Hi all, I have a question or two about the sport lowering springs from IPD.
I plan to get these in the future. Of course at the same time I'll throw in a new set of shocks/struts. I know that many times when lowering a vehicle that new shocks have to be installed because the suspension travel is shorter or changed. This is a daily driver and won't be used for racing, autocross, etc.

Which shocks/strut cart. should I use with the lowered springs? Or is it even a concern with these springs since they only drop the car approx. 1.6 inches? If there's no concern I will probably just use OEM
struts/springs.

How much will the ride change with the lowering springs and OEM shocks/struts? Much stiffer? Not much difference?

Thanks in advance for info.

 

with stiffer springs, you need a stiffer shock absorber to balance things out, otherwise the car will 'pogo' (bounce) when you go over a bump. The Bilstein HD is a suitable shock for use with those lowering/sport springs..

yes, you'll get a stiffer/busier ride, rough pavement will be much more noticable. if you also put +1 or +2 wheels on the car (bigger wheel with shorter sidewall tires) it will be even more so.

 

Not only that but that choppier ride shortens the life of a lot of other components like bushings, mounts, shocks, struts, etc. With the state of the roads in this country better off with longer suspension travel all the way around. I am even considering going back to 15" wheels as they ride better. As much as I love my Hydras and Geminis, the ride with a taller tire is just better.

 

which is why this trend of new cars to huge wheels with /40 and /35 series tires strikes me as stupid. and boy, do they get you when you need new tires.

now, true, cars with proper IRS handle the stiffer short sidewall tires better than the heavy live axle on these RWD volvos.... I've been driving a 1990 Mercedes 300E quite a bit recently, and wow, its on a whole different level (but it still has its stock 15" wheels with /60 series tires).

 

Well, Mercedes ride is unequaled. As much as I like these old Volvos we all try to keep going, you can't beat MBZ ride quality--in a different class altogether. I never forget my '80 280CE and how it went over pot holes and such... The SLK I have now is great but may be because it is a "roadster", it is not all that smooth in comparison with other Mercedes I have had over the years...

 

I've become rather fond of the "W124" version of the E series, which were made from 1984-1995.

 

Hi Pierce,

Wondering if you would please PM me (since it's off-topic) the main differences between the W124 version and the 96+ version, aside from styling changes. The 96+ version seems to be priced lower than the 95. Makes me wonder what the issues are...

Thanks,
Chris

 

I've never owned or driven a W210 (the 96+ version). I've been told that they are 'cheapened' across the board relative to the W124.

 

I'm considering purchasing a W202 (1994 C280). It looks like the engine wiring harness is the weak point for both the W124 and W202. Have you dealt with this?

Also, which MB forums do you follow?

Thanks.

 

my 94 E320 has a new harness and new ETA, this was done by a previous owner. any 92-97ish benz has potential wiring issues, many that were under full dealer service got new harnesses a long time ago.

I know nothing specific about the W202's. benzworld.com is the mercedes forum I've followed.

 

[QUOTE=98XCFxRUpR;404847]I'm considering purchasing a W202 (1994 C280). It looks like the engine wiring harness is the weak point for both the W124 and W202. Have you dealt with this?

Also, which MB forums do you follow?


Sorry everyone for the Benz talk but had to jump in on this one.

I previously owned a Mercedes 99 W202 c230k and currently 2005 W203 C230k. Warning is buy a well kept Mercedes with low miles and likely you will come away happy. A MB dealer will thoroughly go through a used car for $300 with a full report. This may sound like a lot but well worth the expense. Third party MB dealer is probably fine as well but the dealer will also have any service records on the vehicle. My W202 was an amazing car but began to have some electrical issues like power window and trunk went out. W202 is known as the last solid German baby benz. Super safe cars. I hit a deer doing 70 head on going down the Interstate. All three of the passengers walked away without a scratch. Car still drove actually if you can believe it - see pic.

MWWorld as forum. Do your research and be picky on choosing the right one. I wouldn't recommend buying a project Benz.

 

indeed. full service records from a dealer or a highly reputable indy or you're likely into a world of expensive hurt from deferred maintenance.

 

I use Mercedes-Benz Forum but I usually hang out in the w140 forum there. There is some good technical info but I've heard some that some of the later model forums aren't so technical. The w124 forum is also supposed to be good.