Spring Pad Advice
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: TX
13 Lunar Blue GL550, 06 Imola Red BMW X5 4.8is, 04 Gold Honda Ody
Spring Pad Advice
Hi All,
I recently installed the Bilstein SP/Eibach spring combo with #1 spring pads all around on my 01 E430. I noticed the drop is way low, especially after the springs have settled, and I am experiencing some rubbing, both front and rear, especially when going up a slope and on some turns. I think the front is way low there isn't even a finger gap between the fender and tire.
My car had #2's in the rear and #5 up front as stock. It is surprising to me that the stock pads in front were much higher than the rears.
I am hoping someone can give me some advice as to which #'s to use for a acceptable drop and no rubbing.
I appreciate the help.
The first pic is of the front wheel and 2nd is of the rear wheel.
I recently installed the Bilstein SP/Eibach spring combo with #1 spring pads all around on my 01 E430. I noticed the drop is way low, especially after the springs have settled, and I am experiencing some rubbing, both front and rear, especially when going up a slope and on some turns. I think the front is way low there isn't even a finger gap between the fender and tire.
My car had #2's in the rear and #5 up front as stock. It is surprising to me that the stock pads in front were much higher than the rears.
I am hoping someone can give me some advice as to which #'s to use for a acceptable drop and no rubbing.
I appreciate the help.
The first pic is of the front wheel and 2nd is of the rear wheel.
Last edited by sbarsap; Feb 13, 2005 at 01:31 PM.
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
well from what i've seen, a lot of w210's have different stock spring pad sizes, at least the ones i've seen before.
you will need to roll the fenders, it will get rid of the rubbing...
or other then that you need to play around with the pads to see what you like the most, when i had number 3's in the front i had no problem.. i have h&r cupkit and on #1 pads and i rub big time on the front but i havn't rolled my fenders....you can go 3 in front and 2 in rear...
you will need to roll the fenders, it will get rid of the rubbing...
or other then that you need to play around with the pads to see what you like the most, when i had number 3's in the front i had no problem.. i have h&r cupkit and on #1 pads and i rub big time on the front but i havn't rolled my fenders....you can go 3 in front and 2 in rear...
Last edited by alexbenz; Feb 13, 2005 at 04:44 PM.
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Wow, that front is way low compared to mine (I have the same setup) but it doesn't look serious - are u sure the springs are for your model car? In any case, I have seen members with differing effects from Eibachs.....I have #1 up front and #4 in the back and my car's the exact opposite (front higher than rear)! I wish mine was sitting like yours and I would just roll the fenders
Anyway if fender rolling is not your choice, as Alex said going up to #3 should fix it. The rears shouldn't be a problem if your wheels are still set quite deep into the wheel well without the 10mm spacers, right?
Anyway if fender rolling is not your choice, as Alex said going up to #3 should fix it. The rears shouldn't be a problem if your wheels are still set quite deep into the wheel well without the 10mm spacers, right?
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 620
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From: TX
13 Lunar Blue GL550, 06 Imola Red BMW X5 4.8is, 04 Gold Honda Ody
Guys thanks for the advice. Whitey you always come through, thanks.
I am suspecting the back springs haven't yet settled since it's only been a couple of weeks and I haven't had any passengers in the back seat. The fronts, because of the engine weight, are lower now than when I got the suspension first done.
I am sure the springs pads are correct for my car since I got the part numbers from an earlier thread (see link below) and also double checked with the dealer when buying them. And yes I haven't put any spacers in the rear.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...pring+pad+part
I am seriously thinking of getting the KONI adjustables as I fell the Bilstein SP's are too harsh for Houston roads, we have similar roads like NY city. I guess I will try the new pad combo when switching the shocks or see about rolling the fenders.
Ill keep you all posted.
I am suspecting the back springs haven't yet settled since it's only been a couple of weeks and I haven't had any passengers in the back seat. The fronts, because of the engine weight, are lower now than when I got the suspension first done.
I am sure the springs pads are correct for my car since I got the part numbers from an earlier thread (see link below) and also double checked with the dealer when buying them. And yes I haven't put any spacers in the rear.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...pring+pad+part
I am seriously thinking of getting the KONI adjustables as I fell the Bilstein SP's are too harsh for Houston roads, we have similar roads like NY city. I guess I will try the new pad combo when switching the shocks or see about rolling the fenders.
Ill keep you all posted.
Last edited by sbarsap; Feb 13, 2005 at 11:41 PM.
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally Posted by sbarsap
Guys thanks for the advice. Whitey you always come through, thanks.
I am suspecting the back springs haven't yet settled since it's only been a couple of weeks and I haven't had any passengers in the back seat. The fronts, because of the engine weight, are lower now than when I got the suspension first done.
I am sure the springs are correct for my car since I got the part numbers from an earlier thread (see link below) and also double checked with the dealer when buying them. And yes I haven't put any spacers in the rear.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...pring+pad+part
I am seriously thinking of getting the KONI adjustables as I fell the Bilstein SP's are too harsh for Houston roads, we have similar roads like NY city. I guess I will try the new pad combo when switching the shocks or see about rolling the fenders.
Ill keep you all posted.
I am suspecting the back springs haven't yet settled since it's only been a couple of weeks and I haven't had any passengers in the back seat. The fronts, because of the engine weight, are lower now than when I got the suspension first done.
I am sure the springs are correct for my car since I got the part numbers from an earlier thread (see link below) and also double checked with the dealer when buying them. And yes I haven't put any spacers in the rear.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...pring+pad+part
I am seriously thinking of getting the KONI adjustables as I fell the Bilstein SP's are too harsh for Houston roads, we have similar roads like NY city. I guess I will try the new pad combo when switching the shocks or see about rolling the fenders.
Ill keep you all posted.
Don't dispair. It seems a bit drastic to change to another brand which you are also taking a risk with, right? A change of the front spring pads should resolve it, if not, a simple fender roll as well will definitely take care of the problem......I would think it less streneous than getting a whole new setup.....good luck.
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Sean's Sister--
it would be a waste of money to change up te system now, from the way you describe it i think your best bet is to go to a number 3 pad in the front and stay with the 1 in the rear and see what happens. it'll take a little time for the springs to settle depending on how much you drive so take your time with whatever you do...
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From: TX
13 Lunar Blue GL550, 06 Imola Red BMW X5 4.8is, 04 Gold Honda Ody
Whitey sorry for the typo, I meant spring pad part #'s in the link.
Anyways thanks for the advice. I do not know what fender rolling is and don't even know where to get it done. I am assuming a body shop.
Anyways thanks for the advice. I do not know what fender rolling is and don't even know where to get it done. I am assuming a body shop.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Fender rolling is roughly defined as using rollers to fold the inside edge of the fender flatter so you'll get more clearance. However, I really would suggest going #3 pads first. It looks like you'll only need another 10mm (which a increase of 2 springpad sizes will give you, or at least there abouts) to get it to the height I'm at in the front.
Only roll your fender as a last resort since if it is not done correctly, the paint will crack and therefore increase your chances of rust there. I'm not in any position to recommend where to get it done, i would presume a some wheel shops can do it (Alex and others should be able to confirm). It is done with a special rolling tool with some heat applied during the process.
Also, on your dissatisfaction with the ride, may be cuz you're just not used to the harsher ride per se - you have gone 1" bigger and used lowering springs, thats a double hit of harshness. My point was, who knows, the koni's may be worst, even at the softest setting. I've not personally used them but I have been told adjustibles, by nature, tend not to be as durable as the regular shocks. I think you will learn to live with the harsher ride when you start experiencing the improvements in handling, particularly the absence of the wobbles at high speeds, we all did
Oh btw, amazingly clear pictures.....those tires sure bling and we can even see the swirls on the paintwork
good luck!
Only roll your fender as a last resort since if it is not done correctly, the paint will crack and therefore increase your chances of rust there. I'm not in any position to recommend where to get it done, i would presume a some wheel shops can do it (Alex and others should be able to confirm). It is done with a special rolling tool with some heat applied during the process.
Also, on your dissatisfaction with the ride, may be cuz you're just not used to the harsher ride per se - you have gone 1" bigger and used lowering springs, thats a double hit of harshness. My point was, who knows, the koni's may be worst, even at the softest setting. I've not personally used them but I have been told adjustibles, by nature, tend not to be as durable as the regular shocks. I think you will learn to live with the harsher ride when you start experiencing the improvements in handling, particularly the absence of the wobbles at high speeds, we all did
Oh btw, amazingly clear pictures.....those tires sure bling and we can even see the swirls on the paintwork
good luck!
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 620
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From: TX
13 Lunar Blue GL550, 06 Imola Red BMW X5 4.8is, 04 Gold Honda Ody
Thanks again Whitey.
I will take your advice and try the pads first. I took the pics with a Nikon Coolpix 8700, I used the same camera for the other pics of my car, in my previous posts, but they did not come out right as I am still learning to use it.
I will take your advice and try the pads first. I took the pics with a Nikon Coolpix 8700, I used the same camera for the other pics of my car, in my previous posts, but they did not come out right as I am still learning to use it.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Oh btw, slightly off topic but I would also recommend one of those MB wreath caps for your wheels, they really liven up those twin spokes....either in classic blue or black (pictured) to match the color of your car 
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally Posted by sbarsap
Thanks again Whitey.
I will take your advice and try the pads first. I took the pics with a Nikon Coolpix 8700, I used the same camera for the other pics of my car, in my previous posts, but they did not come out right as I am still learning to use it.
I will take your advice and try the pads first. I took the pics with a Nikon Coolpix 8700, I used the same camera for the other pics of my car, in my previous posts, but they did not come out right as I am still learning to use it.
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From: Music City
2010 E63 AMG, 2000 E430 Sport, Dodge Charger SRT8
I have the same basic suspension setup as you. Eibach, Bilstein, #1 pads. My ride is great and there is no rubbing. My Sport came from factory with rolled fender lips, however.
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From: Music City
2010 E63 AMG, 2000 E430 Sport, Dodge Charger SRT8
I have the AMG Bilsteins that came on E55s. Probably not sports, wish they were. If you feel around the inside of the fender lip, it has a smooth, turned under rolled lip. If yours were rolled, you would not be getting any rubbing. I have never had my 245/40-18 tires rub even with 4 passengers and luggage.
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Sean's Sister--
fender rolling should be offered by local tuner shops that do a lot of suspension work..... it might be costly as they carefully heat the fender to roll it or else it will crack the paint if not heated......
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From: SFV, SoCal
2022 CLS450 AMG 4Matic
Originally Posted by alexbenz
fender rolling should be offered by local tuner shops that do a lot of suspension work..... it might be costly as they carefully heat the fender to roll it or else it will crack the paint if not heated......
