KWiK

Finally got around to swapping out my Brabus springs for a set of Vogtlands. Here are a few pics I took during the swap...

KWiK

The rear spring about to come out...

KWiK

Brabus & Vogtland side-by-side...

SoCalCLK

Nice photos. Why the switch from Brabus to Vogtland?

Also, how do you like the ride with the Koni springs?

KWiK

I switched to Vogtland because I think they make better springs. Notice in the pics above, the Vogtland has less coils than the Brabus, but are the same length. This gives you a lighter, stiffer spring with more available travel.

I think the Koni adjustables are the best choice for any aftermarket spring. They allow you to dial in the ride just the way you want it. Even at full stiff, there is no harshness.

KWiK

Here is a comparison of the stock C43 springs and the brabus springs

SoCalCLK

The C43 Springs look crude and bulky next to the Brabus.

I know what you mean about the coil amount. While my Brabus springs feel totally stable and smooth at high speeds (100+ mph), which is unbelievable!

However, at low speeds, with heavy stop and go braking, the CLK tends to have a lot of brake squat and "nose dive" which I do not like. Have you experienced the same with your Brabus?

C230 Sport Coup

Up to your old tricks eh Kwik?
he he
Pushing them purple springs still ?
I liked the pics of the factory the most...

Ha. I broke my vow of silence after only 3 months....
but my reasons are as Frank Zappa would say,
"strictly commercial". Selling some rims in the classified.
I'll say no more.

PS. Get any tools donated yet?
BTW, got my sunroof replaced....again.

Ashkan's C43

less coils the better?

KWiK

it is if you want a spring that is a bit stiffer and lighter with more availble travel but still have the same drop.

Ashkan's C43

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashkan's C280
so which is better for you brabus or amg???

I would call it a tie. Brabus has the better drop, but the taller AMG springs obviously have better travel. Stiffness is about equal.

Ashkan's C43

you go against what you say first you say taller is better then shorter?

KWiK

no...not at all

shorter is better if you want to lower center of gravity and/or get that dropped look, but...
with equal number of coils & wire diameter, the longer spring would have more travel.

what is better depends on what you want...and what other components you have...

what do you want?

The only real way to get the right spring/shock combo for your taste is to try all the combinations...

so start buying & swapping...

Ashkan's C43

best performance combo

430

Kwik, I need to borrow/rent your spring compressor so I can install my RENNtech springs

Thanks for the picks.

PeterLopez

Hi Kwik,

Thanks for the picks of your springs!

I am new to this forum.

Is it very difficult to DIY springs? I like what I read about Vogtlands and it seems pretty straight forward.

Next questions is, do I need to change anything else to lower my car?
Do I have to change the shocks at the same time?

I keep reading about #2 and #4 pads but I have no idea what that means.

Thanks for taking the time.

Peter

D2-AUTOSPORT

NICE, I also love my vogtland springs on my daily driver. If anyone need a price on a set, I'll be glad to help.

dlbehrns

This is not a for sale issue and don't mean to highjack your thread but I would like to get some feedback/discussion on inside tire wear due to negative camber after lowering. I have a set of Vogtlands to install and a rear camber kit (engineered by ghostrider on the w208 board)to dial the camber back in on the rear. Also: I found a front lower inside control arm bolt made by MB that allows camber adjustment on the front. The front bolt thingie doesn't allow for much adjustment so if your car is really slammed you probably need the Kmark camber kit.

dlbehrns

Pads: I know with the 208 and the 211 there are 5 different thicknesses of rubber pads that top the springs. The total difference between the thinnest #1 and the thickest #5 is .67 mm. Some people take them complete out and gain and little extra drop. I don't have the link to the thread on the 208 board but go over there and do a search. There has been an endless discussion on the topic. On Kwik's first post, fourth picture, there is a rubber pad on the inside of the top of the spring housing.

And by the way, cool spring compressor. Why didn't you use it on the rears? TIA, dlb

dlbehrns

bump to keep this alive.