H&R, Eibach et al

[HarmeshK]

Hi guys,

Just wondering on what people’s thoughts are who have lowered their cars (springs only) and the effect this has on the ride quality.

I lowered my BMW using Eibach pro springs and the car visually looked better but interestingly the ride actually improved a touch and steering feel/cornering felt much better too.

Now I’m in the world of Mercedes I just wondered what the general consensus is on lowering and ride quality. I’m not looking to lower by much, but think my e class coupe could look much improved with a slight drop and possibly small wheel spacers too.

 

[sirius9]

H&R Springs are good. I used them on my W204 C180K & W204 C63.
I then upgraded to KW DDC in the C63.

 

[PobodY]

Just beware that by lowering the car you lose suspension travel. - Not a huge problem on largely flat, even, surfaces, but more so on rough terrain (and/or potholes).

From a suspension geometry perspective it can be a bit of a black art. - Lowering the centre of gravity and stiffening the springs will make the car feel more planted, but it can also mean that things like the ackerman angle are no longer correct. So ideally you would want to look at the camber (and possibly caster) after lowering.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is that it's easy to go too far and compromise the handling instead.

There's a reason those after-market coilovers tend to have adjustable camber plates on the top.

 

[HarmeshK]

Thanks for replying Sirius. What was the ride like after the H&R swap? I’ve noticed the H&R drop seems quite aggressive at 35+ mm. I’m sure with the Eibachs the Pro kit was around 15-20mm and the sport kit was 35+.

I’m only looking for a slight drop as I want to maintain ride comfort. It’s only the E220d, so I’m doing it for more visual reasons than trying to turn it into a go kart.

 

[HarmeshK]

Just beware that by lowering the car you lose suspension travel. - Not a huge problem on largely flat, even, surfaces, but more so on rough terrain (and/or potholes).

From a suspension geometry perspective it can be a bit of a black art. - Lowering the centre of gravity and stiffening the springs will make the car feel more planted, but it can also mean that things like the ackerman angle are no longer correct. So ideally you would want to look at the camber (and possibly caster) after lowering.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is that it's easy to go too far and compromise the handling instead.

There's a reason those after-market coilovers tend to have adjustable camber plates on the top.

I hear you Pobody, but I’m definitely not looking to go too far. After a slight drop and maybe some small spacers the car will be hunter aligned anyway. I used to swear by hunter alignment in my BMW days, is there any specific method/kit the Mercedes guys use?

 

[PobodY]

I'm waiting for the chorus of "you should only use genuine Mercedes springs".
On that note, was there an AMG spring made for your model? - That's probably going to be a subtle drop and slightly stiffer.

 

[BaldGuy]

H&R all day long.... used them across many cars and with all the ride was more comfortable and handling just right... i've only used 35-40mm drop

 

[HarmeshK]

I'm waiting for the chorus of "you should only use genuine Mercedes springs".
On that note, was there an AMG spring made for your model? - That's probably going to be a subtle drop and slightly stiffer.

We that those guys in the BMW world too, but maybe a few more of them over this side lol

I believe all E class coupes (C238) 2017> are all AMG line so have AMG springs have standard.

 

[HarmeshK]

H&R all day long.... used them across many cars and with all the ride was more comfortable and handling just right... i've only used 35-40mm drop

Thanks Baldguy. This is what I needed to hear!

Big drop though, would have expected some deterioration in ride comfort. I think with that level of drop my arches will be touching my tyres!

 

[BaldGuy]

Here's my CLK from years ago with H&R

Also had a set on my 911 4s running 19's

 

[Alps]

H&R definately if you want near oem comfort

KW`s are good too and have heard good things.

 

[HarmeshK]

Like like the stance on the CLK. 911 isn't bad too

It's doesn't look like there are any aftermarket springs available for the C238 E220d. In fact both Eibach and H&R don't list any spring options. Think the model may be too new. Ho Hum.

 

[noogieman]

I've had my germanian Vogtland lowering springs for approx 7 years now.
I must say I'm still very pleazed with my Vogtlands #952079 fitted to my W202 C43!

Ride is firm and very sporty.

Ride stance is nice looking with #1 pads in front and #3 pads at rear.

Springs paired with Koni adjustables on stiffest setting 3 (0-3) is a perfect match made in heaven!
I wudd always go for this kit when it's time for renewal.

 

[sirius9]

Thanks for replying Sirius. What was the ride like after the H&R swap? I’ve noticed the H&R drop seems quite aggressive at 35+ mm. I’m sure with the Eibachs the Pro kit was around 15-20mm and the sport kit was 35+.

I’m only looking for a slight drop as I want to maintain ride comfort. It’s only the E220d, so I’m doing it for more visual reasons than trying to turn it into a go kart.

H&R drop are not that much. 25-30mm in real life. Ride comfort is definitely the same in my C180 and less body roll. In the C63, it was slightly harder as the standard suspension is known to be quite harsh anyways.

 

[kasper]

Hi guys,

Just wondering on what people’s thoughts are who have lowered their cars (springs only) and the effect this has on the ride quality.

I lowered my BMW using Eibach pro springs and the car visually looked better but interestingly the ride actually improved a touch and steering feel/cornering felt much better too.

Now I’m in the world of Mercedes I just wondered what the general consensus is on lowering and ride quality. I’m not looking to lower by much, but think my e class coupe could look much improved with a slight drop and possibly small wheel spacers too.

i used eibach on my cls 30mm no complaints from the wife so must be okay

 

[Behold81]

Do the H&R springs work ok on the dynamic suspension of an E Class?

 

[HarmeshK]

Do the H&R springs work ok on the dynamic suspension of an E Class?

I have been in touch with H&R directly. The H&R springs are compatible with agility control but not the dynamic suspension which H&R tell me is an optional extra.

I thought the options for the E class coupe was the agility control (which is standard) or the airmatic which is optional. Not sure what the dynamic is, but I do know I don’t have it

 

[Behold81]

I have been in touch with H&R directly. The H&R springs are compatible with agility control but not the dynamic suspension which H&R tell me is an optional extra.

I thought the options for the E class coupe was the agility control (which is standard) or the airmatic which is optional. Not sure what the dynamic is, but I do know I don’t have it

Maybe that’s the same thing. I do not have airmatic. Just sports mode that tightens the rebound I believe. Is that agility control???

 

[HarmeshK]

Maybe that’s the same thing. I do not have airmatic. Just sports mode that tightens the rebound I believe. Is that agility control???

Just so I’m clear here, are you talking about the new E class coupe? C238?

If so, the agility control is what gives you different settings that you can control from inside the car. Eco, comfort, sport and sport + I believe it is.

I’m under be impression that these settings alter the damping, but not the ride height.

However looking at my spec sheet, code 677 reads:

“AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping control and lowering”

It’s the “and lowering” bit that’s a little confusing, as it suggests the ride height adjusts, but I’m pretty sure it doesn’t. I’ve gone back to H&R with the spec sheet for confirmation, but I’m sure it will be ok.

 

[Behold81]

Just so I’m clear here, are you talking about the new E class coupe? C238?

If so, the agility control is what gives you different settings that you can control from inside the car. Eco, comfort, sport and sport + I believe it is.

I’m under be impression that these settings alter the damping, but not the ride height.

However looking at my spec sheet, code 677 reads:

“AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping control and lowering”

It’s the “and lowering” bit that’s a little confusing, as it suggests the ride height adjusts, but I’m pretty sure it doesn’t. I’ve gone back to H&R with the spec sheet for confirmation, but I’m sure it will be ok.

Yeah mine is certainly only dampening. its not actually on the datacard. need to check i may have missed it but hitting sport certainly makes the suspension and steering more firm.