Lowering Springs for 4MATIC W211's GAUGING INTEREST
#101
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
You are only partially correct here. Yes, only the fronts are different. The rear springs are the same as a non 4matic W211. However, the front suspension on the wagon or estate as they call it is not the same as the front suspension on the sedan models. Therefore, if you are implying that by purchasing these front springs from the link will solve the problem that just simply isn't true.
#102
However, the front suspension on the wagon or estate as they call it is not the same as the front suspension on the sedan models. Therefore, if you are implying that by purchasing these front springs from the link will solve the problem that just simply isn't true.
#103
Super Member
You are only partially correct here. Yes, only the fronts are different. The rear springs are the same as a non 4matic W211. However, the front suspension on the wagon or estate as they call it is not the same as the front suspension on the sedan models. Therefore, if you are implying that by purchasing these front springs from the link will solve the problem that just simply isn't true.
About the wagon, I can see why the wagon have a slightly different suspension, probably to accommodate the heavier load. Not to say that the springs on the sedan wouldn't fit the wagon.
Unless you are also working on a wagon spring, then I stand firm on my answer. They are identical.
I'd be interested in seeing how the ride compares to my H&R... it'll also be nice if the fender gaps are even on your springs.
#104
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 5,769
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'08 E550 4Matic
I am willing to bet that this is either a misprint or something that is only suitable for euro model vehicles. I've spoken to H&R at length as well as Eibach and they just do not make 4matic applications. I know in Europe the suspension sits slightly lower as well so idk how that would effect a a slightly higher vehicle *NA spec and so forth. But in any event, I would still be willing to bet that this is the websites typo but I will find out for sure in a few hours. Also, were you talking about lowering springs for your 4matic W203? If so, they came from a group buy through Vogtland suspension which is the company who did mine.
Okay, so I called H&R this morning. They confirmed there is no 4matic sedan application in either germany or north america. The product listed on the orange tuning site is for only a set of front springs, the picture and advertisment here are misleading. The front springs are only 105,00 euro which is about 130 dollars so I knew something didn't make sense right there. The application is only for W211 Wagons with rear airmatic suspension and front spring set ups which I wasn't even aware were available. So that still makes my springs from Vogtland the only "made-for" W211 sedan application in existence at the moment.
I originally had the vogtland springs on my w203, but decided to go with H&R springs (more of a drop up front). I spoke with H&R and they told me that they don't make springs for the 4matic. So I went online and ordered mine though orange tuning.
I thought it would of been the same for you w211 guys. Sucks having a 4matic, doesn't it? lol
#105
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
UPDATE
Koni's arrived yesterday! Lightning speed shipping got them here quickly. Wanted to do the install today but I'll have to wait until Tuesday morning. The only caveat thus far is whether or not the front shocks will mount up properly. If they do, we are totally in business and I'll write up a full review and then let you know about when this package will be available for the rest of you. I do truely hope that despite some of the skepticisim I'm seeing here that a few of you do go ahead and try this set up out. I have a feeling we will all be appreciating our 4matic models more with parts like this available. I know I will. stay tuned!
#106
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Houston....We Have a Problem. Failure to Launch
Sooo close, but so far. At this point, I'm used to it as everything in the car world never goes according to plan, usually. Anyway, I've got a few pictures to show you. To note, this is the front shock on the 08 E350 4Matic with vogtland lowering springs as compared to the Koni's which are yellow. As you can see, the forks are too short so some work is still left to be done. The pictures are on there way to Koni and they'll see what they can come up with. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I was so excited to have these installed I should have known better. Stay tuned.
#107
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Update
We figured out why I am having some of the bouncy feeling in the car. The factory shock has a rebound spring in it. The problem is with a lowered car is that the preload on the rebound spring has been reduced. This results in a feeling that the vehicle will initially feel less responsive and has more body roll. But, once the vehicle is in the corner the roll will be reduced because of the firmer Vogtland spring and the rebound springs comes into effect.
My contact spoke with the Sachs engineer today and he indicated that they could possibly produce a one off shock; however, it will be quite expensive. He did not get me pricing yet but Ball Park would be about $400 - 500 / shock. The issue I feel we need to nail down is that the rebound spring needs to be properly preloaded. So he may come up with a shortened shock assembly. He will provide details by mid next week.
I'd like to do some research to see if the E550 has a larger front anti roll bar. This might be a simpler solution. If that is not the case there is the option of producing a prototype part. I'll keep you posted. Anyone with an E550 or E550 information I would really appreciate it. Stay tuned.
My contact spoke with the Sachs engineer today and he indicated that they could possibly produce a one off shock; however, it will be quite expensive. He did not get me pricing yet but Ball Park would be about $400 - 500 / shock. The issue I feel we need to nail down is that the rebound spring needs to be properly preloaded. So he may come up with a shortened shock assembly. He will provide details by mid next week.
I'd like to do some research to see if the E550 has a larger front anti roll bar. This might be a simpler solution. If that is not the case there is the option of producing a prototype part. I'll keep you posted. Anyone with an E550 or E550 information I would really appreciate it. Stay tuned.
Last edited by AMGTestDriverNJ; 05-30-2009 at 11:22 PM.
#108
I'm thinking about upgrading the air ride suspension on my E320 go give it that classier lower look Pretty new to the Mercedes world though and don't know the best online mercedes auto parts shops
#110
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Sachs is working on a custom modification to the stock shock to ease the rebound that is built in. They will be quite expensive for me. Probably about 14-1600 all said and done. However, what I'll be able to do is tell you what was done and you can have somebody local do the same thing to yours. Thats the hope right now anyway. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for checking in.
#111
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
1969 280S, 1991 300E
the only real difference between the 4matic and the standard suspension are the fronts. The rear of both cars are exactly identical.
The front struts are shorter to accommodate the additional axle that connects the front wheels, in this case only the front springs would need to be different. This could be the reason why they listed that way.
So the answer is YES H&R do make springs for 4matic.
The front struts are shorter to accommodate the additional axle that connects the front wheels, in this case only the front springs would need to be different. This could be the reason why they listed that way.
So the answer is YES H&R do make springs for 4matic.
I`m thinking of trying them out. Do you have the part numbers.
#113
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
$ is a little short rite now I'm trying....wanna donate?
#115