jhuang

(some folks wanted pictures so I repeated some info from another thread here...)

When I purchased my bone-stock C43, I felt that it was sprung too high, resulting in more cornering roll than I liked, and of course, a goofy look while sitting still.

I decided to go to Euro AMG springs as fitted stock on Euro C43s, for these reasons:
[list=1][*]Wanted a slightly lower stance for better dynamics and better looks.[*]Did not want to change ride quality too much. The Euro springs are supposed to be the same overall spring rate as our US springs.[*]Wanted to stick with MB parts.[/list=1]

Here are pictures of the before:




and after:



I was very happy with the results. After a few weeks I think they settled a bit more. I think the overall drop was about an inch. No change in ride quality and slight better handling due to the lower center of gravity.

Part numbers are:

Front : 210.321.22.04
Rear : 210.324.34.04

I purchased the parts from Gert Carnewl in Belgium (he ships Euro Porsche parts anywhere worldwide) who can be reached at www.carnewal.com or at info@carnewal.com. Not affiliated, just a happy customer...

John

Denlasoul

Nice setup. Looks like almost an inch drop. I've heard about these springs b4, but you are the first to actually show some difference (pics) and part numbers, and stuff like that.

Have fun modding!

DLS

steve s

great!


if u actually put my c36 next to a 95 c280 (with nothing esle but 17"x7.5" monoblocks wearing 225-45-17), the c280 is actually lower than the c36. the wheel well gap in the c36 us spec is just ridiculous...

tpliquid

how come it is a 210 part #?

KWiK

just MB doing some parts sharing. Even the rear pads on my W203 use a 210 part #

tpliquid

but i didnt kno amg springs were just springs pulled form a E class.. that is kinda cheap dont u think? they would ahve made some better springs for the amg cars no?

KWiK

the springs are not the same, but the diameter of the springs in several MBs is. I think W202, W208, W210, W203, W170 all use the same diameter springs so they can all share spring pads.

tpliquid

yea. i kno. abut spring sizes. but they just pull springs from a e class to make stiffer...well..shows amg engineering..

jhuang

I **think** that the AMG Euro C43 springs are not simply pulled from any W210 E class. I will ask Gert to run a check, but I think that these spring parts are not used by any other vehicle. I'm told that occassionally, a non-chassis specific part number is apparently used during numbering even though the part is specific to particular chassis or model.

oosix

Did u change out the spring pads to #1 all around also or did u use the existing pads? If so, do u know what pads r u using? thanks.

scorchie

Yes, Mercedes makes springs in several variations of spring rate (stiffness) and length. These wide variations are then used in a multitude of applications. This is quite apparent when one removes stock "AMG" springs and notes that they are marked like any other Mercedes spring, with color swatches to indicate the spring rate (and length).

The "Euro AMG" spring part numbers posted here for the C43 are originally used in these applications:

E320 CDI
E320
E430
E55 (US)
E55 (EU)
E320 4-matic
E430 4-matic
E320T
E320T 4-matic

If one has a chart of the spring rates and lengths compared to the paint swatches/part numbers, one can usually find a set of OEM Mercedes springs that will provide the desired performance and ride height characteristics. Unfortunately, I do not have such a chart (except for the G-class), because I would like to find a set of OEM stiffness CLK55 springs that will lower both my CLK55 and C43. I find the CLK55 springs to be a bit stiffer than the H&R.

Also, a quick look at the EPC gives formulas to calculate how the springs are chosen. One can take all the option codes for a vehicle, then calculate the "points" which indicate the actual spring and spring shim (commonly called "pad") to use as the correct application.

-s-

scorchie

I neglected to mention that those are the W210 applications... the same springs also have a C43 and CLK55 application.

-s-

oosix

Scorchie,

Can one buy these charts from the dealer & what r they called? If not, where are they sold?

speedybenz

If I was to keep the USA C43 springs, I would just cut them to get the correct ride ht.

You will stiffen the spring rate slightly which will help control body roll in the corners, but ride quality will not change much.

I have measured the spring rate on the Eibach prokit springs for a C280 and the front springs measured out around 440lb/in. On my C280 I ran spring rates of 600lb/in in the front. On my new C43 I am having 700lb/in springs going in the front, due to the heavier V8 engine.

My experience shows that ride quality suffers just little, but is more influenced by the shock damper valving. In other words, even with much stiffer springs the ride was still very good and handling is great, with a nearly flat car through the corners. Plus the front end push is nearly gone and can be controlled by adjusting the knob on the Penske Shocks.

Jeff

oosix

Hey Speedy,

Thanx for ur email reply. It really helped.

Where did you get your custom sway bars from? I've been trying to buy a set but nobody has the eibachs in stock & the back order is 8 weeks and beyond. I was thinking of using the clk55 bars but need to find some way to get the measurments b4 I'll know if they'll be an improvement.

4ME AMG

I recently purchased the "Euro Spec AMG" springs from Gert in Belgium. (Excellent and fast service by Gert Carnewal, BTW!) I put them on, and put about 60 miles on them and don't like them. They lowered the car as described earlier in the post, but they drive too much like stock. Guess I'm just used to my stiff ride with H&R's.

Anybody want them...$300+shipping...or offer. I paid about $350 for them. Again, almost brand new with only 60 miles on them. I'm either going back to my H&R's or would consider trade for slightly used eibach's. I'm in the SF Bay Area.
Thanks

DC43

Hi 4ME AMG,

I bought my C43 a couple of weeks ago and have been thinking about the Euro springs. Maybe I'd get them a try. Do I need different pads as well?

-DC43 (I'm in SF Bay Area)

oosix

4ME AMG,

Would you be interested in an almost new H&R Cup Kit? I'm trying to sell mine b/c I'm leaving my car behind when I go to grad school and the Cup Kit is too low for my folks to drive. Almost new with only little more than 4k miles driven on it. It's on my c36. Lists for $885 but shops sell it for around $600. Want to sell for $420 or something.

4ME AMG

DC43,
It all depends on the look you're going for. I like things low, so I would use the thinest pad, and no worries about rubbing. The shims you can get at the dealer for about 8 or 9 bucks each. You probably already know that. Where in the bay area are you?

oosix,
Are they height adjustable? I don't think they are. How low did they take you? Thanks for the heads up. I can't go any lower than 1 1/4 with my current set up of tires.

oosix

4me AMG,

U're right that the Cup Kit is not height adjustable. I think height adjustable setups r available for the 203 not the 202. The kit comes with 4 dampers and 4 springs, all valved and matched to work specifically with the springs. Yes, kinda low. You can go as low as all tires are partially tucked inside of fenders to paralell tire&fender front and 1 finger gap rear with thickest pads all around (this is my setup now). Ride is surprisingly comfortable but at the same time, reduced body roll when making quick turns b/c (1) it's a lot lower than the stock setup & (2) the springs tighten up when pushed.

DC43

4ME AMG,

I'm in Fremont. Please see my email.

4ME AMG

DC43,
Sorry bro. I think I have an old email address on this thing. I'll change it (soon as i figure out how). I didn't get yours. Would you mind sending again to naim.bey@hillsdale.com.

I'm from Fremont. Small world.

scorchie

Bey, your outgoing mail from hillsdale also had a bad e-mail address... so I couldn't respond to your prior e-mail! (it was nab@hillsdale.com)

Just a heads up.

-s-

steve s

hey scorch, think u can give some more info on the epc?

4ME AMG

Hey Scorch,

Thanks for the heads up. I have changed it. My company changed the configurations or our address to include our full names. (B**tards!)

Are you still in the San Carlos area, and was it you that told me about Dean's Place? If so, is open to anyone. Would love to see and compare notes with other C43 owners, and get some tech help. Excellent insights on the "Euro Springs", btw.

Bey