Ride Height - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

twinockchef · #1 03-04-2012, 02:27 PM

I changed the springs on my 68, 280 SE coupe (111) and the ride height is all out of whack. I need to know what the correct height for each wheel. The measurement needs to be from the center of the hubcap (star) up to the wheel arch.
The measurements on mine are.
16.69" (LF)
16.77" (RF)
10.63" (LR)
11.50" (RR)

Stretch · #2 03-04-2012, 03:38 PM

I've seen a picture of what you would need to do those measurements for a W123 (I know that doesn't help but read on!) and I tried to check the height of my car that way, however, I found in the FSM there was a whole chapter on making sure the car is level before doing an alignment.

For the W123 it involves checking relative heights of parts of the suspension - do you happen to know if a similar relationship exists for a W111? It might be a better way of doing it - though it probably won't be a fast method.

alabbasi · #3 03-04-2012, 04:32 PM

They should settle down by about 1" within 500 miles of driving.

twinockchef · #4 03-04-2012, 05:58 PM

I am waiting for it to settle but I believe that overall it is not right. When I installed the new springs I also put in new pads which are 30mm thick. This gives me a lot of room for a downward adjustment.
The bluebook does not give ride heights for anything and I need to know the base heights so that I can then make the proper adjustments.

alabbasi · #5 03-04-2012, 06:14 PM

Your new springs are shorter then the old ones. You could always cut 1/2 coil off each spring which will drop the height about an inch.

twinockchef · #6 03-10-2012, 02:20 PM

After reading some threads on the Pagada SL forum I learned that the rear ride height is determined by the camber of the rear wheels. On all 280s (S, SE, SEL not SLs), with springs, the camber on all wheels needs to be 0 degrees. The camber on the rear wheels is adjusted by the rubber on the top of the springs. So, if the camber is correct then the ride height will be correct.
The current camber on the rear wheels is +.5 degrees on the left and +.75 degrees on the right. The simple solution would be to subtract 6mm on the left and 9mm on the left. The problem is that there is that the right is 22mm higher than the left. Which means that camber correction will not correct the height difference on the rear axle.
The only thing I can think of is that the rubber on the compesation spring and the cross strut are worn and need to be replaced (parts ordered).
I found all of this information in the BBB in the wheel section.

The front ride height is determined by measuring the height between the inside and outside lower control arm pivot points. For my 280 se coupe it should be 89mm +/- 15mm. I will get the measurements today.

wbain5280 · #7 03-10-2012, 04:52 PM

The rear suspension upper bushing, in the trunk, will also determine ride height. The lower control arm bushings at the rear axle also determine ride height. Replace all the bushings and mounts.

Why did you replace the springs?

twinockchef · #8 03-10-2012, 08:22 PM

I was refering to the upper rubber which is where height adjustments are made on both the front and back.
Two reasons why I changed the springs. First the old ones were shot and second I wanted to stiffen up the ride with progressive springs. Even with the ride height off the handling is wonderfully stable.