spetz

As per title, how much lower do sportline springs sit to normal 124 springs?

And, can these springs be bought brand new for a 4 cylinder 124?
How much stiffer would they be to standard?

Thanks

Makahveli

I too wonder about the stiffness, and height!

kwontumspeed

< 1/2".

My Kombi had 1dots up front from the factory and I switched from standard to sportline retaining the 1dot. You can tell the difference but it certainly isn't dramatic at all and probably not noticeable to just anybody.

OJ's DNA

Thanks for verifying that - I've not wanted to rain on anyones parade but when members pay big $ for an entire sportline set-up just to barley see a difference I've often wondered if it's was worth it? However, everyone can mod their car as they see fit, I've just never thought any sportsline upgrade was much of an upgrade at all.

RHW

You can rain on my parade, but please avoid raining on my Sportline's LEATHER RECARO BUCKET SEATS (front and back).

If your sole metric is how much they are lower than stock, 1/2 inch is right. But combined with stiffer suspension, smaller steering wheel, 3 turns -lock to lock- steering ratio etc... The car is a nice improvement from stock. (You wrote "just to barely see a difference" well the difference is not about that 1/2 inch visual. It is about how the car rolls out compared to stock)

Of course, that's just my opinion...and I agree that sometimes the prices they pull in are surprizing.

Saijin_Naib

Agree 100%. The look of the lowering is inconsequential. You want to look low? Cut your coils. Its free.

However, the other parts of the Sportline setup are hard to come by and apparently have a great deal of impact upon the handling characteristics of the vehicle.

spetz

Are they better than eibach springs? Which I hear are the softest of the aftermarket springs?

kwontumspeed

It's hard to tell how much stiffer my sportline springs made the ride because I went with 500E sway front and rear at the same time (along with sportline front springs), but the ride is definitely firmer and much more sportier than the stock ride without being too stiff.

RHW

I have eibachs in my silver Cab, and the ride is definitely stiffer than the Sportline.

And pardon me OJ, as your post was about the suspension upgrade, not the rest of the car.

spetz

What is the best way of getting about 1.5" lower ride height without making the ride stiffer?
By the sounds of if even Eibachs will stiffen up the ride more than I would be happy with, and the sportlines don't have enough of a drop

Also, no one mentioned if there are front sportline springs for 4 cylinder 124s?

RHW

Don't let my comment steer you away from the eibachs, they provide a mild drop:

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...b-lowered.html

spetz

How much of a drop is that on the A124?
The ride height seems ideal, as it doesn't look lowered yet does not sit high at all, but if it rides firmly then it isn't what I'm looking for.

To give you an idea, I have an 08 Mazda 3 which I think rides too firmly, and an 08 Audi A4 (non S-Line) which has an excellent ride. I want something more like the Audi than the Mazda (both cars are on standard suspension)

And what wheel size, tire size and offset do you have? Any scrubbing?

RHW

As (imo) proven by Zorro, lower looks better. Period. but...

The Eibachs are an increment lower than the Sportline, while still leaving travel for a comfortable ride. I am considering dropping the silver wagon and or the white Cab and will probably use the same Eibach/Bilstein sport combination.

Wheels in that picture: et35 17x7.5 225x45 tires No rubbing, no issues. (That car currently rolls on 215x50, w Mono IIs @17x7.5 et35)

I haven't driven either car you mention, and cannot compare anyway. The silver Cab was the first car I have ever lowered.

ps2cho

I really like the stance on your white cab...that is my goal for my 260E. I just got in my front Bilstein sport shocks so I will have sports all the way around now. Got my spring compressor...all that is left is the springs.

Anybody here have used both H&R and Eibach and can say which one rides nicer?

OJ's DNA

I've had both on bilstien sports and the eibachs are much softer/H&Rs are harsher imo.

ocpanther

I have ridden in a car on Eibachs and it rode as close to mine (stock) except lower and with shorter bump stops. I have no experiance with H&R yet, but everyone says they are a stiffer ride.

spetz

I've also heard the H&R springs are stiffer than eibach.

ocpanther, your opinion is that Eibach springs are not much stiffer than the standard springs?

Also, would there be a noticeable difference in ride between a 25mm drop eibach spring and say a 40mm drop?

ksing44

It will be a bit more firm with the Eibach/Bilstein Sport combo, but you won't ever want to go back to stock after you drive with it for a while. I also agree that trying to change to the Sportline set-up seems a waste, considering you don't get much drop at all. Having a real Sportline from the factory is awesome, but adding the springs just doesn't seem like the best path to me. I think the 1.5" lower with Eibach or H&R springs is a huge improvement. Note, however, with the slightly bigger drop you will likely need to have camber correction too.

I think you will end up very happy with Eibach or H&R springs/ Bilstein Sport shocks, Sportline swaybars, and some kind of rear camber correction. It transforms the car into something even more special. You will not be disappointed and I don't think you will ever miss the old floating OEM ride.

spetz

To be honest the car is rarely driven and handling is not high on the agenda, so a plush, smooth ride that doesn't jar inside the cabin is preferable over something firmer but better handling.
Of course, I will only look into lowering after fitting some 17" AMG rims, and then only if I think it looks a bit weird with alloys without being lowered

ShoreBenz

If a lower profile is the ultimate goal, don't buy Sportline springs.
Although, I've seen some early 300E's that ride extremely high,
& would lower dramatically with Sportline springs.

They improve handling, while maintaining comfort, with 4 aboard,
even on New Jersey's pot holed & frost heaved roads.

If peace of mind of factory Alignment specs is important,
Sportline/Sportline+ springs & sway bars are worth a try.

I like it.

ps2cho

Anybody know the cheapest place that sells Eibach springs? Cheapest I found was $278 free shipping
http://www.tunersdepot.com/Suspensio...on%29-903.html

ocpanther

Thats the same place I found.

My brother-inlaw had them on his car and it rode great (except for big dips or speed bumps) you have to slow any lowered car down a little more for those things.

ocpanther

I can only comment on the 25 mm (1.3 in?) Thats what was installed when I was in the car. It runs very much like stock springs on the freeway or streets (even rough roads) except for big dips or speed bumps. I think those are just due to it being lowered though as it has less overall travel.

AMGDave

I've got a lowering kit for sale for W124 sedan... haven't posted it in the classifieds yet. All items are used but in excellent condition:

1) Eibach springs
2) Sportline sway bars
3) Bilstein Sport struts & standard rear shocks
4) K-Mac rear camber kit already installed in LCA's
5) Sportline steering box (very rare - this is in the classifieds now)

I need to post pics of the springs / swaybars / Bilsteins.