W211 Bilstein suspension upgrade...

[st4]

Well, here goes.

I replaced the OEM suspension on my car (W211 E320cdi V6CDI sports) for Eibach lowering springs and B12 Blistein dampers.

As you can see the car is lowered considerably.
New



Old




As we know, reducing a cars ride height reduces pitch and roll and therefore can impart a better ride quality. So does it?

No, it doesn't. The dampers are much firmer.

So what good is it. The answer is a lot. The car feels tighter to drive, is able to change direction more quickly which imparts a safety benefit. It makes it more progressive to drive and the car corners a bit flatter, and a bit harder.

Lowering the car has also improved efficiency, I notice at motorway speeds a 2mpg improvement. This is good.

Actually, there is little bad I can say about this set up, it enhances the way the car drives, removes the 211 spring weaknesses with replacing with better quality parts.

Remember, its a modification. I had to change insurer from swift cover as they would not cover a modified car, and I approached Adrain Flux which organised a quote that was little more than what I was paying Swift Cover.

I'd recommend this modifcation to anyone who is looking to change their suspension, or who has a 211 who's springs are tired.

Its given the car an ability to travel cross country as rapidly as a C class sport with the optional drivers package (adjustable dampers)



Oh. As its lowered, be careful in supermarkets and loose road surfaces, it doesn't do these quite as well.

I am looking to, if I keep the car for another two years to change to non OEM wheels that do not corrode?

What would the panel recommend. I quite like the AMG wheels and painted black I think would set the car off nicely. Mine take 265 tyres, the AMGs take 285's so maybe a little more grip at the back?

Or some BBS wheels, or would these look silly on a Mercedes?

I can mod the car nicely now, insurance scheme I am in is great for that, declare and pay up.

[SavMan]

Steve

Sits nice, I love the B12 kits had them on a previous W210. Take a look at Forgestar F14's in black they look nice on a silver saloon they are also very light.

Attachment 29935
Lopes80 has BBS LM's on his car so take a look.

[st4]

I like them. I'd go no larger than an 19inch wheel and preferably a 18inch wheel but that car looks magic.

BBS's in gloss black with silver lip. Would look amazing.

[SavMan]

Love the 3rd and 4th shots by the way very professional.

[HB]

We ll talk about wheels on wednesday. I'm so pleased you like the way the car is now. Once you lower a car , you will always lower every car you have.

[C240Sport97]

Originally Posted by st4

I like them. I'd go no larger than an 19inch wheel and preferably a 18inch wheel but that car looks magic.

BBS's in gloss black with silver lip. Would look amazing.

ride quality on 19" is likely to be uncomfortable ...

[whitenemesis]

Before

After


Handling massively improved, along with the looks!

It'll grow on you Steve, till you wonder how you managed to drive around on stilts!!

[st4]

Originally Posted by HB

We ll talk about wheels on wednesday. I'm so pleased you like the way the car is now. Once you lower a car , you will always lower every car you have.

Agree. Wish I bought a bogo standard car, saved money and done the suspension this way....

Looking forward to Wednesday and I'll rant and rave about how nice and direct she is to drive.

Originally Posted by C240Sport97

ride quality on 19" is likely to be uncomfortable ...

I saw Lopes80's posts re this and he went for 18's. I'd quite like the wheels you have, but get them painted black,

Originally Posted by whitenemesis

Before

After


Handling massively improved, along with the looks!

It'll grow on you Steve, till you wonder how you managed to drive around on stilts!!

Loving it Peter, agree re the drive and the looks. Awesome. Just not for roadworks with loose chippings and speed bumps.

[whitenemesis]

Have learnt great respect for speed bumps/car park ramps/raised curbs!!

Just don't try and straddle those annoying speed humps 'cos it will rip the exhaust off!

[C240Sport97]

Originally Posted by st4

I'd quite like the wheels you have, but get them painted black,

not a fan of black wheels

[RMS]

would just changing the springs give reduced roll but with comfort of the OEM dampers?

with regards to the wheels BBS may look silly as they are better suited to old BMWs and VAG cars but i supose it depends on which you choose

Try AMG/Brabus/Lorinser or Carlsson give an idea of what suits mercs i think

[st4]

Originally Posted by C240Sport97

not a fan of black wheels

Fair do. On a silver or white or black car they can look great IMHO.

Originally Posted by RMS

would just changing the springs give reduced roll but with comfort of the OEM dampers?

with regards to the wheels BBS may look silly as they are better suited to old BMWs and VAG cars but i supose it depends on which you choose

Try AMG/Brabus/Lorinser or Carlsson give an idea of what suits mercs i think

Whilst the dampening is harsher, it does allow for a better driving experience.

One thing to note is the suspension travel is less, so you can smack the bottom of the car off the road, which I have done and it was very very funny....

Aye, I see also what you mean about the wheels, I will look at these other makes too.

[whitenemesis]

Worth remembering Steve, the lowest the car can go is the same as with standard suspension (fully laden). It's just the starting height that is different

[st4]

Originally Posted by whitenemesis

Worth remembering Steve, the lowest the car can go is the same as with standard suspension (fully laden). It's just the starting height that is different

So the undertray was destined to be whacked off the road, good, I will rest easy.

Never have the car fully laden, even with tents and BBQ's its ok

[whitenemesis]

Originally Posted by st4

So the undertray was destined to be whacked off the road, good, I will rest easy.

Never have the car fully laden, even with tents and BBQ's its ok

I was concerned the car would bottom out with 5 up but Bilstein stated it can't go any lower than MB designed it to. I had problems with humps even before the drop!