Just picked up a '98 white c43 and I love it, minus the repairs I gotta do right away. To cut to the chase, I am going to put Bilstein Sports + Vogtlands and was wondering if people can share pics of that setup with stock pads. I want to give my mechanic the right pads to put in from the get-go so I don't have to swap pads out later. I did a search, but couldn't find the specifics a lot of times. If you are running Bilstein Sports + Vogtlands, I'd appreciate a pic and the pads you are running.

I am rolling on stock 17" monos.

Thanks, and excited to start my 202 fun.

I think the best question for yourself would be "Will I put on 18inch monoblock wheels". Because if you do, you will have to adjust the suspension again, but if you don't then go ahead and do it. Just saying if further down the line you decide to add the 18s and would probably rub (if at all any) tires since I'm no mechanic. But if youre stock 17 inch like, then by all means dude go for it. I know its out of the question kind of answer but I rather tell you ahead of time. I know I want to do the Euro Spec on mine with 17's, so yeah.

If you click on my C43 thread below, or also search my more recent for sale post for the car, you can see photos of the car from many angles with Bilstein Sports and Vogtlands on #5 pads up front, and #4s at the rear, on 18" Monoblocks. To my eyes, it's perfect, and the thinner (smaller number) pads would bring the car much too low for reasonable ground clearance, in my opinion.

This is false, because with 18" wheels you get thinner profile tires. So 245/40/17 vs 255/35/18. There will be a slight difference in total diameter, and it will also vary on the exact dimensions of the tire you buy, but changing from 17" to 18" shouldn't really change how much or how little you rub. The only thing that might affect this is the tire width you decide to go with.

#5 and #4 is the most popular combination here. Most of the pics of lowered cars here have that setup. It will also depend on if you want a level stance or a raked stance.

Wouldn't you want a #4F and #5R if you want a raked appearance? Seems intuitive that you would want front pad thinner.

i have #1 front and #4 rear, my car stance is raked, no rub

Do you have any pics? Thanks!

I initially had #4s front and rear, but when I went for alignment, the tech suggested to go to #5 up front for optimum geometry. I couldn't notice any difference in front ride height.

Can you kindly post a pic?

sure thing

So I been highly considering doing the ever-so-popular 5F/4R combination, but what if I plan to have a 70lb subwoofer in the back. Would 5/4 still be recommended?

#4 is the thickest pad, boom box in the trunk would be ok i guess?
if you are modifying your car into an 18 year old punk driver ricer with the baseball cap put backwards?

this is the perfect example for you, enjoy this clip

Haha. No, I just really enjoy music and have a left over box from a previous car

so your previous car was an 18 year old punk ricer with a loud boombox in the trunk?
cool maan

Does anyone know if 2F 4R will rub?. I need to order these pads by tomorrow and can't decide. I've seen some 5/4s that look slammed but some 2/2 look the same. It seems so inconsistent.

wrong rim offset will surely rub in wheelarches.

I will be either running stock 17" monos or the w210 18" monos.

Missed responding to this over the weekend.

Here is my old post (with photos) with the car on #4s all around:

https://mbworld.org/forums/4351722-post87.html

Here it is with #5s up front and #4s in the rear:

https://mbworld.org/forums/4363055-post114.html

But these photos were with square 225 winter tires on the staggered 17" Monoblocks.

And car as it currently sits (and for sale!!) with the 18" Monoblocks:

https://mbworld.org/forums/5714917-post937.html

Thanks....I ordered the 2F, 4R...given I will have a subwoofer in the rear. I hope it works...