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I installed H & R sport springs about a month ago and i am so happy with how much better my w212 rides and handles. I just have one issue i guess, when i turn my steering wheel all the way to the left or right when at a stand still, i can hear the springs squeaking up front. Kind of like a sound as if the springs are being strechted. I do not hear any sounds at all while driving and the steering wheel feels perfect.
I spoke with some shops, and they told me this is due to the fact that the E 250 diesel is quite heavier than the E 350 and even a bit heavier than the E 550. I was very surprised to learn that a twin turbo I4 diesel is more heavier than a twin turbo V8. Is this maybe why even though the chasis is a w212, the E 250 is not listed in the H & R compatability chart ? The shop also told me that the only issue is that the front will lower more than normal and that i have no reason to be concerned about safety. Can anyone relate to the sounds that i am hearing ? I love my w212 so much more now, i would hate to reinstall the stock springs.
Last edited by Diesel #2; Dec 3, 2016 at 04:58 PM.
As long as the insulators are not damaged or fatigued you should be fine reusing them. I have H&R springs as well and reused the insulators. No squeaks or problems and my car looks as low as yours. It sounds like there is some type of interference. Have you removed a wheel to get a look?
lowering springs should be rated according to the car make and model especially the engine. did you try calling H&R directly and ask them if the springs you put are rated for your diesel engine? if not, then you might have a problem in the long run. sagging and or snapping comes to mind.
As long as the insulators are not damaged or fatigued you should be fine reusing them. I have H&R springs as well and reused the insulators. No squeaks or problems and my car looks as low as yours. It sounds like there is some type of interference. Have you removed a wheel to get a look?
Yes, i took it back to the shop and they said it is because the vehicle is heavier but its not that much heavy that i have to worry about the springs failing. They said they have seen this before without any issues, but i need a 2nd opinion.
Originally Posted by bejAMG
owering springs should be rated according to the car make and model especially the engine. did you try calling H&R directly and ask them if the springs you put are rated for your diesel engine? if not, then you might have a problem in the long run. sagging and or snapping comes to mind.
Yes i spoke with H & R prior to purchasing and they said they never applied it to an E 250. But, pretty much every single after market product only has the E 350 and E 550 listed but they do work for the E 250. I just think no one with an E 250 diesel is modding their vehicle that is why they do not list it.
The E 250 is a little over 300 lbs heavier than a E 350, so if you have 2 passengers or one really fat one then it would be the same load. And im sure H & R designed the springs for a full load capacity.
Moreover, now i am looking into coilovers. Full adjustable ones so i can lower the vehicle but still keep the same spring travel as it would if it was not lowered. I am looking into H & R coil overs, however they are only listed for E 350 or E 550, so im worried i might run into the same problems with the coilovers.
Last edited by Diesel #2; Dec 4, 2016 at 03:49 PM.
are you particular with brand names? you might wanna look into eibach, vogtland and others. H&R might not have the specific springs for your car.
the springs you have might be for a 250 petrol and definitely lighter than 250 diesel. though im sure H&R makes quality springs, these are all rated with weight as the main factor. might be ok for now but imagine any spring forced to hold something heavier for longer than what its actually made for. eventually, something has to give, either your springs or your shocks.
Not very particular on brand but i am happy with the way H & Rs ride. All the springs that are available for the w212 are rated for the E 350 or the E 550, so its going to be a toss up. I just like the idea of being able to lower a car without shortening the spring compression.
That's strange that the diesel I4 is heavier than the 550 V8, but I think diesel engines tend to be iron blocks for strength and durability (which is why they last so long), and that would make it heavier than the aluminum petrol engines.
As for the coilovers, if your car is 4matic, I don't think the current options for coilovers accommodates for that. I think the 4matic has different struts (and sway bar) than the RWD models up front to make room for the extra drive axles, so the coilovers you found may not work on a 4matic. However, I have not confirmed that. Pretty much everyone around me (Mid-Atlantic) has 4matic, so I don't know of any RWD to compare with.
Don't really have a comment for the squeaks... that's weird.
SO I have a 2014 model, same springs, V6, installed myself, used stock pads, no issue http://imgur.com/SUdZhAe
Buddy has the 250 diesel, we did the EXACT same thing, had the same issue as you. We put new pads he got from somewhere, same issue. He has been drivinf the car for almost a year now, the sound is now gone and he hasn't had any issue with it at all. IF IT WAS ME, I wouldn't really worry about it. I couldn't even imagine not having the springs now.
SO I have a 2014 model, same springs, V6, installed myself, used stock pads, no issue http://imgur.com/SUdZhAe
Buddy has the 250 diesel, we did the EXACT same thing, had the same issue as you. We put new pads he got from somewhere, same issue. He has been drivinf the car for almost a year now, the sound is now gone and he hasn't had any issue with it at all. IF IT WAS ME, I wouldn't really worry about it. I couldn't even imagine not having the springs now.
Thank you very much, this information is some what comforting knowing that this is not a isolated issue. The shop told not to worry about it so i guess ill tough it out for now, but i still want coilovers.
Originally Posted by blegthbloo
That's strange that the diesel I4 is heavier than the 550 V8, but I think diesel engines tend to be iron blocks for strength and durability (which is why they last so long), and that would make it heavier than the aluminum petrol engines.
As for the coilovers, if your car is 4matic, I don't think the current options for coilovers accommodates for that. I think the 4matic has different struts (and sway bar) than the RWD models up front to make room for the extra drive axles, so the coilovers you found may not work on a 4matic. However, I have not confirmed that. Pretty much everyone around me (Mid-Atlantic) has 4matic, so I don't know of any RWD to compare with.
Don't really have a comment for the squeaks... that's weird.
My w212 is a RWD. Im confused about the coilovers though, because in the display photos it shows the rear springs are fitted over the shock, as in one unit. However, in the rear of my car, the spring does not goes over the shock, they are independent from each other. Im guessing the rear of the E 350 and E 550, non airmatic, is the same right ?
That is 7 months after purchase, still like brand new. The salt in the snow makes a huge mess over there on the East Coast. Beautiful to live out there, but i wouldn't purchase a used vechile from the East.
These H & R coil overs will work, they are independent in the rear. But only $1000 for coilovers ? That seems kinda cheap to me.
Last edited by Diesel #2; Dec 5, 2016 at 03:01 PM.
coilovers is the way to go, though not "easily" adjustable like bags, its still adjustable both for dampering and height. I did the same with my 211, though in my case i wasnt happy with H&R springs so i switched to coilovers and loved it. just make sure you do your research and fit the part thats made for your car.
btw, on a side note, would this have any effect on your warranty or insurance especially if they "say" the part is not right for your car?
btw, on a side note, would this have any effect on your warranty or insurance especially if they "say" the part is not right for your car?
Negative, i lowered a 2015 Lexus RC coupe that i had, and it was a lease vehicle, the dealer didn't even want the stock springs back. About a week later i saw my car listed for sale in their CPO section, the only adjustment they did was to take off the tints on the front windows because they are "illegal" blah blah.
It is not much different than if you were to put 20" wheels on your vehicle. Given the fact that your are not dropped so much that you keep bottoming out and smashing the undercarriage. You can very easily however void the warranty if you were to install a simple cold air intake system or tune your engine or anything that is affecting how the engine was designed to operate. The dealer always is hesitant to touch vehicles with those type of mods under warranty, you more than likely have to come out of pocket unless you can out fox them.
Which coil overs did you go with ? I have looked into Eibachs and Vogtlands but no one lists the E 250. I am going to do a lot of research before i purchase, i wouldn't mind dropping her another 0.7 inches or so with the coils either
Last edited by Diesel #2; Dec 5, 2016 at 07:13 PM.
down here, both insurance and warranty, if somebody has an accident and the insurance investigator finds out that you used parts not intented for your car, say the springs, they will decline your claim straight away.
I went with DGR. relatively cheaper than other brands. car was a daily and i dont track it so a fairly good review about the brand sold me.
Yes, i took it back to the shop and they said it is because the vehicle is heavier but its not that much heavy that i have to worry about the springs failing. They said they have seen this before without any issues, but i need a 2nd opinion.
Yes i spoke with H & R prior to purchasing and they said they never applied it to an E 250. But, pretty much every single after market product only has the E 350 and E 550 listed but they do work for the E 250. I just think no one with an E 250 diesel is modding their vehicle that is why they do not list it.
The E 250 is a little over 300 lbs heavier than a E 350, so if you have 2 passengers or one really fat one then it would be the same load. And im sure H & R designed the springs for a full load capacity.
Moreover, now i am looking into coilovers. Full adjustable ones so i can lower the vehicle but still keep the same spring travel as it would if it was not lowered. I am looking into H & R coil overs, however they are only listed for E 350 or E 550, so im worried i might run into the same problems with the coilovers.
And yes, there are two separate spring versions for different max. front axle loads.
Diesels should have the stronger ones (max load over 1020kg=2249lbs).
I don't know if sprigs sold in US are having same markings but if yes, you should have marking 29076-2 VA (F) on your front springs.
If you have 29076-1 VA (F), the springs are the wrong ones.
And yes, there are two separate spring versions for different max. front axle loads.
Diesels should have the stronger ones (max load over 1020kg=2249lbs).
I don't know if sprigs sold in US are having same markings but if yes, you should have marking 29076-2 VA (F) on your front springs.
If you have 29076-1 VA (F), the springs are the wrong ones.
you dont often see a first time poster being very helpful. thanks mate!
And yes, there are two separate spring versions for different max. front axle loads.
Diesels should have the stronger ones (max load over 1020kg=2249lbs).
I don't know if sprigs sold in US are having same markings but if yes, you should have marking 29076-2 VA (F) on your front springs.
If you have 29076-1 VA (F), the springs are the wrong ones.
Great first post however unfortunately 29076-2 and 29076-1 are both for the W204 [C class coupe]. I believe you got it confused with the 29076-8 which are for a 2016 E 350 4MATIC Wagon.
The springs that i have are 52728. H & R does not make springs specifically for the diesel. I have spoken with them many times.
Great first post however unfortunately 29076-2 and 29076-1 are both for the W204 [C class coupe]. I believe you got it confused with the 29076-8 which are for a 2016 E 350 4MATIC Wagon.
The springs that i have are 52728. H & R does not make springs specifically for the diesel. I have spoken with them many times.
Well seek and you shall find. I have finally found the only coilovers and / or springs that are made specifically for the E 250 Bluetec. KW coilovers, quite pricey but i think it would be smart to grab these. Anyone with any experience with KWs ?
KW is quality, but they certainly charge a pretty penny for them! I have BC Racing coilovers on mine and I'm very pleased. They are both height and damper adjustable and only retail at $995. It is however for an 2014 E350 (gas). But they might be able to support the diesel.
KW is quality, but they certainly charge a pretty penny for them! I have BC Racing coilovers on mine and I'm very pleased. They are both height and damper adjustable and only retail at $995. It is however for an 2014 E350 (gas). But they might be able to support the diesel.
The BC Racing coilovers are tempting due to the price and them seem to be very popular throughout all makes. The only thing thats holding me back from them is that they are made in Taiwan and nothing against the Chinese but im very hesitant to buy their aftermarket products. But im still considering it due to a lot of good reviews im finding, mainly on the BMW forums.
So my choices are :
1. BC Racing - $1000
2. KW Street Comfort Coilovers (4-6 week wait) - $2200
3. Bilstein B16 PSS10 - $1900
As of now im leaning towards the Bilstein, made in Germany and they are a proven brand. KW supplies the suspension for Mercedes black series so they must be good but im worried that they are a bit too sporty for me.
taiwan has much better quality than china.
though most are "designed somewhere else then assembled in china" is a better way of saying made in china.
if youre not tracking your car, taiwan made coilovers are fine. the DGR (taiwan) i had on my 211 were well built not to mention ride was so much better than stock or H&R lowering springs even when slammed.
taiwan has much better quality than china.
though most are "designed somewhere else then assembled in china" is a better way of saying made in china.
if youre not tracking your car, taiwan made coilovers are fine. the DGR (taiwan) i had on my 211 were well built not to mention ride was so much better than stock or H&R lowering springs even when slammed.
You said you had them on your 211, did you take them off ?
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