alex12342011

Hey guys. I've been having trouble deciding on a suspension setup for my 2003 clk 320.

I am about to get a set of snetterton 19" wheels (19x8 Front and 19x9.5 Rear/20mm offset all around). Now I am currently sitting on the eibach pro kit, however I need to replace my rear springs. Apparently, the bottom coils of the rear springs are compressing so much that they touch. The rear springs are weakened and must be replaced.

I want to avoid this problem in the future, or problems with the shocks because I may keep the car for another few years. I also want a more aggressive drop. I dont want to spend over a thousand dollars on the suspension. So far these are the options I'm considering.

-Replace all springs with H&R kit.
-Koni shocks w/vogtland springs.
-H&R Cup Kit.

Anyone want to chime in?

alex12342011

Actually, I have a choice of 19x8 w/32mm offset, 19x8 w/20mm offset, or 19x9.5 w/20mm offset. I want to run a staggered fitment so 19x8 in front and 19x9.5 in the rear.

I can't find anyone running a 20mm offset, would I be okay with 20mm offset in rear and 32mm in front?

bheng

i have koni shocks and vogtland springs on my 320.

love it. my offset is 25mm front and rear. the only gripe i have bout my set up is that i rub in the rear once and awhile. it only occurs when im driving on the freeway and theres like a small dip (weird, i know, but unavoidable) . i think the problem can be avoided though

alex12342011

How wide were your rims?

bheng

18x8.5 and 18x95

but i forgot to mention that i have a sub in the trunk too

Mka77

I ran et35 on the rears with a 15mm spacer which yielded a et20. Tire size 265/30/19.

It will rub if you run that size tire.

Kevwood

I've got Koni and H&R, love it, nice ride on the street and adjustable for the track. Doesn't sit too low but low enough for a daily/weekend warrior. If you don't need adjustables, skip past the yellows and get the orange, thats what I'm putting on my wife's C class.

alex12342011

Maybe 255s will help?

dariusf

I got Bilstein PSS9 coilovers, love them. The adjustability aspect is the must. I was fine with my setup for a while until I got a camber correction kit for the rears and then it pushed out the tops of the wheels out and suddenly I started rubbing on tight high speed turns. Quick couple turns of the adjustment nuts and up 1 inch and issue is gone.

bheng

even though i dont have one, i would rec a camber kit if you want to save your rear tires. i am an idiot and didnt check how many miles ive put on the car so far but id say a good 8k and the tires still have life in them but going to need to be swapped in the next...say 3k -4k or so. so if you intend of purchasing expensive tires, it might be worth while.

AdvancePerformance

If you are going for stance/fitment I would definitely go the coilover route so you can dial in the height you want.

ZEEK

I have a question. So with H&R coilovers you can adjust height yourself? How do you do that? Is that option only availabe for coilovers?

Mka77

Only coilover setups are ride height adjustable.

Springs from the different manufacturers have a predetermined amount of drop for a given ride height.

H&R sport springs for instances drops the front approximately 1.4" and rear 1.3". Other brands are less, some a more aggressive drop. Hope that helps some.

omega48er

im in the same boat guys, i was thinking about just h&r springs. how much will the ride suffer. im looking to drop some 19" rims on it and want it to sit nice. or should i wait out untill next summer and get shocks and springs. i dont need adjustable just want a nice look. thanks again

Mka77

I ran the H&R springs with the OEM struts and shocks for many, many miles with no issues. Ride was somewhat stiffer/sportier but not harsh by any means.

Frank Rizzo

I put H&R springs and 19" wheels on my 2011 VW CC VR6/4mo.
The ride was unbelievably bad for me and after about 2k miles I put the stock 18's back on and after about another 2k miles, I put the stock springs back on as well. Personally, I'd never go that route again on any car. I'd stick with fully adjustable coilovers.
As always, YMMV.

Fatz

I've run with H&R sport springs for a couple years now, with the stock shocks (clk550). There was not much change in the ride. That changed a bunch when I replace the sways last year. I have 18 inch wheels (Mandrus 8.5 front and 9.5 rear).

The only thing I may undo is to back off the former setting of the sways..... maybe..

omega48er

thanks for the information. im looking to get 19" wheels to go with some h&r springs. i think it will look good.
thanks

lowpost

Ok stupid comment but just want to check before you spend money......the coils that are touching are opposite of the progressive end right? Because one end is supposed to have several coils touching. Just looking out.

grech

Hi Kev! Is there a place in UAE that sells Koni? I've been looking for Koni Orange for my car as well, but haven't been able to find them online (only Yellows). Are shock absorbers allowed to be shipped via air anyways?