How to lower about 1.5 inches, 1982 300CD

[gregp1962]

Most of our w123s sit just a little bit too high to be visually satisfying. While I believe that there is a special place in hell for those that slam these cars, I would like it to sit just a little lower than they come from the factory. Mine looks about right when it it has a full tank of fuel and two bags of fertilizer in the trunk. What is the best way to lower it without looking "lowered"

[Maximan1]

H&R lowering springs provide 2" less ride height. The complete kit would be less than OEM springs IIRC.

[t walgamuth]

If you get a couple of 240 d front springs it will sag about what you want. 2" or so.

[Maximan1]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

If you get a couple of 240 d front springs it will sag about what you want. 2" or so.

This is my 240D with 300D engine. Not sure how much lower it is over stock (didn't measure before the swap).

[my83300cd]

I alway thought the raised rear of a 300cd combined with the lower roof made the cars appear a little more aggressive than a 300d.

I found that after 250k miles and having the suspension and front end sorted out to as new condition the car handled curves amazingly well for its size and weight.

With a full trunk of gear loading down the car, the stance might change, but the handeling did not seem to.

[t walgamuth]

The brown 300 looks just right to me. My CD always looked very high in front with stock 300 springs. The 240s I put 300 motors in drooped a bit in front, looked good and the handling was unaffected. The cars are designed to carry weight and still handle excellently.

They don't look or drive like a sports car but if you push them they will lean over and really dig into a corner.

Back when I autocrossed my 280e euro I remember working a corner at an event with a young man. We were watching the cars go by. I commented that I just hoped to win my class. He said which class I said four door cars. He said no way would I beat the Neon XR4ti. I said I'd try. Turns out I beat the Neon and my fellow corner worker's camaro as well.

[gregp1962]

I agree that the brown 4 door looks about right as far as height goes. A bit lower than stock. But, not too low.

[Maximan1]

Thanks, I like my ride height also. Like I said, they're essentially 240D springs in a 300D. It's a 300D engine and trans in a 240D.

Also, the tires are 205/70R14. They are a little bit bigger than stock, but they fill out the wheel wells nicer.

[gregp1962]

Do the tires rub when you hit a dip in the road or turn sharply?

[Maximan1]

No rubbing at all.

[OM617YOTA]

I'd go the opposite direction. Someone posted a picture of Mercedes factory service helping someone in the snow; the service folks had a lifted wagon of some sort. Looked fantastic.

[ROLLGUY]

I have lowered several 123's by cutting 1 to 1 1/2 coils off the spring. This has been done along with a suspension rebuild (LCA and guide rod bushings etc) since the springs have to be removed anyway. It really improves the look of these cars in my opinion.

[wally509]

ROLLGUY,
How much did that lower the car? I want to take 1/2"-3/4" out of the front of my 126 by cutting the springs. I'm trying to get an idea if that means 1/4 coil, 1/2 coil, etc.
These things always look like they have negative rake and that look bothers me. Not necessarily looking to lower the car, just put some rake in it.
I realize we're talking 123 vs 126, but...
Thanks,
Wally

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by wally509

ROLLGUY,
How much did that lower the car? I want to take 1/2"-3/4" out of the front of my 126 by cutting the springs. I'm trying to get an idea if that means 1/4 coil, 1/2 coil, etc.
These things always look like they have negative rake and that look bothers me. Not necessarily looking to lower the car, just put some rake in it.
I realize we're talking 123 vs 126, but...
Thanks,
Wally

I will look for a photo of the before and after (pretty sure I took one). Although it is not an easy task, cutting 1/4 turn off (at a time) the spring and installing it may be the best thing to do. You don't want to go too far the first time. I think the amount in height that is removed from the spring, is in close proportion to the amount lowered. Therefore, "IF" removing 1/4 turn of the spring makes it 1/4" shorter, then one can assume that removing a full turn will make the car 1" lower. IF= just a guess. I have only lowered three 123 wagons for a friend, and I took a full turn off the front springs, and the rear SLS valve adjusted (rod lengthened) for even ride height.

[vwnate1]

Interesting .

I find if I'm not careful I scrape the oil pan on my stock '84 300CD with rebuilt suspension so I have zero interest in lowering it, I have little difficulty in keeping uo with sports cars on my road rallies .

My brother's '87 300SDL has gone through sevral oil pans, some times it touches the ground in road dips, more often it hits parking lot blocks .

We've found a good shop that can usually heliarc (SP) the cracked or broken alloy .

Driveability is far more important than looking cool to me .