Lowering Springs for 4MATIC W211's GAUGING INTEREST
12-02-2008, 08:51 PM
#26
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okay, so, we aren't getting enough support for this potential group buy. However, I have pleaded my case of woe to Vogtland and they have agreed to take a look at some pictures (which I will be taking tomorrow) of the 08 4Matic suspension and with those they will be able to determine if they have an application for the front or if not, that a front set could be made to accomadate the suspension of the 4matic. If not, they are willing to heat treat the springs which I am not too familiar with but obviously it would yield some type of drop which is what we are looking to achieve. SOOOOOOOOO there is hope! I am pioneering this effort and believe you me, as crazy as I am, this WILL get done, one way or another! I will share ALL information with anyone who is interested as I believe in giving back to the community here for all I've taken! Also, even though I'm sure atleast 90% of 4matic owners have no interest in brake upgrades, we run into the same problem w/ brembo, alcon, ap ect not making 4matic applications. I'm in the process of finding out exactly what can be done to retrofit these seemingly non adaptable applications to the 4matic cars so hopefully I will be able to give some difinitive results on that soon as well. I will update here regularly on both issues so keep an eye out!
12-03-2008, 10:40 AM
#27
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Thanks! I know I'm crazy, but hopefully you can all benifit from my craziness. This morning I went over to my local tire shop and had them put the car up on the lift and I took about 15 pictures of the suspension. I've sent the pictures to Vogtland and I'm waiting to hear back. I will keep the thread updated. Hopefully we will have new news by the end of the day today.
12-03-2008, 01:12 PM
#28
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W210 E55, W211 E3504M, E90 325i
wow awesome work AMG!!! Props!
Be sure to post up some of the 4matic suspension pics for posterity.
What the heck does 'heat treating' the springs mean? Sounds like a short cut measure, I hope that's not the case.
Be sure to post up some of the 4matic suspension pics for posterity.
What the heck does 'heat treating' the springs mean? Sounds like a short cut measure, I hope that's not the case.
01-15-2009, 05:24 PM
#29
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I will be doing testing on prototype springs in about two weeks. If the ride height is correct, they will be available to the public. I will write up a full report for everyone as this project unfolds! I'm very excited please keep checking back!
01-22-2009, 01:41 AM
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2006 E350 4Matic
I am definitely interested in these springs. I recently purchased my '06 E350 4Matic and did some research into lowering and was disappointed to find out that nothing was commercially available, at least not that I could find. Hope this all works out!
01-22-2009, 11:48 AM
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Lexus GS300 AWD
Vogtland makes very nice springs. I had them on my Audi S4 (with Koni sports). Perfect blend of comfort and sport. Much better than the H&R that I replaced (too stiff and low). I am in the market for a new car in the coming months. If I get the MB, I would be interested in the springs. Good luck.
01-27-2009, 02:30 PM
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W210 E55, W211 E3504M, E90 325i
If you have airmatic you don't have to go through what we're going. There are a variety of proven ways to lower an airmatic car, from the cheap 'washer' method to startek programming to full blown fancy wired suspension module kits from renntech, brabus and such. What these solutions do is to somehow trick the suspension into lowering itself.
01-27-2009, 02:32 PM
#38
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02-04-2009, 10:07 AM
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2006 E350 4matic
Out of curiosity, what was the cost for the first initial set of springs and what is the intended lowering measurement?
We are picking up an 06 E350 4matic tonight, but are hesitant to purchase the car without available means to lower it. We are extremely grateful for your dedication to making this a reality!
We are picking up an 06 E350 4matic tonight, but are hesitant to purchase the car without available means to lower it. We are extremely grateful for your dedication to making this a reality!
02-04-2009, 10:49 AM
#40
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I paid $439 for the prototype so I imagine that your cost will be less but don't quote me on that. It won't be more I can say that much. As far how much lower the car will sit it should be about a 1.2 -1.5 inch drop but I can't be sure until they have been installed and the springs have settled. I should have them very shortly now I spoke to Vogtland yesterday and they are on the way from Germany. These are a prototype set so they were made just for our E-class 4Matic models 03-09! Originally they were going to try to retrofit some existing springs but I fought against that for a new set to be produced specifically for us, so this is the set you want to get in on. I sent Vogtland 20+ pictures of the suspension of my 08 4Matic with the wheels off from countless different angles and these springs I have on the way are a product of those pictures and some R&D by Vogtland in Germany. I will take pictures of the car w/ springs installed on 18s (stock sport wheel) 19s & 20s so everyone can get an idea how their car will sit on a variety of different size wheels. Please do go ahead and get that 06 as I'm sure you'll be happy to know you have a safe name brand proven way to lower your car effectively. I will keep you all posted. Thanks for your inquiry!
02-04-2009, 10:55 AM
#41
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The Prototype Data Sheet to Fill In Upon Installation
Here is Vogtland's prototype Data Sheet that I will be filling in upon installation. If everything looks and drives well, these will be the springs that will go into production. If the car looks uneven, or does not sit or ride well, I will send them back and they will re-work them until they are sutiable for sale.
02-04-2009, 10:23 PM
#43
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awesome I'm glad to hear that. Nice to see people coming out of the woodwork on this one. Initially when I posted this (on all major MB related forums) I got snotty answers like why would you lower a 4matic and yada yada but I imagine once these hit the streets as "official" we'll see quite a few members looking for a little extra sporty handle/appearance from their rides. Its funny because where I'm from NJ/NY metro area there are plenty of 4Matic cars with sport packages and the like. In fact I think it would be safe to say that a majority of MB owners in these parts are driving 4Matics rather than standard RWD models. So why not be able to add a sporty looking drop to it without compromising the integrity of the awd system that we opted for right? Well, those were my thoughts anyway.
A side note, If anyone is interested, you may have noticed as 4Matic owners that we have similarly been cut out of the aftermarket brake world for whatever reason (none that I can think of.) Well, I was contacted by a fellow 4matic owner who inquired with Brembo as to why and they had told him that if we got 3 people together ( I would already count as 1) so really just 2 more, that if we were willing to pay upfront (around 4k I think) for a set of Brembo front brakes for the 4Matic that they would do the R&D to make it happen. I think it would be awesome if we could get on the map for BBKs also, but understandably its quite a bit more expensive than a set of prototype springs. Brembo brakes are indeed the best in the industry as they are standard equipment on AMG models and other high end vehicles. Braking is literally effortless and they are an awesome upgrade to any car regardless of engine power. It also doubles as an added safety element so there is your justification right there. Haha, atleast as far as I'm concerned! Well, keep it in mind folks, I'd love to make that my next project! And yes I'm nuts. BTW my interior is being sent out tomorrow to get started on the carbon fiber work so I'm real excited about that. Stay tuned for more details on both projects. Thanks for your support 4Matic'ers!
A side note, If anyone is interested, you may have noticed as 4Matic owners that we have similarly been cut out of the aftermarket brake world for whatever reason (none that I can think of.) Well, I was contacted by a fellow 4matic owner who inquired with Brembo as to why and they had told him that if we got 3 people together ( I would already count as 1) so really just 2 more, that if we were willing to pay upfront (around 4k I think) for a set of Brembo front brakes for the 4Matic that they would do the R&D to make it happen. I think it would be awesome if we could get on the map for BBKs also, but understandably its quite a bit more expensive than a set of prototype springs. Brembo brakes are indeed the best in the industry as they are standard equipment on AMG models and other high end vehicles. Braking is literally effortless and they are an awesome upgrade to any car regardless of engine power. It also doubles as an added safety element so there is your justification right there. Haha, atleast as far as I'm concerned! Well, keep it in mind folks, I'd love to make that my next project! And yes I'm nuts. BTW my interior is being sent out tomorrow to get started on the carbon fiber work so I'm real excited about that. Stay tuned for more details on both projects. Thanks for your support 4Matic'ers!
02-05-2009, 12:09 AM
#44
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Good stuff AMG.
As mentioned, I'm down for the springs.
I assume, you'll be pairing the springs with the stock sport shocks. Please report on handling and feel with that setup as well.
Also if you could note any specific nuance/requirements during installation that'd be great.
Thanks for all your hard work.
As mentioned, I'm down for the springs.
I assume, you'll be pairing the springs with the stock sport shocks. Please report on handling and feel with that setup as well.
Also if you could note any specific nuance/requirements during installation that'd be great.
Thanks for all your hard work.
02-05-2009, 12:56 PM
#45
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no problem bro. I'll give a full report when they are in and have settled. I should have met up w/ you I was in DC for inauguration. We stayed over @ Braddock Station in Alexandria VA but we were in DC every day. Quite a city you have there. The whole time I was there I wanted to know what it would feel like to drive my fleet around your roads and see all those historical monuments and stuff as I drove by. That must be really cool but I'm sure your use to it. I'll keep you posted.
02-06-2009, 12:25 AM
#46
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no problem bro. I'll give a full report when they are in and have settled. I should have met up w/ you I was in DC for inauguration. We stayed over @ Braddock Station in Alexandria VA but we were in DC every day. Quite a city you have there. The whole time I was there I wanted to know what it would feel like to drive my fleet around your roads and see all those historical monuments and stuff as I drove by. That must be really cool but I'm sure your use to it. I'll keep you posted.
02-14-2009, 11:57 PM
#48
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Yes they should indeed. It seems that Germany has had some holidays which have caused some delays in the arrival of these springs. I've been in touch w/ Vogtland and they assured me that they are en route. I will post pictures as soon as they are in my hands. Thanks for checking in
02-18-2009, 01:29 PM
#49
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Okay, quick update. Got a tracking number today! Springs are scheduled for arrival approx. next Thurs. as long as customs doesn't hold the package when it arrives here. I will take some pictures of them when they arrive and they will be installed first chance I get so stay tuned! Sorry to keep you waiting, trust me, I'm just as anxious are you all are! Remember, as long as these work and function properly they are available to for all 03-08 W211 4Matic models but excluding the wagon.
02-18-2009, 01:39 PM
#50
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Alexandria is not too far from me, we could've met up, maybe did a mini-meet hahaha. I'm new to the MB scene but I've been active in the local bmw communities (bimmerpost (where I spend most of my time as a resident post ***** and moderator) and BMWCCA) for the last few years and we're always hosting meets and enjoy meeting new friends. Actually, bimmerpost just held a huge meet over in Flanders, NJ the last Oct and a bunch of us had a nice drive up. Maybe for this year we can try to incorporate the MB crowd for an uber meet
