wmorphis817

Does anybody know of the best lowering kit I could get, that doesn't scratch the body?

dlbehrns

The main components that accomplish lowering are the springs but you can include shocks too. Eibach lowers 1.2" http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...1&autoModClar= Eibach is a progressive rate spring. H&R lowers 1.4" and I don't believe they are progressive rate. http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/b...sp?brand=H%26R.
I have a set of Vogtland springs(made in Germany) for a 320 for sale http://vogtland-na.com/en/sport_springs.php for $150 +shipping that dropped my car about an inch. The drop was perfect for me and with Bilstien sport springs the car had amazing handling and I even took it to a road course track for some great fun however the only reason I put the oem springs back on is that the roads in my area are crap due to severe winters with freezing and thawing that breaks up the roads really bad. I got tired of the bumps and potholes. If your roads are decent in Georgia you should have no problem. If I had it to do over again I would get the same springs with a softer shock like Bilstien HDs.

etownbala

Can you explain the difference between progressive and non-progressive springs? I'm looking for a nice shock and spring set for my 430 and am leaning towards the h&r springs and koni adjustable shock. Hoping to to maintain the soft feel and increase handling. Do you believe the Bilstein HD are softer then the Koni? Pardon my thread jack...just been reading and curious.

KRis

etownbala

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Koni-Yellow-Sport-Shocks-Struts-Set-Mercedes-W208-CLK320-CLK430-Front-And-Rear-/331045473439?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d13d90c9f&vxp=mtr
These are the adjustable ones I was looking at available for both the CLK320 and CLK430. Thoughts? Opinions?

KRis

dlbehrns

if you look at the picture of the Eibach spring you can see that at top of the spring the coils are further apart and are therefore a bit softer on top so to speak. As the spring compresses it becomes stiffer because the coils are tighter. Thats a simple version. I have heard some refer to the Eibach as Eislosh cuz they are fairly soft. There is a balance between comfort and performance and you have to figure out how much comfort you are willing to sacrifice to get better handling. Like I stated above if I had it to do over again I would go with the Vogtland springs but softer shocks. You may have to experiment to get it the way you want it.

etownbala

Ahhh I see. Thanks for filling me in. What are your thoughts on the Koni Shock? I'm really liking the even spring distribution on the Vogtland springs after researching them. May give them a shot.

z0n3

when you lowered it with Bilstein shock what tires did you have?
do you have any pics?

I have bilstein yellow and thinking of buying a set of springs.
But i want to buy a set of 18"s first..

Thx for ur feedback

wmorphis817

Thanks again, I think I'm guna go with the Eibachs. I want a softer ride, and probably guna get the softer springs like you said.

dlbehrns

I have a set of Toyo Proxes4 on the oem 16" rims and Hankook Ventu v12 on a set of 17" rims that are 1" wider and 32mm offset. So with 3mm further out on the offset and an inch wider rim on the second set the front with the Vogtlands were framed perfectly IMHO by the wheel well with about an inch gap. The rear could have used a little further push out but I was not going to buy spacers and longer lug bolts for two different sets of wheels. Not worth the hassle and cost. No pictures unfortunatley.

dlbehrns

I have a set of Konis of my 72 Alfa Romeo and the nice thing about them is they are adjustable.

allenjdmb

there is a set of h and r on eBay for 208, expiring early in the morning, that s no reserve and currently under 75.00....

z0n3

thanks.. and now all i gotta do is decide which wheels i want on my 320....

etownbala

Does anyone know the spec difference between the Bilstein Sport and Bilstein HD's?

KRis

dlbehrns

I have the sports and they are pretty stiff. check out this forum http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...ilstein-Sports

etownbala

From reading the above thread I'm curious what people's experiences been with installing the Bilstein HD...do they raise the height of the 430?

KRis