Lowering 300E!

[AV]

Hello
Could someone let me know if its possible to lower a 300E 1988 model by just changing the pads(ie spring Pads)and if so how do i go about doing it.I want to lower only a little bit for the wheelwell to be filled by 16 inch wheels.
all ideas and cautions welcomed.
Thanks
AV

[JCE]

AV:

This thread has the info on the spring pad thickness as it relates to the number of bumps on the pad. The labor to change the pads should be about the same as doing the springs - you ought to order some Sportline springs to go in at the same time, because I don't think the pads will lower the car enough for what you want. If you have the right tire on the 16" rim, the diameter is going to be about the same as the 15" setup, so the space to the fender well will pretty much stay the same. the pads might lower 1/2", and the Sportline springs should give you another 1/2".

Spring Pads?

[2phast]

Keep in mind that the different thickness's of spring pads are not designed to lower the car. Mercedes engineered those for alignment tweaking, so the thickness between the step one pads and the step fours would not even be noticeable, maybe 1/4 of a inch at best.

Select a high quality spring like the H&R or Eibach, both should lower your car around 1.5 to 2". On my 300E, I used H&R and cut one coil off of them. That dropped the car to the tires (215/45/17 on 17x8 wheels) and it road excellent.

[J.HIDALGO]

Speaking of alignment tweaking.
2phast, with you car being so low. Did you have any problems with the alignment?

[2phast]

Well, like most Mercedes, there is only so much adjustment for toe in, after all was said and done, I was running about 1/2 degree negative camber. That will wear the inside of your tires quicker, so you would need to rotate your wheels/tires more often.

Do keep in mind that I lowered my car 3-3.5 inches. A bit extreme, but if you are using just some after market springs, I would not expect you to experience much negative camber after a alignment. Check with your local alignment shop though.

2Phast do you have any pics of your ride. Also doesn't your car rub because I have H&R's and it is pretty low and rubs slightly in the front.

Woah!!!!! 3-3.5 inches!!!! that's incredible. I just purchased some Bilstein sport springs (not shocks...I know, I didn't think they made them either), and I'd love to see some pictures of your car to see how low it really is. I want mine to be low... but I don't know about THAT low. I was thinking about cutting some off of my springs as well but I don't know how much to cut so I'd love to see some pictures of people's rides lowered. Thanks

I'm out like a fat kid in dodge ball...
ShuPIMPsky