anyone w p30 pp suspension and OEM springs?
01-21-2018, 07:53 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
anyone w p30 pp suspension and non p30 springs?
Has anyone with pre-FL p30 pp suspension swapped just the springs to non-p30 and what are your thoughts? Any details on stance/longevity appreciated as well.
The story: Been actively searching for months for the 'right' c63 to show (pref '12/13 p31 coupe) when a clean all-original '10 p30 w/95K mls showed up that I couldn't pass on. I'm 'in-like' with it but still passively watching for something else. If I keep, given the miles, I'd eventually replace everything but just want to commit some time tweaking to see if my 'like' can grow before committing too many $$$. I don't hate the p30 suspension but would like it a bit 'smoother', at least for cruising. I think I've read every post and H&R springs appear to be the go-to 'affordable' mod with what sounds like a feel I'd enjoy but mentions of a 3/4-1" drop that I'd like to avoid - I'd be fine with even a bit higher. I've read a few posts of swapping to OEM springs but often with the assumption that all else(struts/shocks) are the same and according to MB part #'s(and price), every single suspension component(less rear mount) is different, and can find no confirmations of anyone who's actually done it. Any experience here appreciated.
The story: Been actively searching for months for the 'right' c63 to show (pref '12/13 p31 coupe) when a clean all-original '10 p30 w/95K mls showed up that I couldn't pass on. I'm 'in-like' with it but still passively watching for something else. If I keep, given the miles, I'd eventually replace everything but just want to commit some time tweaking to see if my 'like' can grow before committing too many $$$. I don't hate the p30 suspension but would like it a bit 'smoother', at least for cruising. I think I've read every post and H&R springs appear to be the go-to 'affordable' mod with what sounds like a feel I'd enjoy but mentions of a 3/4-1" drop that I'd like to avoid - I'd be fine with even a bit higher. I've read a few posts of swapping to OEM springs but often with the assumption that all else(struts/shocks) are the same and according to MB part #'s(and price), every single suspension component(less rear mount) is different, and can find no confirmations of anyone who's actually done it. Any experience here appreciated.
Last edited by gmore; 01-23-2018 at 11:09 AM.
01-21-2018, 11:23 AM
#2
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
Do you have the build date for the 2010 C63. It is possible to have different P30 options depending on the date of manufacture. The split was during December 2010. Cars built before that date would have the original P30 package with stiffer springs and tuned suspension. Cars built after that date would have the equivalent of the P31 package with the softer riding springs and suspension.
01-21-2018, 11:53 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
Do you have the build date for the 2010 C63. It is possible to have different P30 options depending on the date of manufacture. The split was during December 2010. Cars built before that date would have the original P30 package with stiffer springs and tuned suspension. Cars built after that date would have the equivalent of the P31 package with the softer riding springs and suspension.
I've driven an 09 w/oem and would be happy with that but am guessing I'd prefer the feel of the H&Rs...decisions, decisions
Just curious to know if the oem springs play nice with p30 parts and the 'frugal' in me would be very good with saving a few bucks as well.
01-21-2018, 04:01 PM
#4
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Do you have the build date for the 2010 C63. It is possible to have different P30 options depending on the date of manufacture. The split was during December 2010. Cars built before that date would have the original P30 package with stiffer springs and tuned suspension. Cars built after that date would have the equivalent of the P31 package with the softer riding springs and suspension.
01-21-2018, 05:37 PM
#5
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
The P31 package option was available from Dec 2010 build dates to the end of 2014 production. At some point it became the 507 option in sedan and coupe replacing the P31 option probably for 2014. There were not many 2014 507 sedans as they stopped production early for delivery of the new W205. For 2015 the 507 Coupe was available. P30 was the performance option included in all P31 performance package cars.
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OC6.3AMG (01-21-2018)
01-22-2018, 06:57 PM
#6
I had the factory P30 suspension on my 2009 and swapped out the P30 springs to H&Rs.
The ride height didn't drop as much as advertised, as the drop advertised by H&R is for the non-P30 suspension. The P30 suspension is already lowered a bit from the non-P30, so the H&Rs lower the car by roughly half an inch.
The H&Rs ride a bit softer/more smoothly that the stock P30 Springs as well.
The ride height didn't drop as much as advertised, as the drop advertised by H&R is for the non-P30 suspension. The P30 suspension is already lowered a bit from the non-P30, so the H&Rs lower the car by roughly half an inch.
The H&Rs ride a bit softer/more smoothly that the stock P30 Springs as well.
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01-22-2018, 08:58 PM
#8
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I had the factory P30 suspension on my 2009 and swapped out the P30 springs to H&Rs.
The ride height didn't drop as much as advertised, as the drop advertised by H&R is for the non-P30 suspension. The P30 suspension is already lowered a bit from the non-P30, so the H&Rs lower the car by roughly half an inch.
The H&Rs ride a bit softer/more smoothly that the stock P30 Springs as well.
The ride height didn't drop as much as advertised, as the drop advertised by H&R is for the non-P30 suspension. The P30 suspension is already lowered a bit from the non-P30, so the H&Rs lower the car by roughly half an inch.
The H&Rs ride a bit softer/more smoothly that the stock P30 Springs as well.
01-22-2018, 09:07 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
If you have an entire oem set-up - please pm approx miles, price and where you're located.
01-22-2018, 09:48 PM
#10
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I had the factory P30 suspension on my 2009 and swapped out the P30 springs to H&Rs.
The ride height didn't drop as much as advertised, as the drop advertised by H&R is for the non-P30 suspension. The P30 suspension is already lowered a bit from the non-P30, so the H&Rs lower the car by roughly half an inch.
The H&Rs ride a bit softer/more smoothly that the stock P30 Springs as well.
The ride height didn't drop as much as advertised, as the drop advertised by H&R is for the non-P30 suspension. The P30 suspension is already lowered a bit from the non-P30, so the H&Rs lower the car by roughly half an inch.
The H&Rs ride a bit softer/more smoothly that the stock P30 Springs as well.
01-23-2018, 07:00 AM
#11
Member
Thread Starter
H&Rs are probably what I end up with but the idea that no-one(at least that posts) has done oem springs w/p30 has me curious to try. Cost of used springs are negligible, I would just hate to put the time in if it's a definite 'don't bother'. I'm not in a big hurry and will post if I go that route.
On a somewhat related note - while adjusting tire pressure, a front valve stem broke leaving the tire flat. Don't have easy/safe access to the front of the car and none of my jacks would fit under the front side, so I decided to pull out the trunk jack...WTH? I though I'd seen it all
Knees and back already a bit toasted, I gave it a couple of weak tries before calling it quits and ordered this TPMS stem repair fix... https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HOXQ14Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1I also ordered a tpms rebuild kit for all 4 when I replace the tires but hope this serves as a temp fix. I doubt going oem springs would raise the car enough to accommodate my jacks but maybe a sign to avoid a further drop?
Last edited by gmore; 01-23-2018 at 08:10 AM.
01-23-2018, 09:05 AM
#12
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Yeah, this seems to be consensus although I don't find the p30 'that' bad...maybe 95k miles has softened it up a bit
H&Rs are probably what I end up with but the idea that no-one(at least that posts) has done oem springs w/p30 has me curious to try. Cost of used springs are negligible, I would just hate to put the time in if it's a definite 'don't bother'. I'm not in a big hurry and will post if I go that route.
H&Rs are probably what I end up with but the idea that no-one(at least that posts) has done oem springs w/p30 has me curious to try. Cost of used springs are negligible, I would just hate to put the time in if it's a definite 'don't bother'. I'm not in a big hurry and will post if I go that route.
I have had an 08, an 09 P30, and a 12 P31. I have a couple buddies with varying years. The difference are as noted. P30 are stiffest, non-P30 the softest, with H&R in the middle.
The P30 sit a smidge lower than the 'non', but the H&Rs noticeably lower. The ride height difference is the reason for the change for most guys.
Changing wont make life changing differences lol, but the plus side of that is there are no drastic errors to be made. If I was to make any cautions to someone around springs it would be to ride on P30s before installing them, as many find them to stiff and they were dropped due to complaints, but you are going the other way so no problem. You may find H&Rs a tad floaty in direct comparison, given what you are used to.
Last edited by 604 C63; 01-23-2018 at 09:08 AM.
01-23-2018, 10:44 AM
#13
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Thread Starter
Every guy who has a non P30 '09 has tried this - thats the way it came from the factory. The only suspension difference is the springs.
I have had an 08, an 09 P30, and a 12 P31. I have a couple buddies with varying years. The difference are as noted. P30 are stiffest, non-P30 the softest, with H&R in the middle.
The P30 sit a smidge lower than the 'non', but the H&Rs noticeably lower. The ride height difference is the reason for the change for most guys.
Changing wont make life changing differences lol, but the plus side of that is there are no drastic errors to be made. If I was to make any cautions to someone around springs it would be to ride on P30s before installing them, as many find them to stiff and they were dropped due to complaints, but you are going the other way so no problem. You may find H&Rs a tad floaty in direct comparison, given what you are used to.
I have had an 08, an 09 P30, and a 12 P31. I have a couple buddies with varying years. The difference are as noted. P30 are stiffest, non-P30 the softest, with H&R in the middle.
The P30 sit a smidge lower than the 'non', but the H&Rs noticeably lower. The ride height difference is the reason for the change for most guys.
Changing wont make life changing differences lol, but the plus side of that is there are no drastic errors to be made. If I was to make any cautions to someone around springs it would be to ride on P30s before installing them, as many find them to stiff and they were dropped due to complaints, but you are going the other way so no problem. You may find H&Rs a tad floaty in direct comparison, given what you are used to.
https://www.mbonlineparts.com/auto-p...uspension-scat
What am I missing here?
01-23-2018, 11:12 AM
#14
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Thread Starter
Just realized how confusing(stupid) it was to post 'oem' instead of 'non-p30' - thread title changed.
Looking for anyone with who put non-p30 springs in their p30 set-up - thanks and sorry for any confusion.
Looking for anyone with who put non-p30 springs in their p30 set-up - thanks and sorry for any confusion.
01-23-2018, 11:23 AM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Those struts may be dialled differently (as they should be, given the different spring rate they work with), but mechanically they are the same part, I am pretty damn sure. Cant say I have opened or x-rayed them. At any rate, I have had them all in, out, swapped around in most any combo possible. Price difference likely has to do with parts availability at this point, much like the price of OEM rotors has continued to fall. At any rate, the ride difference is in the springs. I have had P30 springs with P30 struts, non P30 springs with P30 struts, H&R with P30 struts, Non springs with non struts, H&R with non struts. The only combo I have not had is P30 springs with non struts.
Last edited by 604 C63; 01-23-2018 at 11:36 AM.
01-23-2018, 11:36 AM
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
What specifically do you want to know and what specifically are you hoping to achieve?
Given that the difference in ride and ride heights have been explained? Ride is subjective, but you have impressions on that.
And BTW, not sure if you have done it yet or not, but it might be a good idea to check what you actually have in your car.
Unless you are the original owner, or have already checked, theres no telling what you ACTUALLY have in there. The guy who
got my 09 P30 is not riding factory right now, and given that I traded it in and it got wholesaled, its very possible no one told him
whats actually there.
Given that the difference in ride and ride heights have been explained? Ride is subjective, but you have impressions on that.
And BTW, not sure if you have done it yet or not, but it might be a good idea to check what you actually have in your car.
Unless you are the original owner, or have already checked, theres no telling what you ACTUALLY have in there. The guy who
got my 09 P30 is not riding factory right now, and given that I traded it in and it got wholesaled, its very possible no one told him
whats actually there.
Last edited by 604 C63; 01-23-2018 at 12:32 PM.
01-23-2018, 01:01 PM
#17
Member
Thread Starter
What specifically do you want to know and what specifically are you hoping to achieve?
Given that the difference in ride and ride heights have been explained? Ride is subjective, but you have impressions on that.
And BTW, not sure if you have done it yet or not, but it might be a good idea to check what you actually have in your car.
Unless you are the original owner, or have already checked, theres no telling what you ACTUALLY have in there. The guy who
got my 09 P30 is not riding factory right now, and given that I traded it in and it got wholesaled, its very possible no one told him
whats actually there.
Given that the difference in ride and ride heights have been explained? Ride is subjective, but you have impressions on that.
And BTW, not sure if you have done it yet or not, but it might be a good idea to check what you actually have in your car.
Unless you are the original owner, or have already checked, theres no telling what you ACTUALLY have in there. The guy who
got my 09 P30 is not riding factory right now, and given that I traded it in and it got wholesaled, its very possible no one told him
whats actually there.
Very small chance the suspensions not original but all indications are it is(all service records posted on carfax are from mb dealer, and previous 2nd owner modded nothing and was fairly certain all-original when he purchased).
Thanks
