After tackling the CarBahn control arms, I thought I could handle installing KW V4 coilovers. I may have bitten off more than I can chew. No problem removing the OEM strut but goddamn I can’t get the new strut over the control arm to even think about lining up the holes for the bolt. I’m following Mercedes’ step by step directions - had my shop email them. About to put the factory strut back on and let someone else do the install. Might’ve found the limit unless anyone has any suggestions?

 

You need a mechanic!

 

nope. I prevailed. Both fronts done!

 

Post up some tips for those that tackle this on their own in the future.

 

Well done mate! Though you were stuck.

In saying that I just could risk doing that stuff myself. When my family is in the car I go to my mate mechanic to do that sort of stuff.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay and from where?

Also, is yours a sedan or coupe?

post some pics of how the car sits.

 

I had my local shop order the kit. The also provided the WIS which was helpful. Since I'm tracking the car more often, and slowly transitioning this into my dedicated track car, I felt compelled to learn how to do more of the mechanical work. That being said, I just received a custom splitter that I'm going to have a local shop fabricated brackets to connect to the subframe. I destroyed my last one...

In hindsight, the coilovers weren't that difficult to install now that I know what I'm doing. A lift would've made the process much easier.
Front:
1. Put the car of jack stands.
2. Remove corresponding wheels
3. Detach cable ducts and disconnect electrical connects at strut
4. Remove nut/bolt connecting struct to control arm (95nm, 45 deg.)
5. Remove steering knuckle nut (50nm, 45 deg)
6. Remove 3 nuts at top of strut tower (50 nm)
7. Install in reverse order

Rear:
1. Remove corresponding wheels
2. Remove cover from spring link
4. Detach fender liner
5. Disconnect electrical connectors
6. Prop spring link using jack
7. Remove nut/bolt connecting shock to spring link (90nm, 45 deg)
8. Remove bolts connecting shock to body (36nm)
9. Compress shock absorber and remove

I didn't have the WIS for this part so had to improvise:
10. Removed inside most nut/bolt connecting spring link to sub-frame (90nm, 45 deg)
11. Slowly released jack to allow spring to decompress
12. Removed Spring
13. Install in reverse order

Heading back to VIR in a few weeks. Scheduled to have the car corner balance in a couple of weeks. Thus far, super pleased with the V4 kit! Here's a mock up of the custom splitter from APR I'm going to have installed:

 

hows the handling compared to stock?