How Do You "drop" A Cars Ride - Springs I Know But How ?

[DSLiverpool]

Cars new 18" wheels will be purchased any day - after the MAF and the all systems reset its lovely!

I think she rides high - is a sport spring kit available or any advice on dropping a little to make it look a bit and less

I have never done this - who would do it ? would a dealer do it ? I have read on here about hacksawing springs

A idiots guide to a medium dropping iof riding height mucho appreciated

(thanks whoever reduced the pic - I tried and failed)

 

[BaldGuy]

For starters a hacksaw and cars suspension DO NOT go together....... There are three ways to lower your car depending on budget...

1) A set of quality sport springs from manufacturers like H&R , Eibach or Bilstein, with this route you will use your existing shock absorbers so the max of 35mm lowering is the max using your current shock absorbers.

2) The next is a full susepnsion kit comprising of 4 sport springs matched to 4 sport shocks..(by far the best route if your suspension is tired)

3) The last way is to get a rather large set of friends to live in the car... this will surely give you a low stance.... This will also be the most expensive as you'll need to feed them!!!

I'm sure the resident gurus will come along shortly and add to this.....

 

[A-AvantGarde]

I'm due to have the Bilstein B12 kit fitted to my W203 shortly. I assume you're refering to lowering your R129 SL and not the CLS 55!

Definitely don't cut the springs, lowering is typically done by using lowering springs, however it's best to mate these with new dampers / shock absorbers. Hence the kit that I've chosen it contains both elements, the shocks & springs.

Bilstein B12's are well reviewed in Merc circles.

 

[Alps]

i think CLS is air suspennsion isnt it? u may need a electronic module like on the 211 E55`s. maybe someone else can shed some light on this!

 

[Dieselman]

I think DS is referring to his R129.

Does this car have ADS suspension or metal springs? If it's ADS then it's adjustable, if springs then buy some lowering ones as suggested.

 

[DSLiverpool]

Thanks guys its the SL BUT a quick note on the CLS with airmatic - once you get to a certain sped it drops down 12mm (im sure its more) and stiffens up - the effect is that first time it happened i thought I had a flat and backed off it went comfy again - sped up - rock hard. Anyhoo - no ads on the SL, i will explore the bilsteins - would they have a dealer who fits ? Demon Tweaks is nearish to me I may have a looksy are they or I remember them from my teens

A-Avantgarde can you give me a rough £ pls

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Thanks guys its the SL BUT a quick note on the CLS with airmatic - once you get to a certain sped it drops down 12mm (im sure its more) and stiffens up - the effect is that first time it happened i thought I had a flat and backed off it went comfy again - sped up - rock hard. Anyhoo - no ads on the SL, i will explore the bilsteins - would they have a dealer who fits ? Demon Tweaks is nearish to me I may have a looksy are they or I remember them from my teens

A-Avantgarde can you give me a rough £ pls

Yep, try Demon Tweeks, think Euro Car Parts can also supply Bilstein.

Sent you a PM re the cost...

 

[Alps]

I recommend H&R for lowered springs, will not change the ride comfort by much. try elite wheels and tyres.

 

[Shude]

I recommend H&R for lowered springs, will not change the ride comfort by much. try elite wheels and tyres.

I fancied the "cup kit" comprising of springs and matching dampers but the drop indicated would put the bodywork about an inch under the tarmac IIRC so extra-thick spring shims would probably be needed

 

[DSLiverpool]

Demon Tweeks will supply and fit but dont do Bilsteins they have

Koni, spax, eibach of the ones I have heard of and a few I havent - the fact I can drive there and have it done without pain is a big attraction as I hate hassle

Will advise how we get on

 

[Dieselman]

Koni, spax, eibach of the ones I have heard of and a few I havent

Eibach would be the most common to use on Merc and probably feel the least brittle of those brands.

 

[Shude]

Demon Tweeks will supply and fit...

A few years ago I asked them how long it would take for the springs to settle and the salesman told me the car would be taken for a "test drive" around the industrial estate to speed up the settling process.

Needless to say, I decided against their services!

 

[DSLiverpool]

I would wait with the car - i doubt the kids would want to rag a sl320 !

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Eibach would be the most common to use on Merc and probably feel the least brittle of those brands.

I'd second that, Eibach is a good fit for Merc too...

 

[Bazzle]

Konis make a good shock. Alot of us use them on SLKs.
Also with lowered springs be aware camber may need correcting.

 

[Uberwagon]

If your car has spring cup pads (I'm pretty sure the R129 does) then you can lower all 4 corners for about 20 pounds.

Ask at the dealers, you get different height ones.

Same ride, no need to throw away perfectly serviceable parts, cheap and easy.

Dave!