mint

I'm on the Eibach Pro Kit, Bilstein Sports, and 18" wheels. Tires are at stock PSI (32F and 36R).

Is it me, or is the ride pretty unforgiving and jarring? When I ride over bumps and inconsistencies in the road, I don't really "float" over them like I did on stock suspension and wheels; now it's more like I just slam into them and pop back out.

I didn't know if this was attributable to the fact that the suspension has been modified and it's a convertible, or if something's wrong?

VIPclk320

thats exactly what aftermarket suspensions that are targeted toward performance do. they get rid of the softness and add stiffness which is what you need for performance. and the thinner the tires the more road bumps you will feel.

gorgerider

my 2000 CLK320 cab is a little harsh (to me anyway) and it's bone stock with fresh bilstein HDs. I also think my tires are crappy and unforgiving - can't wait to get a set of Michelins on.

Pauljay

Hi Twinsin.

I too have Bilstein shocks with Eibach springs all around plus Eibach front and rear anti roll bars.

The ride is a little firmer but with sports suspension as Vipclk320 said, that is what you would want for a more sporting ride.

I think the suspension is excellent as it doesn't jar you too much and yet remains smooth. Pot holes and rutted roads will always be the exception.

I'm running Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres. 235/35/19 up front and 275/30/19 in the rear. Tyres pressures are 35 front / 37 rear.

I also have Vipclk320's custom made front and rear sway bars (which do an excellent job in keeping body roll in check).

Try a tyre with a higher side wall for more cushioning, but you will lose some handling.

If it's a new mod for you, give yourself a few weeks to adjust and revel in tighter handling. If it still does nothing for you try Bilsteins street shocks. They're meant for lowering not handling.

dlbehrns

I installed Vogtland springs, Bilstein Sport shocks and 17" X 8" wide Hankooks. it beat the hell out of me for awhile but has settled in to a firm ride. Bumps in the road are unforgiving however, with vip's strut bars the car corners like it is on rails. When I go back to the oem 16s this winter it will probably be smoother.

mint

Good to know I'm not the only one then. If the road is decently paved then yeah, it's fine but jesus, hitting rutted roads and bumps is almost teeth shattering. I've had the springs on for about a year, and the shocks for about 4 months or so. It's so rough, the top latch area has starting to squeak and groan more. I'm sure the chassis flex in it being a convertible doesn't help either.

Oh well...lesson learned. That's what happens when you lower and upsize wheels on a convertible.

Pauljay

Hey Twinsin,

If your pockets stretch and there is one left, go the whole hog and get Vipclk320s last tower struts. They are fantastic for handling and somehow they make the ride smoother on good roads. Also because the car body is more taut the squeaks stop (atleast that's what happened with my car).

Mob

Paul, are your alloys staggered? I would imagine they have to be to handle the 275-30's in the rear? Are your arches rolled or did the car just take the setup straight up?

Pauljay

Hi Mob.

Yes I have staggered wheels. The front arches have been rolled and the rear had 10mm -15mm spacers put in (I think).

I now have 285/30/19 tyres on the rear with no rubbing. I could probably just get away with 295s without rolling the arches!