C63 w204 - H&R lowering - issues?

[Ashventini]

Hi there. I've got my w204 with a H&R lowering kit... dont know if they come with different lowering heights or they are a standard drop like 20mm, the previous owner fitted the H&R's. I have had the front driver inner wheel arch catch on something - looks like maybe the tyre caught when on full steering and possible a pot hole together - anyone else had this issue? Is it just an accepted risk when lowering the car and how unlucky does one need to be the have the tyre catch?
Has anyone lowered the car and then reverted back OR perhaps compromised and maybe increased the ride height slightly of the lowering springs (sounds odd) but you get what i mean? I dont know how low mine is as i didnt fit them. I can add a photo if that helps. Maybe someone went right to the lowest height offered by H&R..?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Your car looks lovely

I’d say it’s just a risk of lowering the car. Lowering the car inevitably increases both the likelihood that the tyre will catch and the impact if it does catch. The lower you go, the greater the risk. You could accept the risk or switch back to standard springs.

 

[Ashventini]

Your car looks lovely

I’d say it’s just a risk of lowering the car. Lowering the car inevitably increases both the likelihood that the tyre will catch and the impact if it does catch. The lower you go, the greater the risk. You could accept the risk or switch back to standard springs.

Thanks. _
is there an intermediate option? such as adding a spacer to increase the ride height a bit or maybe a different lowering spring that is a little higher than what i have now (but still lower than standard OEM)?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Thanks. _
is there an intermediate option? such as adding a spacer to increase the ride height a bit or maybe a different lowering spring that is a little higher than what i have now (but still lower than standard OEM)?

Almost certainly, depending upon how much your existing springs have lowered the car. You may be able to find some spings with a smaller drop, or you could consider height adjustable suspension which would replace both the springs and dampers. The latter would give you more control of the ride height but of course costs more too.

 

[Ashventini]

Almost certainly, depending upon how much your existing springs have lowered the car. You may be able to find some spings with a smaller drop, or you could consider height adjustable suspension which would replace both the springs and dampers. The latter would give you more control of the ride height but of course costs more too.

I dont know how much its been dropped - just that its H&R. I was hoping by sharing those photos someone would chime in and say - looks like its been dropped 20mm or xx mm and you can increase it slightly by replacing the springs with these.... (adding a link)

 

[ray_hennig]

You may be able to find some spings with a smaller drop

What about fitting thicker spring pads, assuming it hasn't got the thickest already.

I would think that if it were my 124 but I have no idea about this modern car.

RayH

 

[Ashventini]

What about fitting thicker spring pads, assuming it hasn't got the thickest already.

I would think that if it were my 124 but I have no idea about this modern car.

RayH

Would you know where to shop or any links?

 

[KennyN]

I had a similar issue with a Saab Aero and PI springs many moons ago , it was either off road mode with the stock springs or lowrider mode.

I fitted rubber spring inserts between the coils , not the best solution but the only one i had at the time to lift the front slightly.

Grayston Coil Spring Assisters & Raisers 26-38mm Gap, Pair (2) GE14, Towing | eBay

K

 

[Spider10]

The springs will have a no on them and then you will know by how much its been lowered ,also be aware that you will chew through front tyres this is my old 1 standard

 

[ray_hennig]

Would you know where to shop or any links?

You need to see the part numbers for the range of spring pads for your car. Put your VIN into an EPC like thisone:

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine

Then find out which pads are installed and but thicker ones from MB.

When my springs were changed, I gave the garage a complete set of all spring pads (4 thickesses for the front and 3 for the rear, so 14 pads in all) so they could choose for the correct height. Some say that my Sportline is a little high, and it might be. But with the roads around here that's no bad thing.

RayH

 

[Ashventini]

You need to see the part numbers for the range of spring pads for your car. Put your VIN into an EPC like thisone:

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine

Then find out which pads are installed and but thicker ones from MB.

When my springs were changed, I gave the garage a complete set of all spring pads (4 thickesses for the front and 3 for the rear, so 14 pads in all) so they could choose for the correct height. Some say that my Sportline is a little high, and it might be. But with the roads around here that's no bad thing.

RayH

Thats a massively helpful link. Thanks. However What part on this is needed? I only see the upper and lower shims. Is that what is needed? There is only 1 part number for each - i dont see thicker options under the parts listed. Am i looking at item # 20 and 40 (shims)? I only see 1 option

 

[ray_hennig]

What part on this is needed?

I honestly don't know. That's completely different to my '91 W124. Others may know.

RayH

 

[8bit]

Interesting thread as I'm considering fitting H&R springs on my own W204 C63 coupe.

From what I found on the H&R website they only do a 20mm drop set for this car so it's likely that's what you have. My car I believe is standard and it's not that much higher than yours.

I did read a post on Pistonheads from a chap with a W204 estate on H&R 20mm springs, he said he had no rubbing issues but he has 10mm wheel spacers all round so maybe that's the difference. Seems counter-intuitive to me but not impossible.

 

[Ashventini]

Interesting thread as I'm considering fitting H&R springs on my own W204 C63 coupe.

From what I found on the H&R website they only do a 20mm drop set for this car so it's likely that's what you have. My car I believe is standard and it's not that much higher than yours.

I did read a post on Pistonheads from a chap with a W204 estate on H&R 20mm springs, he said he had no rubbing issues but he has 10mm wheel spacers all round so maybe that's the difference. Seems counter-intuitive to me but not impossible.

I think your probably right on the drop. I agree. I did have a front wheel catch the inner arch and pull the inner down and out a bit which flaked a bit of paint off the arch. So annoying given its a recent buy. Its been fixed now so all good. I think its simply bad luck and if you lower the car you can risk the front catching if you hit a bump or pot hole when your wheel is considerably turned and it protruds outside the arch as it has to when turning. Maybe i was just unlucky, but i now know it can happen on a lowered car so im caucious of bumps while turning the wheel quite a bit.

 

[UKGTC]

The problem with lowering cars is the initial drop is not the end and they will settle at a lower point after a few months. You could check to see if someone like KW do lowering kits that use the oem shocks, being an adjustable height planform and spring that replace the oem spring and can still allow for driver setting om performance mag shocks.

https://www.kwsuspensions.com/kw-suspensions-kw-height-adjustable-spring-kit-25325089.html

I have lowered almost every car I have owned and there is no getting around the fact more money usually equals a better solution. Springs that give a set drop are not always accurate and there is no option to change the height. Coil overs are the best but you need to do your homework to get a set up that works for you especially as owners tend to state the ones they bought are the best. I always rated Ohlins or KW, but recently on a Lotus Emira tried Nitrons, which were super quality and far more affordable.

If you have adjustable oem settings I would go the above KW route which I will be following myself. If you don't and have the money coil overs are the way forward. Just be mindful that a fast road shock is way better on the road than a race/track type shock. I have learnt this the hard way and assumed the most expensive track focused shock with a separate reservoir would be superb on the road. They were way to harsh and non-compliant with poor condition British road and even skipped going around bends.

Adjustable height no matter which way is the only way to guarantee being able to change it after testing it for a while. Don't forget to get the suspension set up correctly after any lowering or your handling will be worse and your tyres will wear out quicker. Get it right and it will be like driving a whole different car.

 

[Bigdrew]

Hi there. I've got my w204 with a H&R lowering kit... dont know if they come with different lowering heights or they are a standard drop like 20mm, the previous owner fitted the H&R's. I have had the front driver inner wheel arch catch on something - looks like maybe the tyre caught when on full steering and possible a pot hole together - anyone else had this issue? Is it just an accepted risk when lowering the car and how unlucky does one need to be the have the tyre catch?
Has anyone lowered the car and then reverted back OR perhaps compromised and maybe increased the ride height slightly of the lowering springs (sounds odd) but you get what i mean? I dont know how low mine is as i didnt fit them. I can add a photo if that helps. Maybe someone went right to the lowest height offered by H&R..?

Hi online it says these

Hi there. I've got my w204 with a H&R lowering kit... dont know if they come with different lowering heights or they are a standard drop like 20mm, the previous owner fitted the H&R's. I have had the front driver inner wheel arch catch on something - looks like maybe the tyre caught when on full steering and possible a pot hole together - anyone else had this issue? Is it just an accepted risk when lowering the car and how unlucky does one need to be the have the tyre catch?
Has anyone lowered the car and then reverted back OR perhaps compromised and maybe increased the ride height slightly of the lowering springs (sounds odd) but you get what i mean? I dont know how low mine is as i didnt fit them. I can add a photo if that helps. Maybe someone went right to the lowest height offered by H&R..?

Hi online it says H&R are height adjustable maybe it would help you if you had a look

 

[UKGTC]

Hi online it says these

Hi online it says H&R are height adjustable maybe it would help you if you had a look

I just tried to search on the H&R site and it shows the 204 only has a lowering spring but the 205 has the option for adjustable height.
I can’t say I know enough about C63S to know if they can still be installed.

 

[Ashventini]

I just tried to search on the H&R site and it shows the 204 only has a lowering spring but the 205 has the option for adjustable height.
I can’t say I know enough about C63S to know if they can still be installed.

Sounds correct to what ive read also