SJT03CLK

This topic has been covered a billion times...so once more:

Yesterday I installed the following:

18" HRE 547 (8.5 in front, 9.5 in rear)
Pirelli P7000 (I know, they suck -- but were free)
-225/40/-18 (front) & 255/35-18 (rear)
H&R Springs

After install, the rear springs were WAY too low and rubbed a whole lot with only 1 person in the car. The rear H&R's were taken off and the stock springs were put on, measured, and cut to be in between the stock drop and the H&R drop.

With 1 person in the car (me), I experience little rubbing on large inclines and bumps (which I can live with). However, with 2 people in the car (me & passenger) -- I rub on both rear tires about 1 1/2 inches down on each when making turns, bumps, inclines, etc. It's rubbing on the inner fender to the tires (the dust cover?).

I know just about everyone has chimed in at one time or another on this topic, but I want an exact answer on my situation.

Harris? AMG BRED? Anyone?

I appriciate the help in advance.
Sean

Zeppelin

With 255 tires you should not be rubbing. So your wheels have the wrong offset. If you have spacers in the rear then remove them. Otherwise you will have to go with narrower rear tires(245?).

With the right offset you can get 265's with no rubbing.

SJT03CLK

Hmm...these were on a CLK and fit fine. I didn't think the CLK & C had such a difference in offset. I will have to check on the spacers and see if they are on the car.

Anyone else?

Zeppelin

Your other solution might be to re-install the H&R's and use the largest rear spring pad. Since the H&R's are stiffer than the stock springs they would put you at about the same height as your cut stockers. They would not compress as far being stiffer, so it might give you the extra clearance.

Then again they would always rub on big bumps since the tire will always travel the same distance up the wheel well.

Good Luck

AMG BRED

SJT03CLK i hate to say this but you car shouldn't be rubbing at all. The reason one goes with HREs or other custom wheels of that calibre is because they can build it to spec.. the Offset, width, etc. and you shouldn't need spacers. Your C32 comes rolled from factory so you can't roll the fenders any further without trimming it completely off.. which to me isn't the problem. Taking factory springs and cutting them is the worst someone can do 'cause the springs are not designed to sit low, and their spring rate is not so high.. by doing this, i think you just made your rubbing problem worse.

I would suggest what zeppelin said, put the H&R springs back, up the spring pad size to something bigger so you won't sit as low. The H&R Springs are progressive springs and have a way higher spring rate then the stock springs. Next thing to do since your wheels will be off the car is to look at the at lining and see where the tire is rubbing.. take a dremmel and trim it down.. One of the main rubbing spots is where the bumper is attached to the body, there is a piece of metal that sticks out into the fender-well.. running your fingers along the backside of the fenderwell closer to the outside, you should be able to find what i am talking about. The bolt that you see can easily be relocated as well.

Harris

Just to let everyone knows that I am not trying to avoid the questions....I talked to Sean on the phone already.

s4iscool

I still cant und why people would cut stock springs on a 60k car

SJT03CLK

*Well, I didn't cut them because it was a cheap alternative, it's because I thought it would be a good median between the Stock and H&R drop. It's definelty not because I am too cheap and I'm looking to cut corners -- if that's what your trying to imply.

*On another note, thanks AMG BRED &* Zepplin for your information. It is the offset that is the problem -- which I will have to get corrected by doing a couple of options.

*Harris -- you are the man! I want to thank you for all the ideas about how to fix my problem. I think I have a solution(hopefully) and I can get them not to rub anymore once I do the fix.

s4iscool

gotcha, i did say it because all i see on mb forums is talk about cutting springs and people thinking thats a viable option for lowering a car.

lap

would you please share the possible solutions with us as well.
TIA
lap

FrankW

solution is to get different spring pads for the rear.

or get some Euro spec AMG springs as they are lower than what we have in the states.

Harris

The rubbing is much worse than just by changing the spring pads.

FrankW

but wouldn't the thicker spring pad bring the car a little higher off the ground? I thought he's problem was just simply too low because the rim and tire size should not be a problem.

AMG BRED

don't forget your car's suspension is designed to move up and down with the contours of the road, in other words - wheel travel.. the suspension on the C32 is designed to camber when pushed up into the body.. to like an up and in movement.. if your offset is wrong regardless of how high or low your car sits, it's going to rub.

FrankW

cool...understand! BUT shouldn't the HRE be made to order? unless he bought it off someone or just gave them the wrong info.

AMG BRED

that's what i am wondering.. how could HRE mess up unless he went thru another retailer and that retailer didn't know jack about cars.

Harris

The wheels are off from a W208 with super aggressive offset. Thats why.

AMG BRED

ohhh ok.

I1 ULOOZ

What exatly do you mean by relocating and how would one go about doing so?
Also what is the correct offset for the c32?

Thanks

FrankW

there's no actual correct offset for the C32. It's a combination of the rim width and rim style, etc.

BUT for the OEM AMG 17" style IV, the offset are 34 and 37.

SJT03CLK

Harris told me the rear offset should be 32 or higher for the car not to rub. My fronts are okay. Luckly, it's not so bad that I can't drive the car or anything -- large bumbs & steep inclines are my enemy right now.

The wheels/tires actually look totally sweet & agressive with this offset (which is 27) but the rubbing is just ANNOYING!

Once the weather gets better I'll post some pics of my car.

I1 ULOOZ

THANKS FRANK