I own a stock (completely stock) 1999 C43 which I have been racing at autocross events for the last 3 years.

I am looking to find better springs than the American version of the AMG springs that my car came with. I find that many people post about wanting to lower their cars for many reasons, but mostly aesthetic (which is cool).

Mainly, I am trying to partly eliminate the "dive" I get with entrance braking in a corner. I am pretty certain that stiffer and perhaps lowering springs will help. I don't mind a rough ride...I am looking for performance, unless there is a good compromise.

I wanted to know if anyone had a good experience with a certain type of springs when added to the stock C43 for racing applications. Any advice would be helpful.

thanks in advance.

I'm quite pleased with my Vogtland springs, but haven't had the car on a track since installing them. They are a bit stiffer then the Brabus springs I previously had...and a bit lighter. I'm using Koni externally adjustable shocks with them. The car handles quite nicely with this combo...

won't changing springs get you put into a different class?

Yeah, I used to participate in the Novice class, but since I placed first in a race, I am no longer allowed to compete in that class.

I figured since I had to change classes anyways, I might as well add something to my car.

Do you think that just changing the springs will help? Do I need to get new shocks as well?

since you autoX, yes...

I noticed that you used the Vogtland Springs with a combination of #4 pads. Since I am not well versed on "non-engine" mechanics, what would be necessary for a simple swap-out of the current stock springs for the Vogtland Springs?

I guess I will need to change the pads, but will anything else have to be readjusted?

Thanks.

even tho w202 springs aren't wrapped around the shocks.. it may be still a good idea to have ur car realigned after installation of new springs.

Thanks for everything. So where can I get:

1. Vogtland Springs
2. #4 Spring Pads
3. Koni Adjustable Shocks
(anything else needed?)

for my C43 ?

Since this setup seems very well researched, I will give it a try.

I appreciate the help.

Jon,

When replacing springs, it's critical that you get new shocks as well. From a safety standpoint, your car can become bouncy on the highway and uncomfortable on the streets.

From a racing standpoint this can result in inconsistent tire contact with the road severly limiting your driving abilities.

We carry both the Vogtland springs and Koni shocks, visit our website for details.
Spring pads can be obtained from your local MB dealer.

Email if you have any questions.

I am very pleased with H&R Sport Springs. I, too, wanted to reduce the dive in my car in addition to a more aggressive look. Though I do not auto-x my car, I would think that these springs are also one you should consider.

Maybe get spring rates from all the maunfacturers. This info could help with your decision.

I had the H&R Sport springs on my 1999 C43 but found them to be far to stiff or not progressive enough for the choppy roads found in New York. I changed to the Eibach Pro-Kit (lowering about 1.2 inches) and still need to adjust my spring pads. Currently I have #5's up front and #4's in the back -- I will switch to #3's up front and keep the #4's in the rear. This will produce an appropriate rake but, may encourage a bit of rubbing up front over large dips and bumps taken at high speeds. The roads in NY are really terrible.

When I originally changed to the H&R lowering springs I did not change the OE shocks. This was a bad mistake that resulted in an unsafe, choppy, overly harsh ride because the OE shocks were not valved to deal with a lowered suspension. I replaced them with the appropriately valved Bilstein Sports and am extremely happy with my set-up now. I do not race on a track but engage in a lot of high speed back road driving (extreme twistys) and some "gentleman" highway races vs. BMW's, Corvettes, the ocasional Mustange, etc.

From what I've learned from this site and others, the dive you feel when brakeing into a turn is not due to the springs or shocks but due to the front lower control arm bushings. Apparently, the W202 uses a hollow control arm bushing that is not tough enough for hard driving and prone to failure at 60K miles. So, I purchased a set of solid, mb sportline, front control arm bushings for the 190E, 16 valve, Sportline. This is supposed to solve that problem as per Danny at Merecedes Racing Products (MRP). I haven't installed them yet but will soon, and will report back to let you to let you know about fit, installation and their effect on handleing.

Another cause of this "dive" sensation as per SpeedyBenz are the very soft OE outer front sway bar bushings. These bushings need to be replaced with a harder substance, either Delrin or polyurethane. I am still trying to order a set of these and will let you know when I get them.

Hope this helps. Happy Racing!

H&R is a good spring but you really should use Koni shocks with them. I still need to install them (springs and shocks) on my C36...

most companies won't give u spring rates. seems most of them tell u it's their trade secret. but i guess if u have access, just throw it on a machine that measures spring rates. they will however, usually tell u what type they are...linear, two-step progressive, true progressive.

Marc,

I should have time this weekend to machine your swaybar bushings. You will feel a difference.

Jon R,

You may try putting the stock shock foam bump rubbers on the new shocks you buy. The stock bump rubbers are most likely longer and will thus help reduce body roll and help control camber for better tire contact while AutoX.

Also the front swaybar bushings would help and a good rear camber link or arm for the rear suspension would help to get your rear tires in the correct position to the pavement which is around -2.0 to -2.5 degrees. The fronts like around -2.5 degrees. The MB camber/castor bolts can help a little in the front.

Jeff

Thanks for all of your responses. I feel like I have a start in the right direction for a suspension solution. I will need to invest a little more than I thought, but hey, if you're gonna do it, you'd better do it right, huh.

Thanks again.

be sure to fill us in on what you select & why & how you like it once it's on...

I have been looking through some sites, but cannot seem to find the correct replacement front sway bar bushings for the C43.

I am finding a lot about the Sportline bushings (which I assume is the best), but not a single site that sells them.

I looked for MRP (Mercedes Racing Products), but could not find them either. Does anyone have an idea where I can get Sportline front sway bar bushings (unless there is something more recommended out there)?

Thanks again

(sorry if this thread is going on too long)

Jon R:

MRP can be found at: http://www.mrp-engineering.com/pages/1/index.htm

and Phil at MercedesShop.com (his number is on the home page) can order you the correct sportline items you need.

The sport line lwr front control arm bushings for the W201 190E sportline that should fit the W202 are: 16 Valve control arm bushing kits
201 330 01 75 $92.00 ea (@MercedesShop.com)

And the OE C43 front sway bar bushings are:
Front sway bar bushing outer
124 323 49 85 $7.25 ea
Inner
129 323 01 85 $8.50 ea (@MercedesShop.com)

Tell Phil that Marc with the C43 sent you.

Thank you very much.