Another aftermarket/performance suspension thread!
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From: Mizzou
1998 C43 AMG
Another aftermarket/performance suspension thread!
Hey guys, based on my research here, the main suspension components like shocks and springs are the same fitament across the board for the W202 chassis, correct?
In other words, when tirerack doesn't list the Koni Sport Kit for my '98 C43, I can order the one for a C280 Sport?
Looks like this: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...98&autoModClar=
In other words, when tirerack doesn't list the Koni Sport Kit for my '98 C43, I can order the one for a C280 Sport?
Looks like this: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...98&autoModClar=
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
I don't think the added 132 pounds is going to make too much of a difference. Having one extra passenger changes the weight more than that. For all intents and purposes the C280 parts will do just fine, and if you're that worried at the performance difference between having a system correctly dialed in for the extra 132 pounds or not, your probably not looking at the Koni Sport Kit as the OP is, but more something like the Penske shocks or KWs
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1999 C43 AMG
I don't think the added 132 pounds is going to make too much of a difference. Having one extra passenger changes the weight more than that. For all intents and purposes the C280 parts will do just fine, and if you're that worried at the performance difference between having a system correctly dialed in for the extra 132 pounds or not, your probably not looking at the Koni Sport Kit as the OP is, but more something like the Penske shocks or KWs
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
I'm not sure exactly what you're asking about performance though. Does the C280 come stock with Konis rather than Bilsteins? If so it's just because they're run of the mill konis vs. "custom valved" bilsteins made for AMG
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1999 C43 AMG
They're about twice as much. 4 Billy sports are about $288 and Konis are $526 for 4, but they're adjustable. But then there's the ultimate setup with the Penske shocks which are $820-1880 for a set of 4.
I'm not sure exactly what you're asking about performance though. Does the C280 come stock with Konis rather than Bilsteins? If so it's just because they're run of the mill konis vs. "custom valved" bilsteins made for AMG
I'm not sure exactly what you're asking about performance though. Does the C280 come stock with Konis rather than Bilsteins? If so it's just because they're run of the mill konis vs. "custom valved" bilsteins made for AMG
meant..complete stock...oem...does the c280 sport have the same struts as the c43? stock for stock wouldnt the amg handle betteR?if so why? id think bc the factory components are different.
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
BUT, what the OP was asking about was for aftermarket suspension components, most don't list a specific fitment for the C43, so would it be okay to buy aftermarket springs/shocks that only say they fit the C280 and don't mention the C43, and I say yes, because physically all the fitments are the same, and weight wise, there's such a small difference it's not going to harm performance.
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1999 C43 AMG
Right, then yes the C43 will handle better because it has AMG suspension parts. The shocks are bilsteins that are valved specifically for AMG and can only be bought like that through the dealer for a ton of money. The Bilstein HDs are the closest thing to that valving, but if you're putting on different (shorter) springs, then you'll want to do the Bilstein Sports because they are valved with shorter travel in mind. The stock springs I'd have to look at, but I imagine they're AMGs and are stiffer. Also, like what Mkoons was saying, the C43's stock suspension system is setup for the extra weight of the V8.
BUT, what the OP was asking about was for aftermarket suspension components, most don't list a specific fitment for the C43, so would it be okay to buy aftermarket springs/shocks that only say they fit the C280 and don't mention the C43, and I say yes, because physically all the fitments are the same, and weight wise, there's such a small difference it's not going to harm performance.
BUT, what the OP was asking about was for aftermarket suspension components, most don't list a specific fitment for the C43, so would it be okay to buy aftermarket springs/shocks that only say they fit the C280 and don't mention the C43, and I say yes, because physically all the fitments are the same, and weight wise, there's such a small difference it's not going to harm performance.
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From: Boston, MA
1999 MB C43 AMG
You have to take into account what you want to do with the springs as well. If you're keeping the stock ones, then people will most likely recommend to stay with Bilstein HDs which should be the closet to the factory AMG Bilstein. Then, if you want to go with lowering springs it's the other way around, people will tell you not to go with Bilstein HDs but sports.
Last edited by FrenchBenz; May 22, 2012 at 02:40 PM.
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1999 C43 AMG
If you don't want to compromise performance, but want to improve it and are fine with lowering your car bit, I would recommend to go with Bilstein sports shocks and H&R sport springs. This is the best bang for the buck and you'll have plenty on info around this forum around this setup.
You have to take into account what you want to do with the springs as well. If you're keeping the stock ones, then people will most likely recommend to stay with Bilstein HDs which should be the closet to the factory AMG Bilstein. Then, if you want to go with lowering springs it's the other way around, people will tell you not to go with Bilstein HDs but sports.
You have to take into account what you want to do with the springs as well. If you're keeping the stock ones, then people will most likely recommend to stay with Bilstein HDs which should be the closet to the factory AMG Bilstein. Then, if you want to go with lowering springs it's the other way around, people will tell you not to go with Bilstein HDs but sports.
how do the bilstein HDs compare to the stock struts? better? worse? id like to keep my stock springs.
2nd...do you get camber issues with the H&R?
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From: Boston, MA
1999 MB C43 AMG
I can't help you with the comparison between stock struts and Billi HDs given that I went straight from stock struts to billi sports with H&R sports. The car is lowered about 1.5 inch but then you can play a bit with spring pads. The ride is definitely firmer but the car corner so much better. I discovered a new car after changing my 130K mile old suspension!!!
I don't have camber issue but I guess the tire will not wear out uniformly like they would do with a stock suspension setup but I'm fine with that. Down the road I will install a K-mac camber kit for the front and MB Arts rear adjustable camber arms to adjust the camber.
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1999 C43 AMG
Awesome for the exhaust. You're in for a serious surprise when you'll hear the car first start after the mod!
I can't help you with the comparison between stock struts and Billi HDs given that I went straight from stock struts to billi sports with H&R sports. The car is lowered about 1.5 inch but then you can play a bit with spring pads. The ride is definitely firmer but the car corner so much better. I discovered a new car after changing my 130K mile old suspension!!!
I don't have camber issue but I guess the tire will not wear out uniformly like they would do with a stock suspension setup but I'm fine with that. Down the road I will install a K-mac camber kit for the front and MB Arts rear adjustable camber arms to adjust the camber.
I can't help you with the comparison between stock struts and Billi HDs given that I went straight from stock struts to billi sports with H&R sports. The car is lowered about 1.5 inch but then you can play a bit with spring pads. The ride is definitely firmer but the car corner so much better. I discovered a new car after changing my 130K mile old suspension!!!
I don't have camber issue but I guess the tire will not wear out uniformly like they would do with a stock suspension setup but I'm fine with that. Down the road I will install a K-mac camber kit for the front and MB Arts rear adjustable camber arms to adjust the camber.
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From: Boston, MA
1999 MB C43 AMG
1999, 1999c280sportstruts, adjustable, aftermarket, c280, c43, market, mercedes, mod, performance, shocks, stereo, stiff, suspension, w123
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