's. I'm conflicted on what to do. I don't want to waste money on the Bilstein's if they still aren't good enough for the springs. At the same time, I don't want to waste time/money installing them with the stock dampers if that doesn't work either. Before purchasing the H&R springs, I was considering a set of the H&R street performance coilovers. The price would have been similar to the Bilstein/H&R shock/spring combo. I also wouldn't have to worry about spring pads and the front being too low. Looking at the pic splinter posted of his front end with H&R springs is worrying. I think I'll have to remove the front lip now too 
Seems like nobody really bothers with upgraded shocks when going with lowering springs. Majority of people here seem to be running them with stock dampers. Most will say the setup is "fine". I assume that just means the suspension hasn't collapsed on itself. Not really my idea of "fine".
Seems like nobody really bothers with upgraded shocks when going with lowering springs. Majority of people here seem to be running them with stock dampers. Most will say the setup is "fine". I assume that just means the suspension hasn't collapsed on itself. Not really my idea of "fine".
Last edited by Autotechnica; Feb 6, 2011 at 07:01 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Ontario, Canada
2002 C32 AMG
Since I've never seen any used C55 dampers for sale, I think that would mean buying them new from the dealer? I'm guessing the dealer price for stock C55 dampers would probably cost more than a new set of coilovers. I don't think it's a cost effective option. Any idea who the C55 dampers are made by? If they're simply some sort of SACHS turbo gas shocks or something, it might be plausible since I get SACHS stuff pretty cheap. I still think the C55's front strut would be too long for the H&R springs. The front is absolutely slammed.
Last edited by Autotechnica; Feb 6, 2011 at 10:41 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
C32, E93 M3
Yeah, they are Sachs. The PN is floating around on here somewhere, although when I did a google search for it, nothing came up.
New cost from the dealer on c32 struts is $230/each. I imagine c55 will be similarly priced.
New cost from the dealer on c32 struts is $230/each. I imagine c55 will be similarly priced.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
Zeppelin swapped in C55 dampers and springs; his runs quite well.
+1
FrankW’s experience with fitting shorter aftermarket springs to original dampers closely parallels those of other members. I initially did the H&Rs on ~45,000-mile OE struts. Looked pretty good, but it was immediately evident that the mismatched load height/spring rate/flaccid damping combination would require prompt attention and another approach. Thus began my suspension experimentation travails.
Didn’t want to come across as aloof and arrogant vis-à-vis that xenon thread. If you can swing it, concurrently upgrading the dampers is clearly preferable. Have read of several who’re pleased with their off-the-shelf Bilstein 35-053453/F4-VE3-5345-H strut & H&R setup.
It would have been considerably less expensive and easier to simply source coilovers on a whim. Steadfastly refused to do so. Where is the challenge in that? There is something appealing about being asked “What have you done to yours?” while unwinding in the paddock after a rewarding track day session.
Trust you’ll let us know how yours go.
FrankW’s experience with fitting shorter aftermarket springs to original dampers closely parallels those of other members. I initially did the H&Rs on ~45,000-mile OE struts. Looked pretty good, but it was immediately evident that the mismatched load height/spring rate/flaccid damping combination would require prompt attention and another approach. Thus began my suspension experimentation travails.
Didn’t want to come across as aloof and arrogant vis-à-vis that xenon thread. If you can swing it, concurrently upgrading the dampers is clearly preferable. Have read of several who’re pleased with their off-the-shelf Bilstein 35-053453/F4-VE3-5345-H strut & H&R setup.
It would have been considerably less expensive and easier to simply source coilovers on a whim. Steadfastly refused to do so. Where is the challenge in that? There is something appealing about being asked “What have you done to yours?” while unwinding in the paddock after a rewarding track day session.
Trust you’ll let us know how yours go.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 100
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
C32, E93 M3
From what I've read, the Bilstein 35-053453/F4-VE3-5345-H strut & H&R setup is actually pairing softer-than-factory dampers with shorter springs. I don't see how that could be an improvement, unless the factory struts were worn to begin with.
Based upon my research here, it seems that new OE C55 struts would be the best combo with lowering springs.
I plan to run those struts with Vogtland springs shortly, along with refreshed bearings and bushings.
Based upon my research here, it seems that new OE C55 struts would be the best combo with lowering springs.
I plan to run those struts with Vogtland springs shortly, along with refreshed bearings and bushings.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 200
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From: Toronto, Canada
2003 C32
I'm delighted to see this thread revived as Splinter has enlightened me on the Powergrid front sway bar links.
I was considering going to a Bilstein PSS9 coilover kit, but if the C55 front struts and springs along with C55 rear shocks (C32 C55 rear springs are identical I believe) will give me better handling for half the cost, I will go that route.
Can someone confirm that these are the correct C55 part numbers for the struts/shocksCan't access EPC Net outside of the USA)
Struts: 203 320 78 30
Shocks: 170 011 46 00
Thanks,
Wayne
I was considering going to a Bilstein PSS9 coilover kit, but if the C55 front struts and springs along with C55 rear shocks (C32 C55 rear springs are identical I believe) will give me better handling for half the cost, I will go that route.
Can someone confirm that these are the correct C55 part numbers for the struts/shocks
Can't access EPC Net outside of the USA)Struts: 203 320 78 30
Shocks: 170 011 46 00
Thanks,
Wayne
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Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
C32, E93 M3
I called a Sachs dealer and I'm waiting to hear back to see if we can get OE stuff directly from Sachs for a (hopefully) cheaper price. The MBZ dealer quoted me $230-$300 for C55 struts, depending on VIN number. He was unable to tell me the difference between the three part numbers that came up, other than the part numbers themselves being different.
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
C55 dampers:
front-
203 320 83 30 (U.S. valving)
203 320 80 30 (CLK55 and RoW valving)
rear-
203 326 43 00 (U.S. and RoW valving)
C55 springs:
front-
203 321 70 04 (U.S. and RoW)
rear-
The C32 and C55 have similar fitment, contingent upon options’ weight.
front-
203 320 83 30 (U.S. valving)
203 320 80 30 (CLK55 and RoW valving)
rear-
203 326 43 00 (U.S. and RoW valving)
C55 springs:
front-
203 321 70 04 (U.S. and RoW)
rear-
The C32 and C55 have similar fitment, contingent upon options’ weight.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 200
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From: Toronto, Canada
2003 C32
Regards,
Wayne
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From: OC
C32
Just a slight correction to Splinters description of my car. I run the C55 Struts/Shocks on H&R springs. I never had the chance to try the car on C55 Springs so not sure if it would handle better with those or the H&R springs.
I can say that changing from just C32 Struts/Shocks to C55 Struts/Shocks made the car probably twice as stiff.
I can say that changing from just C32 Struts/Shocks to C55 Struts/Shocks made the car probably twice as stiff.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
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From: Ontario, Canada
2002 C32 AMG
I went to the merc dealer in maple, ontario today. Here's what I found.
Prices for part numbers Splinter provided.
203-320-83-30 - $276 cdn each (C55 front strut)
203-326-43-00 - $199 cdn each (C55 rear shock)
203-321-70-04 - $327 cdn each pair (C55 front springs)
Guy at parts counter said 203-320-80-30 doesn't show up in the computer. The prices are pretty good. I want to just go for the front struts and install them with my h&r springs. Just one question, what is the difference between the RoW and US front strut? Does RoW mean wagon specific? Should I be going for the US strut?
I'm also assuming there is no difference between left and right strut correct?
Prices for part numbers Splinter provided.
203-320-83-30 - $276 cdn each (C55 front strut)
203-326-43-00 - $199 cdn each (C55 rear shock)
203-321-70-04 - $327 cdn each pair (C55 front springs)
Guy at parts counter said 203-320-80-30 doesn't show up in the computer. The prices are pretty good. I want to just go for the front struts and install them with my h&r springs. Just one question, what is the difference between the RoW and US front strut? Does RoW mean wagon specific? Should I be going for the US strut?
I'm also assuming there is no difference between left and right strut correct?
Last edited by Autotechnica; Feb 10, 2011 at 09:48 PM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Canada
2003 C32
I went to the merc dealer in maple, ontario today. Here's what I found.
Prices for part numbers Splinter provided.
203-320-83-30 - $276 cdn each (C55 front strut)
203-326-43-00 - $199 cdn each (C55 rear shock)
203-321-70-04 - $327 cdn each pair (C55 front springs)
Guy at parts counter said 203-320-80-30 doesn't show up in the computer. The prices are pretty good. I want to just go for the front struts and install them with my h&r springs. Just one question, what is the difference between the RoW and US front strut? Does RoW mean wagon specific? Should I be going for the US strut?
I'm also assuming there is no difference between left and right strut correct?
Prices for part numbers Splinter provided.
203-320-83-30 - $276 cdn each (C55 front strut)
203-326-43-00 - $199 cdn each (C55 rear shock)
203-321-70-04 - $327 cdn each pair (C55 front springs)
Guy at parts counter said 203-320-80-30 doesn't show up in the computer. The prices are pretty good. I want to just go for the front struts and install them with my h&r springs. Just one question, what is the difference between the RoW and US front strut? Does RoW mean wagon specific? Should I be going for the US strut?
I'm also assuming there is no difference between left and right strut correct?
RoW means rest of the world. I would assume the U.S. valving would be the same for Canada. The 203-320-80-30 part I check at parts.com and it shows up as "strut convertible back". No indication of the model or year. A mystery.
Wayne
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
Autotechnica, left and right are indeed interchangeable. MB simply reverses the upper anti-roll bar link attachment.
The EPC is typically more accurate than my recurring dyslexia. This thread certainly won’t be the last time I’ll have posted faulty intel!
Note code 494 denotes "U.S.-specification" in this instance:
The EPC is typically more accurate than my recurring dyslexia. This thread certainly won’t be the last time I’ll have posted faulty intel!
Note code 494 denotes "U.S.-specification" in this instance:
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Canada
2003 C32
I know how you feel. In the past I've been to 3 dealers for parts. They all require a VIN for even a simple bolt.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
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From: Ontario, Canada
2002 C32 AMG
Looks like I'll most likely be going with the H&R springs w/ C55 front struts. Are the stock C32 rear shocks underdamped as well? Replacing those at a later time won't be much of a problem if it's required. If I hadn't already purchased the H&R springs I probably would have gone for the C55 front springs. They do seem a bit pricey for just a front pair, especially compared to the front struts that are somewhat resonably priced.
Wayne, let me know what you decide to do. I'm still not 100% on the setup I want.
Bry
Wayne, let me know what you decide to do. I'm still not 100% on the setup I want.
Bry
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Canada
2003 C32
Looks like I'll most likely be going with the H&R springs w/ C55 front struts. Are the stock C32 rear shocks underdamped as well? Replacing those at a later time won't be much of a problem if it's required. If I hadn't already purchased the H&R springs I probably would have gone for the C55 front springs. They do seem a bit pricey for just a front pair, especially compared to the front struts that are somewhat resonably priced.
Wayne, let me know what you decide to do. I'm still not 100% on the setup I want.
Bry
Wayne, let me know what you decide to do. I'm still not 100% on the setup I want.
Bry
The pricing you were quoted for the struts is reasonable, however the springs are a bit pricey as the US price through parts.com is about $80 each.
Wayne
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
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From: Ontario, Canada
2002 C32 AMG
Hmmm odd. The shocks and struts from MB are actually pretty much the same price as parts.com once you factor in shipping/taxes. However, there's quite a big gap for the springs. For that price I'm considering selling my H&R's and getting the C55 front springs. I'm just wondering how similar are the rears on the C32/C55 springs. I don't like mis-matching parts unless I really know what I'm doing. I'm very conflicted 
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Canada
2003 C32
Hmmm odd. The shocks and struts from MB are actually pretty much the same price as parts.com once you factor in shipping/taxes. However, there's quite a big gap for the springs. For that price I'm considering selling my H&R's and getting the C55 front springs. I'm just wondering how similar are the rears on the C32/C55 springs. I don't like mis-matching parts unless I really know what I'm doing. I'm very conflicted
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 100
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
C32, E93 M3
If The c55 rear springs are the same as the c32 rear springs then it would seem likely that the c32 rear shocks are the same as the c55 rear shocks. I am simply replacing my front c32 struts with c55 hardware, and installing h&r springs on all four corners while keeping the c32 rear shocks.
Last edited by SYZYGY; Feb 12, 2011 at 11:54 PM.
Super Moderator
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
A comfy ride and acceptable behavior while approaching the limit of adhesion are still mutually exclusive in my experience. Note Zeppelin’s “probably twice as stiff” post. Ridden in a 997 with PSM recently?;) I’ve unabashedly strayed toward the performance end of the compromise. Your experience may differ significantly, although having piloted an M3 I suspect it wouldn’t. A sound strategy has typically been to improve that end which consistently contributes less than its fair share to the cornering equation.
Perhaps you can catch up with stalwart Canadian member PC Valkyrie during one of his track days. He’s given a solid go against many a ‘faster’ machine with his PS2- and Renntech airbox-equipped (but otherwise stock) C55.
There’s certainly nothing wrong with exploiting OE parts for retrofitting purposes if they’ll help to serve your objectives. Respectfully suggest you needn’t be too concerned with rear spring rate during the initial phase of upgrading since, as you’ve already noted, they’re easily swapped. Not to belabor the point, Affalterbach had occasion to fit a curious selection of 202, 203 and 210 springs to the rear of the C32 and C55.
