Suspension Upgrade
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bay Area, CA
2002 E320 Special Edition
Suspension Upgrade
Want some feedback in selecting the appropriate suspension upgrade for my 2002 E320 Special Edition. I would like to have a firmer ride with more control rather than the factory soft bouncy feeling over bumps and turns. Though I would like to keep the 17" wheels with 235-45/17 tires. What do you think of the followings?
1. Upgrade to H&R sport springs but which spring pads to use for the suggested 1.4" front and 1.3" rear drop? Is there a significant improvement over the factory springs? Does the factory shock match in this application?
2. How about upgrading to full AMG setup including springs, shocks, sway bars just like the E55. Is it worth it?
3. Heard a lot of stories about Kleemann springs. Does it make a big difference? If yes, perhaps this will give an upgrade path to the speed sensitve dampers at a later date. How does this compare to the AMG setup described above?
In all of the above cases, should the upgrade be performed at my local MB dealer? And would the car need a 4-wheel alignment after the installation?
Thanks in advance,
E320se
1. Upgrade to H&R sport springs but which spring pads to use for the suggested 1.4" front and 1.3" rear drop? Is there a significant improvement over the factory springs? Does the factory shock match in this application?
2. How about upgrading to full AMG setup including springs, shocks, sway bars just like the E55. Is it worth it?
3. Heard a lot of stories about Kleemann springs. Does it make a big difference? If yes, perhaps this will give an upgrade path to the speed sensitve dampers at a later date. How does this compare to the AMG setup described above?
In all of the above cases, should the upgrade be performed at my local MB dealer? And would the car need a 4-wheel alignment after the installation?
Thanks in advance,
E320se
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CLS350
i belive you need to use number 1 and/or 2 pads for the correct drop using the H&R's. AMG setup is nothing more than bilstiens and Eibachs. KLEEMANN i keep hearing good things, JamE55's just got a kleemann suspension set up, maybe he can fill you in on more detailed info.
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2002 C230 : 2007 C230
Here is what I have tried on my 2001 E320:
First I tried H&R springs with the stock shocks, this was too bouncy for me.
Next, I tried the H&R springs with Bilstein Sport shocks. This was much too stiff for my taste.
Finally, I tried the AMG springs, shocks & sway. I really liked the ride with this setup but it didn't give much of a drop.
I can't comment on the Kleemann suspension because I have not ridden in a car using it.
This picture is with the AMG suspension installed and 17" wheels.
First I tried H&R springs with the stock shocks, this was too bouncy for me.
Next, I tried the H&R springs with Bilstein Sport shocks. This was much too stiff for my taste.
Finally, I tried the AMG springs, shocks & sway. I really liked the ride with this setup but it didn't give much of a drop.
I can't comment on the Kleemann suspension because I have not ridden in a car using it.
This picture is with the AMG suspension installed and 17" wheels.
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2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
Originally posted by Tezta
AMG setup is nothing more than bilstiens and Eibachs.
AMG setup is nothing more than bilstiens and Eibachs.
E320se, Since you desire a moderate/liveable setup maybe the AMG suspension would be best. Do the springs, shocks and sway bars. The drop may be the least but it is some drop. Perhaps the smallest spring pads will do. My E55 has number 3 pads all around.
Any Mercedes dealer can install including Midas. The Benz dealer is probably higher.
Kwik, nice looking car. Black is my favorite color. I think the chrome headlight trim would complement the car.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bay Area, CA
2002 E320 Special Edition
Thanks everyone for the information. The ride height on the photo is just about what I want. I have contacted one local dealer and they do not install suspension upgrade, don't know why? Instead they refer to another aftermarket shop estimating $2500 for the AMG setup (shocks, springs, sway bars) plus $550 to install. Kwik, does the price sounds about rightl?
Yet, another dealer said that the AMG setup cannot be installed onto a regular E model. They are strictly designed for the E55 model. Is this true?
Yet, another dealer said that the AMG setup cannot be installed onto a regular E model. They are strictly designed for the E55 model. Is this true?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Southern CA
The E55 suspension will work the same on all w210 E Class models. For the money, you can get a much better suspension. I would recommend upgrading to H&R Springs, Koni Adjustable Dampeners, and Eibach Sway Bars (equal in diameter to AMG). You can get all this installed for a fraction of the price.
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From: CA, NV, CO
Sorry i over looked this thread!
E320se
Here's my take on the whole subject. Used to have the OEM AMG suspension setup which in my taste was a little bit too soft for me when i corner pretty hard
. So that being said I've heard a lot about the Kleemann setup and thought it was just all hype. Well after riding one of the members CLK (CLK69 has the kleemann speed-sensitive suspension) here i found the suspension to be amazing and that it was not all hype. In fact these suspension are so great when cornering that it like riding on rails . Anyways if you have the money i would highly recommend those over the Bilstein setup or anything else and you won't be sorry(damn i sounded like a TV commercial! lolol ) As far as pads i'm just using stock pads right now which suits my needs. You can also check out my ride from the link on my sig. Hope this helps. Any questions let me know.
E320se
Here's my take on the whole subject. Used to have the OEM AMG suspension setup which in my taste was a little bit too soft for me when i corner pretty hard
. So that being said I've heard a lot about the Kleemann setup and thought it was just all hype. Well after riding one of the members CLK (CLK69 has the kleemann speed-sensitive suspension) here i found the suspension to be amazing and that it was not all hype. In fact these suspension are so great when cornering that it like riding on rails . Anyways if you have the money i would highly recommend those over the Bilstein setup or anything else and you won't be sorry(damn i sounded like a TV commercial! lolol ) As far as pads i'm just using stock pads right now which suits my needs. You can also check out my ride from the link on my sig. Hope this helps. Any questions let me know.
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From: Washington D.C.
'97 C 280, '06 ML350
great looking cars guys...
yeah, i also agree that KWiK and JamE55 cars are absolutely the correct height. my personal taste is not the slammed look, but a subtle drop which IMO looks great.
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Re: great looking cars guys...
Originally posted by jamesp
yeah, i also agree that KWiK and JamE55 cars are absolutely the correct height. my personal taste is not the slammed look, but a subtle drop which IMO looks great.
yeah, i also agree that KWiK and JamE55 cars are absolutely the correct height. my personal taste is not the slammed look, but a subtle drop which IMO looks great.
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From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
Re: great looking cars guys...
Originally posted by jamesp
yeah, i also agree that KWiK and JamE55 cars are absolutely the correct height. my personal taste is not the slammed look, but a subtle drop which IMO looks great.
yeah, i also agree that KWiK and JamE55 cars are absolutely the correct height. my personal taste is not the slammed look, but a subtle drop which IMO looks great.
