Hi,

I have a 1995 C280 with 76,000 miles and I'm about to get Bilstein HDS put on, but I've run accross a good deal on Jamex lowering springs. Anyhow, I can get them put in for $400 total or get the thinnest spring pads put in for $400. I just wanted to get any suggestions on what would be the better route. I alreay have 16x7 205/55 and 16x8 22/50 rims and tires on the car and heard the JAMEX does a 1.5" drop so I wouldn't want any rubbing to happen. I can also get xenon lights (hopefully for around same money). I guess I asking for input on the best mod for my car considering its age and present mods. I am performance minded, and want it to corner better but don't want a harsh, truck-like ride, and want to get the most bang for my buck, since I am in college and don't have loads of $$$$ to blow.

Thanks,
Troy

Can you be a little bit more clear about the money. $400 for Jamex lowering springs only? Springs and Bilteins HD? springs pads only? Bilstein and spring pads?

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J.H.
'86 300E

Hi,

Just to clear things up. I have about $400 to spend and have already purchased the Bilstein HD's. I can buy and install the springs for $400 or buy and install the thinnest spring pads for $300. Also, on the other hand, I can get "real" xenon lights for $450. I am asking for reccomendations on what is the best purchase. I am performancem mined, but xenon lights sould like a real good deal. I hope this clears everuthing up.

Welcoming any suggestions, especially comments on driveablility/performance regarding Jamex lowering springs vs. thinnest spring pads.

Thanks,
Troy

If I understand your post correctly, you are going to either put in lowering springs for $400, or install thinner pads for $300. I don't know about on C class cars, but on my w124 300E the pads were dirt cheap - the cost was getting in there to install them. When I had my Sportline springs installed, it was only about $25 to install thinner pads at the same time. Your installer should be willing to put thinner pads in for you for very little money while he installing your Jamex springs, if it is anything like my car. (Assuming you want both). On the 300E, the thinner pads don't lower the car a whole lot. BTW, did you get the Bilstein HDs, or the Bilstein HD sports? I understand one of these is shorter to match lowering springs.

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John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

I havent heard of the jamex springs or anything, but I am pretty sure I have seen various h&R or Eibach spring kits for around the same money. though not sure about your car.

I personally would go with the suspension work over the headlights. Sure the Xenon is cool and all, but my personal taste is that the xenon light just does not look natural to me.

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Or, maybe the guys in MercedesShop PartShop can get you the real MB Sport springs and pads! That way you wouldn't have any doubts about the engineering for your car.

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John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

I have the Bilstein HD (same lenght as stock) in my car with everything else stock and, you can tell the difference in the ride. However, my goal was to stiffen the ride and yours is, I think, to stiffen AND drop the car. I read about JAMEX in a euro? magazine. You probably already know/heard of H&R and Eibach. My understanding is the H&R's are VERY stiff while, Eibach is "softer". I do not know much about Jamex. If the Jamex pads are polyurethane buy them. If they are rubber, stick with the MB brand for perfect fit and durability. I will only buy springs if I decide to buy bigger and wider wheels to "complete" the picture, until then...
I am with Ashman, go with the suspension. Remember, you can only see the xenons at night, while the suspension upgrade can be seen 24/7.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

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J.H.
'86 300E

Troy,

as you can read in some of the replies on your posts (about Xenon and lowering) I would forget completely about the xenons; the stuff put on internet is no good in comparison with the OEM mercedes system.
Lowering the car is something I can tell you about. The gain you get from the spring pads has nothing to do with the handling of the car and changing them will result in a lowered height of 5/10/15mm depending from the pads mercedes originally mounted.
The $300 mentioned is a rip-off. Changing the pads in rear will nearly take 1 hour and changing the front will take 2 till 3 hours.

I answered the handling of the car in another reply to one of your posts.

greetingz,

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1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)