I have owned an '87 190E for just over a year, with 123K miles on, an auction purchase.

Great car except..the car's been lowered too much at the front, so even small speed humps knock the sump (I've had to repair it's small front corner crack over a dozen times now else it leaks sump oil!).

Back end appears standard ride height. I think standard 190E's sit too high, esp. at the front - I prefer the lowered look, but mine as is is frankly silly (it slopes down too, and needs lower 185/55 X 15 profile tyres to clear the front arches!).

I have seen lowering kits available giving -40mm height from standard. Would these springs (it's only the springs I need, as the Merc struts seem OK) give me acceptable ride height, and would they allow fitment of the standard (185/65 X 15) tyres without tyre scrub on the arches?

If so, does anyone have recommendations for particular makes of lowering springs - I'm in the UK?

Thanks for any info!

Hi!

I would leave your springs alone and, rather, buy thicker spring pads. These are rubber pads that go between the top of the spring and the spring perch. These pads are available in four different sizes, 1 being the thinest and 4 being the thickest. They only cost about $5 a piece. You probably need size 4. This would raise your car up enough to eliminate you scraping problem.
The other thing I would suggest is to replace your shocks with Bilstein Sports or Koni Adjustables. Because these are quite a bit stiffer than your OEM shocks, this alone might solve your problem. I have Konis on my lowered 190E-16V and when adjusted to full hard, these shocks really reduce the amount your car dips on bumps.

Hope this helps!

-Daniel

87 190E-16V Blk/Blk 5Spd.

Interesting Dan, thanks for that info - I wasn't aware there were rubber pads up there! I shall look into that, cheers!

It sounds like your springs are shot. If you want to bring it up, get new springs. Eibach should make a set that has the right rate or firmer if you like and height for your ride. Be sure to match the new shocks so thee valving is right.

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Originally posted by MoTheMerc:
Interesting Dan, thanks for that info - I wasn't aware there were rubber pads up there! I shall look into that, cheers!

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Looked up in the spring upper mounts today and sure enough, there is a rubber pad about 0.25 inches thick stuffed up there each side.

Phoned my local MB dealer and after a lengthy search on their 'puter, they said for standard suspension cars they only come in one thickness, but the guy was unable to say what it was.

The sports suspension versions apparently have 3 or 4 different thicknesses but again the guy didn't know what these were or if they were suitable for fitting to standard suspension models.

They didn't have any in stock and take about a week to order up, costing £4.79 each + VAT. Without knowing whether the new ones would be thicker than the ones I have, I didn't bother ordering. Guess I'll have to try other suppliers...

Maybe I could get away with fitting two or three sets of 0.25inch pads to raise the car?

BTW, The front springs have a peeling red paint on - I guess this indicates they're aftermarket springs, as surely MB paint wouldn't peel would it?!

Fitted the new (thickest size 4) spring pads yesterday, it took about 4 hours to do both sides - hey, first time I've dealt with coil springs and I was working outside in the cold and it was dark by the time I'd finished <sob>...

It has elevated the front by about an inch as previously the thinnest (size 1) pads were fitted. Noticeably smoother ride and less nervous steering as a result, and the car's now on a more even keel. Thanks to all those who supplied info :-)