Suspension setup...

[R2D2]

Old shock in situ

 

[R2D2]

New shock in situ. Bottom bolt replaced.

 

[R2D2]

Spring pad, anode, spring and new shock all back in place.

 

[R2D2]

Having again checked everything is seated properly and bolts torqued correctly. Then replace front wheels and get ready for the all important test drive.

 

[GrahamC230K]

Having again checked everything is seated properly and bolts torqued correctly. Then replace front wheels and get ready for the all important test drive.

I wait in anticapation to hear what you think.

Very nice thread Greg.

Having seen how easily you demonstrate how worn your old shocks are, I hope to be fitting my #1 pads and Sachs Super Tourings next week with Jimmy.

 

[R2D2]

RESULT.

Firstly this exercise has shown several things the first of which is that you do not notice the deterioration of your cars ride and handling as the shocks wear out. My shocks had covered 75000 miles and were not leaking or rusting or showing any visible sign of wearing out. The reality was when they were removed they were knackered - the return rate was utterly pathetic. I reckon Jimmy was right when he said shocks need checked properly from 30k onwards.

Secondly, this exercise has been about trying to get the magic combination of a sporty handling and limosine ride! The Sachs Super Tourings were supposed to be the perfect compromise (Willy started this thought with the"dont lower, fit Bilstein B6's" thread.)

Having fitted them and lowered the car a measured 10mm (? 8mm difference in spring pads!) you'll be wanting to know the result.

Well Steve, the ever helpful MB mechanic who fitted them for me, also was eager to know so we went for a test drive on acombination of roads and bumps and corners.

The results are amazing!!! The handling has definately been tightened up. The handling is now tight and composed, the car is understeering less (just like it used to when it was new), it doesnt dive when braking and doesnt rock or roll when weight distribution is altered in a bend. The handling is brilliant and just what I'd hoped for.

The ride is improoved not worsened, pot holes I felt yesterday are vanished and proper damping is restored.

The final verdict. WONDERFUL WONDERFUL, best mod yet!!!!!!! BIG THANKS to STEVE for fitting the kit and JIMMY for supplying my Super Tourings at a wonderful wholesale price!!

To those who are after brilliant handling without ruining your ride. Dont lower the car fit proper shocks!!!

 

[R2D2]

I wait in anticapation to hear what you think.

Very nice thread Greg.

Having seen how easily you demonstrate how worn your old shocks are, I hope to be fitting my #1 pads and Sachs Super Tourings next week with Jimmy.

I think you aregoing to like what I've just written! :bannana: :bannana: :bannana:

 

[altreed]

I have a set of new H&R springs on my AMG and didn't like the price of the replacement AMG shox. I am not after a track experience and am thinking of maybe the Sachs might replace my 84k old shox a treat? Any thoughts??

 

[R2D2]

If they do them for a C36 I'd have no hesitation at all and at 84k I reckon your shocks will be spent!

 

[altreed]

I thought that the c36 was just a c280 with a big mota and a few extras!

 

[R2D2]

maybe, I'll check but it maybe wont get done til tommorrow.

 

[jimmy]

Nice job and good to hear you like the results, so has changing the spring pads made the car sit nicer?

Interesting about the anode, I thought it was just a bit of crud built up around the base of the spring so I binned mine, perhaps thats why mine sits down much better now!!

I did use plenty of copper grease around the bottom of the springs so not much fear of corrosion for a while.

How easy is it to remove the trim panels in the boot to get at the rear shocks? It's a bit of mare for the estate, got to remove the whole floor and everything else.

 

[R2D2]

In the saloon Steve managed to remove the trim in seconds, its all just held in by friction!

I know what you are thinking Jimmy! Do it, you wont regret it!

Thanks for the excellent product and deal.

 

[jimmy]

I know what you are thinking Jimmy! Do it, you wont regret it!

Thanks for the excellent product and deal.

I'm thinking about Graham's for next weekend.

 

[GrahamC230K]

How easy is it to remove the trim panels in the boot to get at the rear shocks?

Trims comes right out without too much trouble, but can probably just put pulled back for that one nut either side.

Looking forward to it - I think with 95K miles and report of at least one shock leaking on my last MOT report, it could make a nice difference. The spring pads aren't going to make a massive difference to mine so all in all it makes the job more worthwile.

 

[GrahamC230K]

So have you got the after pics Greg?

I am interested to see if 10mm makes a real visual difference or not?

I am only going to get a 8mm difference rear and a measly 5 mm front on mine as already have lowish spring pads.

 

[R2D2]

Before

 

[R2D2]

After

 

[R2D2]

Actually all four wheels now have a clearance of 370mm (perfectly equal)

 

[GrahamC230K]

The front looks a little lower. Did you do the rear spring pads?