scottamg

I just received the vogtland springs that I ordered and they recommend getting smaller aftermarket shocks. Not that I don't want to get them, but is it necessary? I am trying not to spend alot of cash on this. If this helps, i have a 98e320 with about 81,000 miles on the car. I appreciate your info because I don't trust the dealership. Every time I take my car to the dealership, they try to get me to spend $2000 or more on their ideas and services. Can I simply get the springs installed, possibly change the spring pads and avoid for now the shocks? Thanks

fatchance

As a reference point, my e430 has 51K on it.

I'll be replacing springs and shocks at the same time.

Reason being, I'm looking to maintain good ride quality and increase performance. The smaller wheel gap and lowered ride height are just the side benefits to doing the suspension changes.

Springs and shocks are parts of a system, treat it that way. Sure, you can just replace the springs and go on, but you're not going to see the true benefits of an upgrade without doing both parts.

Also with 81K, your shocks are tired. Would recommend that you replace them.

Your choice!

-travis

KWiK

If you want your car lowered with a comfortable ride, get the Vogtland springs with Koni shocks set to full soft.

I just checked the PURE motorsprot website and they have the springs for $219 including free shipping

Turbo][

Has anyone here put the H&R Cup kit for the E320 on a E430 yet?

vng999

Planning to put it on my E420 soon. :p

jimmydagreek

I just lowered my 97 E420 with H&R sport springs and Bilstein sport shocks and the ride is awesome. It lowered it just about an inch and a half or so and it's sitting on 19X8.5 Carlsson 1/6 Evos with no rub. Also, for those of your with higher mileage cars be sure to check and replace all of your suspension bushings like on your lower control arms as mine were worn to s**t and needed to be replaced anyway. Made a world of difference!

Turbo][

Well going to have my H&R cup kit next week. However I think it might be a bit too low. Because I got a chance today to look at my spring pads. #5 front, and #4 rear. So if the cup kit is going to lower 2.1"(V8) front and 1.7" rear...than it's going to be low...and without able to change camber in the rear....ouch uneven tire wear.

Besides Renntech's rear camber kit, is there another company that makes one, that is "cheaper"???

fatchance

Okay, as promised, I just finished doing the Eibach pro-system. Springs and shocks on my E430.

The measurements, fender to ground are:

Before: [Pads 5 frt, 4 rear]
Fronts: (L) 27.25, (R) 27.3
Rear: (L) 27 (R) 27.25

After: [ Pads 1 frt, 2 rear]
Fronts: (L)25.5 (R) 25.38
Rear: (L) 25.75, (R) 26.00

Visually, the tops of the front tires peak out of the fenders, maybe 1/4". The rears have 3/4" of gap between fender and tire.

It looks awesome, though I'm a bit concerned the fronts may be too low...time will tell.

As for the ride, it's much tighter than the stock chassis. Combined with the 18 inch wheels, the change has transformed the car from cushy ride to a firm responsive experience. I like it. It's not as stiff as a Porsche.

So far, I am pleased with the outcome, although I must admit, it's definitely a very different car now.

Hope that helps,

-travis
'98 E430

scottamg

After reading Fatchances post, I would assume then that the Vogtland springs and spring pads will work without rubbing in front. Any info on my current spring pads would be appreciated though. I have #3 in front and don't know the back yet. Should I change to #1 in front? Currently from the top of the tire to the bottom of the wheel well there is a 2 1/2" gap and in the back, there is a 2 1/4" gap. By putting in the 1.6" lowering springs and #1 spring pads, is everyone saying that I won't have problems?

Alexbenz

are vogtland springs good? never heard anything about them? i was thinking of going to the h&R cupkit or maybe the regulat sport springs but the vogtlands are a little bit lower, what do you guys think?

KWiK

fatchance

Not sure if you saw in an earlier posting, but I have since replaced the #1 pads in front with the original #5 pads.

The car was too low in front after the springs settled. The tires were actually below the fender lip, tucked up at least 1/2". There was no rubbing, however, bottoming out on curbs/driveways was a problem.

After the #5 pads went on, the front and rear wheel gaps appears more even now.

I think have a #4 pad would probably be just perfect, although it sits just about right now.

scottamg

Thanks for all the help! Fatchance, can you post a pic of your car or if you have pics on the site, tell me where to look! The only reason I keep asking alot of questions is that my front tires/wheels seem to stick out a little bit from the fenders in the front of the car. Again, I have the e55 Amg wheels with 235/40/18 tires on a 98 e320. I have looked at numerous pics on the site and alot of cars that are lowered 2" or more seem to have the wheels tucked inside the fenders. My wheels in the front don't stick out alot, if I had to estimate by looking, maybe about 1/8". I don't mean to beat the subject to death, but I don't have the time to keep taking my car in for service. Thanks alot!! Also, i believe that the front wheels are 18*8 inches. Thanks

fatchance

Scottamg,

My wheels do not stick outside of the fenders. I have brabus 8.5(front)+9.5(rear)X18 monoblock wheels and the offsets are in the +/-35mm range.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pics of the car at the moment. I have been meaning to get some to a few other mbworld members as well, so I'll make another effort to get this done.

As long as there's no rubbing, I wouldn't worry about the wheels sticking out 1/8". May want to check the offsets on your rims too.

scottamg

I would like to thank everyone for their help!! While going to drop off my car for the lowering, I was hit in the side of the vehicle at about 40 mph, car spun about 10 times, hit 3 lightpoles while spinning, then ran over 2 parking medians and finally came to a halt by hitting another smaller parking pole which got stuck underneath my car about 3 feet away from going thru a small business front window. Due to the spinning, my 2 drivers side wheels completely came off of the car and the whole left side from front to back is pushed in about 2 feet!! I would really like to inform people on this site about the safety quality of Mercedes vehicles. There were about 50 bystanders that saw the accident that were completely shocked that I was able to get out of the car with no major injuries ( had to climb out of passenger door). The steel side beams and side airbags most likely saved my life ( I am still shaking!) I am going to try to take a pic before the insurance company tears the car apart to claim a total loss - - - by looking at the car, it looks like somebody should have died. Be proud of the vehicles that you own!!

Vamz

holy ****ing ****

Alexbenz

glad to know your okay