For both Lorinser and Brabus springs, they're both 30mm. When it's all said and done with, the total drop with #1 pads should be around 1.5" or so. I want to still have the clearance for winter, but at the same time, I want to close up that 3" gap that I have.
Hey, ghaffar. So you've already inspected the pads you have? I guess I'd opine that 1.5 is in that sort of middle range (special shocks at 2", stock acceptable at 1"), so you can proceed, but realize that you may need to put a bit more pad back in, which will cost you more in labor to have them swapped out. If you end up being okay at 1.5 you'll make a lot of other folks happy.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
__________________ If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice. Meister Eckhart
When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
When you learn from the mistakes of others, that's wisdom.
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Right now, I'm waiting for Ken @ Lorinser USA to get back at me for some pictures of these springs from their headquarters in Germany. Once I know how they look, that will give me an idea as to whether or not I want to go forward with this ordeal. First, I'll get the springs. Second, the shocks. Lastly, the install, complete with before and after pics. I'll keep you all posted!
I've just been informed that my E430 4matic with 53k miles needs 4 new shocks and balljionts... AHHHH!!!
My dealership service manager is quite a cool character though and he said they have no problem putting aftermarket parts on for customers. So I'm thinking I should get the shocks/springs/balljionts/ any misc bushings etc, all sourced from somewhere online and bring it to them to install. Make sure it's done right and aligned at the end.
I don't own a spring compressor, nor do I want to do this work myself.
Ghaffar- I would be interested to see what shocks you end up going with, where you got them, and how much. I'm not too stressed on the gap with the wheel and fender, this is cosmetic, but if I'm going to the trouble of doing this full suspension job, new springs wouldnt hurt.
4 shocks, 4 springs, 4 balljoints, 4 - what else should one do at this point?
I've just been informed that my E430 4matic with 53k miles needs 4 new shocks and balljionts... AHHHH!!!
My dealership service manager is quite a cool character though and he said they have no problem putting aftermarket parts on for customers. So I'm thinking I should get the shocks/springs/balljionts/ any misc bushings etc, all sourced from somewhere online and bring it to them to install. Make sure it's done right and aligned at the end.
I don't own a spring compressor, nor do I want to do this work myself.
Ghaffar- I would be interested to see what shocks you end up going with, where you got them, and how much. I'm not too stressed on the gap with the wheel and fender, this is cosmetic, but if I'm going to the trouble of doing this full suspension job, new springs wouldnt hurt.
4 shocks, 4 springs, 4 balljoints, 4 - what else should one do at this point?
While you are there you could do any bushings that look worn. Get good shocks too. I recommend bilstein (it's worth the extra $$$).
I just had both upper ball joints replaced. I think i was charged like $53 a piece for them. I must say the suspensions on these cars fails in comparison to the w124 & w126. I don't understand why after 70,000 well cared miles all of the suspension components are wearing out on the e320 and the older more abused mercedes ride 10x better and i have only replaced shocks. Maybe the 17in rims are too stressful? I'm kinda stupmed here.
I'll be interested to see if lowering it improves the ride quality. I have heard that by getting the damping rate closer to the spring rate you get a much more functional suspension. (smoother over rough roads, less body roll ect.) There is a whole science to this suspension lowering stuff.
__________________
Mercedes are like potato chips, you can't have just one.
Last edited by Benz50602 : 03-28-2008 at 10:25 PM.
Yeah I'm interested as well. Actually the idea of having a 1.5" drop on my already jacked-up 4matic sounds really good. I'm surprised people haven't already figured out the best suspension packages for the W210.
I see CLK's slammed to the ground all the time around this area. Not exactly what I'm looking for, but a mild drop would be nice.
Who are some reputable MB tuners that you all have used? And I'm not talking about Brabus or Lorinser, that manufacture the products.
I bought a set of Brabus springs for 4Matics just now off of eBay. I'm thinking that I might have to do some fabricating, as the front springs are open-coil design. I'll post my results when I receive the springs and find the time to put them on the car. Ken @ Lorinser quoted me $899 for a set of springs. Ouch. So I'll take my chances with these springs.
I finally got word back from Ken @ Lorinser USA, and he sent me a picture of the lowering springs. Apparently, the Brabus springs that I recently bought are for 2WD models. If you'll notice, the Lorinser front springs have a closed-coil design, as opposed to the open-coil design of the Brabus springs. No biggie, so now I will have a set of Brabus 30mm lowering springs up for sale soon ($300 plus shipping). Anyone interested? Here's the picture of the Lorinsers. I'll get confirmation of the specs and I'll sell the Brabus springs and get the Lorinsers...gulp!
Ghaffar - So are these Lorinsers confirmed to be for the 4matic? And I hope they're not $899, are they?
I'm sure some rwd W210 owner will promptly jump on your Brabus springs, Do you know if those are only for the RWD non-sport model? Or sport model as well?
I ended up just doing the balljoints on my car for $280 by Indy, which solved 99% of my suspension noise issues. I would recommend you get them checked for anyone with clunks and thunk noises over bumps. They only had "slight play" but that was enough to cause the suspension to sound like junk. Sounds much better now.
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