Lowering a CLK 320 Elegance (2000 model)

[rsunner]

My CLK 320 (2000 model) has 18 inch alloys.

It rides well - but I want to lower the car - so it handles better and sits better.

Being an elegance - i tend to get a lot of body roll through bends.

1) Will lowering improve this. (Eibach springs have been recommended) ?

2) Being an elegance - do i need to change the shocks also ?

3) Will the ride become too harsh ?

4) Has anyone lowered a 320 Elegance ?

Any thoughts ?

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 2227]

Hi, step 1. read this thread http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=11872
then step 2. Ring Jimmy who will sort you out some decent shocks!

 

[mrbon]

I just lowered my 2000 avantgarde on 18's with eibach springs only, not shock, i dont know what the difference is between avantgarde and elegance suspension as a starting point, but i lowered it 30mm and now it handles much better and also looks more "complete" as a whole car if you see what i mean, because it now looks as if the wheels are intended to be on it, wheras previously they looked out of place due to the ride height and arch gap.

You should just get some eibach springs (from www.motorsportworld.co.uk, as they seem to be a lot cheaper than anywhere else i found), get them fitted and enjoy!

The ride still seems comfortable, albeit a little more uncomfortable over potholes etc!

 

[rsunner]

Hi,

Where did you get you eibachs fitted from.

How much was it to fit them.

thanks

 

[mrbon]

Just got my local garage to fit them, its no different from fitting a standard spring so you dont need a specialist etc.

Cost me £150 to get them fitted.

 

[rsunner]

Now i just need to find out if my shocks need changing

Are the elegance and aventgarde shocks the same ?

 

[Shude]

Are the elegance and aventgarde shocks the same ?

Unlikely

 

[rsunner]

Hi After - lowering the car - is wheel alignment required / recommended ?

Any thoughts / experiences

Thanks

 

[mrbon]

usually it is needed as the shock strut etc is removed and the alignment gets completely undone, im not sure about on the CLK as from what i could see the springs arent connected to the shocks like they are on other cars?

hopefully its not neccessary, i havent had mine checked yet but it feels the same as it did before...

 

[rsunner]

Hi just had eibach springs fitted (pro kit)

car rides better -but the gap between the front wheel arch and wheel is still about 60 mm.

Any thougtss... ideas ...

Thanks

 

[SportsCoupeRich]

over time it will get lower when the springs 'bed'

 

[rsunner]

Hi mrbon

The eibach springs have now been fitted.

The back looks lower but there doesn't seem to be much difference on the front. (Handling has improved).


Measuring from the centre of the wheel to the arch (after lowering)

front = 370 mm

Rear = 350 mm

Does that sound about right ? Any chance you could provide measurements on you car.

Thanks