Matthew Stewart

Hey y'all,

Well I finally got around to putting a whole new spring and shock set up on my 08 bluetec. I was driving home from my wedding fully loaded car for about 2500 miles and the rear shocks finally gave out and blew the seals.

they lasted 150,000 miles they don't owe me anything haha.

So I got ahold of a tech at Vogtland USA and they confirmed that they have a spring specific for the bluetec

Vogtland part number 952038
and they also advised pairing with Bilstein B8 shocks

Front MFr. #: 24-069076
REAR Mfr. #: 24-120227

My particular car had the grandmas ride package (Elegance package) or what have you. So the front end had tremendous wheel to fender gap. installation was pretty standard used a strut compressor on the front end and the rear used the Mercedes spring compressor as well as dropping down the control arm. the OEM springs are freaking giant.

I kept the original spring pad in the rear which looks fine but after a few hundred miles I'm going to reassess and see how it all looks. ill post some pictures too. I think I need to adjust he front end just a tad. the B8 socks have a snap ring that the spring plate sits on and can be adjusted I believe if i adjust it down to a slower indent it should lower the front end? if any one knows the answer to that let me know.

Handling...DAY and Night. I love it and should have done it years ago. It is not harsh by any means speed bumps you have to slow down a little more for but other than that its still a really nice ride, but on the flip side it has changed the way this car feels through the twists. no longer a boat. I have much more confidence in spirited driving and heavy braking with the reduced body roll and better balance.

To complete the look Im going to have to measure for wheel spacers once I get the whole system dialed in. Its on staggered amg 18" 5 spoke amg's for those who are wondering.

Anyways just wanted to reach out for any of the bluetec owners who were wondering about this suspension set up.

cheers.

Strigoi

No pics, no care.

Matthew Stewart

Don't worry Your picture book is coming dude. Just wanted them to settle for a few days.

ps2cho

Yes adjustment of the snap ring will lower the car by reducing spring tension.

Matthew Stewart

Ps2cho,
do you happen to know how much lower each notch of adjustment represents?

ps2cho

unfortunately no I have been unable to find any literature on it likely because they are designed to match the strut that came off because it's used on multiple models, so there's like no set amount.

i haven't measured the distances between each, but usually it's the change plus a little more due to the geometry of it being inboard of the wheel.
ie: 0.75" gap between each setting might be 1" drop at the tire to fender however id guess it will be diminishing when you include the spring tension...so probably bigger drop as the spring is less compressed.

Matthew Stewart

Your welcome

bizzy247

Any reason why you went with Vogtland instead of H&R (or others) for springs?

Matthew Stewart

I chose vogtland because they were the only company to confirm that they engineered springs for the bluetec. In my calculations there is only about a 100 pound difference between an e350 and the bluetec. bluetec being the heavier. I previously had a HR cup kit on my 2002 clk which I loved. I don't necessarily care about the lower as I do the handling.

so after about a week of driving it daily I am very pleased. the ride is firmer no doubt the only time that i notice is on really rough roads. the steering feels tighter, corner are much more settled, and braking is much more controlled. I should have got these a long time ago. I matched with bilstein b8's which I don't think you can ever go wrong.

Im sure I could have used H&R or eaibach and would have been pleased but the vogtlands are excellent so far.

I do want to see get the thicker spring cups to try to level the rear to match there front wheel gap. the adjustments on the front shocks should not be moved as they are set for the specific vehicle.

btv94

Is there any height difference after new shocks and spring compare to old oe shocks and spring? (front wheel gap)

Do you have adjust/aim your headlight?

Matthew Stewart

Yes the front wheel gap was greatly reduced. the old set up had that super large wheel gap form the factory. and the rear sat lower than the front. The trop is about and 1" maybe a little more as I witnessed it. which is perfect for what I wanted. Im not into the slammed look. But the rear still has less gap than the front, So Im gonna get some larger spring pads for the rear eventually.

and know I didn't have to adjust my headlight it seems to be just fine.

ot1

I wonder if you would be able to clear speed bumps without grinding anything underneath now that you have lowered your ride height?

Matthew Stewart

I have had absolutely zero issues with clearance. mind you it definitely is not slammed by any means. I just hated the giant wheel gap and the softer suspension stock.