need help on Suspension Set Up !!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 33
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From: Los Angeles
99 CLK430
need help on Suspension Set Up !!
What spring & shock combination yield the most comfortable ride using 18" Carlsson 2/5's with SO-3 on it (225 front & 255 rear) ??
is allignment recommended after changing spring & shocks ?
I need some suggestions and feedbacks
thanks in advance
is allignment recommended after changing spring & shocks ?
I need some suggestions and feedbacks
thanks in advance
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: NJ
C55
My CLK is a Pig as well..
I posted basically the same question a while back and got no response. I'm not sure if it was because no one knew, this subject has been beaten to death, or people on this board are more interested in flat emblems verses hood stars (just kidding).
I've narrowed it down to two possibilities, both are doing Springs first then Shocks later (my car has only 12k miles):
H&R without shocks: Because of the cost consideration and high quality and supposed ride quality
Brabus without shocks: Because I've test rode in a car that had these springs (althoughit had the shocks done as well)and they seemed to provide a high level of vehicle stability without knocking your teeth out.
I plan making this change in the next few weeks to my 01CLK430A so I'll let you know what end up doing. I think if the $$ is close I'll probably end up doing the Brabus set-up. Although I'm trying to figure out if Brabus just uses a re-labled &R spring like I've heard...then it's the H&R's.
I wish there were more people on this board that would share their experiences, since it seems theres a large percentage of lowered cars in some of the sigs.
Good luck.
I've narrowed it down to two possibilities, both are doing Springs first then Shocks later (my car has only 12k miles):
H&R without shocks: Because of the cost consideration and high quality and supposed ride quality
Brabus without shocks: Because I've test rode in a car that had these springs (althoughit had the shocks done as well)and they seemed to provide a high level of vehicle stability without knocking your teeth out.
I plan making this change in the next few weeks to my 01CLK430A so I'll let you know what end up doing. I think if the $$ is close I'll probably end up doing the Brabus set-up. Although I'm trying to figure out if Brabus just uses a re-labled &R spring like I've heard...then it's the H&R's.
I wish there were more people on this board that would share their experiences, since it seems theres a large percentage of lowered cars in some of the sigs.
Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,104
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From: Rocklin, California
2011 GL450
I just had the Kleemann Speed Sensitive Suspension installed on my car. Alignment was necessary. I have 265/35/18 rear 225/35/18 front.
Just thought I'd through in my 2 cents worth.
Tim
Just thought I'd through in my 2 cents worth.
Tim
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,439
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Re: need help on Suspension Set Up !!
Originally posted by ItsJ2
What spring & shock combination yield the most comfortable ride using 18" Carlsson 2/5's with SO-3 on it (225 front & 255 rear) ??
is allignment recommended after changing spring & shocks ?
I need some suggestions and feedbacks
thanks in advance
What spring & shock combination yield the most comfortable ride using 18" Carlsson 2/5's with SO-3 on it (225 front & 255 rear) ??
is allignment recommended after changing spring & shocks ?
I need some suggestions and feedbacks
thanks in advance
Yes, you need to do alignment after the change, but wait for a couple of weeks and let everything settled first.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
The difference in stiffness between Eibach's and H&R's is not as great as everyone makes it out to be. Shocks have a huge play in suspension comfort; hence the name dampeners. For ultimate comfort as well as handling, I would recommend the Kleemann Suspension. 2nd to that would be either the H&R cup kit or a combination of H&R's and Koni adjustable shocks. Neither is as nice as the Kleemann, but for their price, they both provide substantial gains.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 521
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From: Washington
MB
Isn't a couple of weeks too long?
I was told by one of the best alignment shop in Seattle that I only need to drive it a couple of blocks before I do the alignment and the spring should settle down.
I was told by one of the best alignment shop in Seattle that I only need to drive it a couple of blocks before I do the alignment and the spring should settle down.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
If each block is 100 miles long, sure! For your springs to completely settle, you will need at least 200 miles of driving on them after they are first installed. Of course this varies depending on road conditions, but 2 blocks is a little quick.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin, California
2011 GL450
Originally posted by mmgrad
What do you all think about the Brabus suspension?
I'm gonna get the Brabus setup in about 2 weeks.
What do you all think about the Brabus suspension?
I'm gonna get the Brabus setup in about 2 weeks.
The Cab in your pic's sit very nice.
I haven't driven either one so I really couldn't tell ya which is better.
I believe it depends on what you want to do with the car.
It can be a tuff choice! But it was an easy one for me, performance comes first.
Tim
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,289
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
I don't have the $$,$$$ to mod-out my car with high performance SC's, so performance isn't my primary concern. The 430 does fine by itself. I'm just looking for a slightly better look with a lower profile, while maintaining a good ride comfort.
Who wins in the following areas between Brabus & Kleeman:
Comfort? =
Handling? =
Performance? =
Aesthetics? (looking for around 1" drop, like the Cab in the picture) =
Quality Construction? =
Who wins in the following areas between Brabus & Kleeman:
Comfort? =
Handling? =
Performance? =
Aesthetics? (looking for around 1" drop, like the Cab in the picture) =
Quality Construction? =
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
I completely agree with your first statement. In my opinion, suspension is the first modification that should be done to EVERY Mercedes. The technology behind the Kleemann Suspension will allow it to be the most comfortable (for aftermarket), best performing suspension on the market. They are all going to lower the car roughly the same amount. Pictures vary based on wheels and angles. Personally, I would recommend the Kleemann Suspension over any other for the CLK. The only harhsness in my ride is due to changing the spring pads and wheels. The Kleemann Suspension IS more comfortable than the stock AMG suspension.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, TX
W212 E63, Audi R8 4.2, Panamera S, Range Rover Sport GT
Having rode in a Kleemann-equipped E430, I can tell you that ben is absolutely right....for a blend of performance and comfort, there is no better. As far as aesthetics are concerned, there really isn't much of a difference...all 3 will lower between 1 and 1.5".
