So have I got this right please??

[LawrenceMB]

Hi, thanks heaps to all those who replied to my Q's on changing front springs & tyres on my W210 e320 elegance estate. Just to be sure I've understood correctly in summary:
As long as I can find an Avantgarde e320 or e320 cdi as a donor car & I took all 4 road springs, all 4 17inch wheels, & both front dampers then I could use that as a very basic sports/stiffer ride set if I swapped all the components with the Origional Elegance components currently fitted to my vehicle? Would it be a good idea to get anything else off that doner Avantgarde while I had the chance suspension-wise so it would work without any issue of changing geometry to the detriment? (ie: chewing tyres on edges? wheel contact to wing on full lock?, etc, etc?)
I understand the rear dampers I don't have to worry about as it has self levelling rear suspension fitted. Is that right?
Breifly my thinking is I collect this stuff over the next 10 months I've got in the UK so I can fit it when we emmigrate to New Zealand to suit the more winding country roads without so many sleeping policeman (speed bumps we call them) & I'd still have the elegance set of these components in case it was an issue on NZ roads & I could still use the elegance set here whilst still in London with all it's sleeping policeman & traffic?
what do you think please? Thanks, Lawrence

 

[d w124]

I`d just change the alloys and not worry about anything else

 

[DSM10000]

Firstly are you sure that your car has self leveling rear suspension?

Secondly, if you are looking for a donor vehicle how do you know what condition the springs and dampers are in? Would you not be better just buying new so you start from a known point rather then using part worn suspension components? Try looking on NZ car parts websites, they may be cheaper over there.

As Dieselman has said, the springs for a CDi are different to a petrol model so you need to ensure the parts match your vehicle. I think that parts from Mercedes are not that expensive, have you enquired? If you bought them here and exported them to NZ you may be able to reclaim the VAT or buy them VAT exempt although there may be NZ import duty to pay.

 

[GP801]

As above. Why change the rest? As long as you get 17s that are suitable offset for a 210 then no problem.

 

[d w124]

I think that parts from Mercedes are not that expensive

 

[SAFC]

Is the suspension THAT much different for speed bumps at, say, 10-20 mph? Seems like a lot of work ....

 

[SAFC]

Springs

Firstly are you sure that your car has self leveling rear suspension?

Secondly, if you are looking for a donor vehicle how do you know what condition the springs and dampers are in? Would you not be better just buying new so you start from a known point rather then using part worn suspension components? Try looking on NZ car parts websites, they may be cheaper over there.

As Dieselman has said, the springs for a CDi are different to a petrol model so you need to ensure the parts match your vehicle. I think that parts from Mercedes are not that expensive, have you enquired? If you bought them here and exported them to NZ you may be able to reclaim the VAT or buy them VAT exempt although there may be NZ import duty to pay.

About £40 each, I'd say, from M-B too.

 

[DSM10000]

You might be surprised. Some parts are very reasonable especially if you try a company like Inchcape who sell off surplus stock online.

 

[LawrenceMB]

Thanks for your comments there guys
I've checked this table for genuine alloys offsets
Alloy Wheels Direct Ltd | Fitting Chart Index
and as long as I get geuine alloys the only difference in the offset is only '4' which I'm presuming is in millimeters so are also presuming it wouldn't be a problem? Plus am I right in thinking if they're genuine mb alloys & came off a W210 estate, albeit an Avantgarde, then they should be ok on my elegance anyway?
The reason I was considering replacing all 3 components is I now understand that the bigger avantgarde 17inch wheels will look odd on my factory-higher-riding elegance, so would look & work better with the lower ride height the avantgarde springs would give me, and if I fit avantgarde springs I need to replace the dampers with avantgarde too to match the shorter springs & firmer spring rate. Have I understood this advice wrong?
And Yes, I've definitely got self levelling rear suspension on my elegance estate.
What do you think? Thanks, Lawrence

 

[NW_Merc]

Why bother getting a donor car? Just go and buy the stiffer springs and shocks which you may need to change from the stealer (sorry dealership) or car parts supplier. Otherwise you're gonna be doing a whole load of work for no real reason.

 

[GP801]

I still dont see why 17s would look odd on an elegance. The diameter of the wheel + tyre will be exactly the same - give or take the odd mm.

 

[d w124]

Lawrence,I know it`s not a 210 but just to give you an idea

Here a picture with 15s on

And here`s the same car with 17s and standard suspention

 

[LawrenceMB]

Lawrence,I know it`s not a 210 but just to give you an idea

Here a picture with 15s on

And here`s the same car with 17s and standard suspention

Thanks mate! That's pefect! (Nice 124 T-wagon too - the larger alloys really smarten an estate up don't they?). Thanks again

And thanks to you all who have replied - this forum is so friendly & helpful - Invaluable & Much Aprreciated !!