You can definitely raise the cars with pads, unless you already have the largest pads available. It is true that you can count the little bumps on the edge of the pads to see what you have on the car right now. They are just little bumps lined up on the lip of the rubber cups that cushion the springs against the body of the car.

For my W124, they have 1, 2, 3, and 4 bump pads that are 8mm, 13mm, 18mm, and 23mm respectively. This is all information from the dealer and I actually purchased 1, 2, and 3 bump pads just to check them out for myself. In addition, changing the pad by 5mm increments actually changes the height at the fender by more like 7mm or 8mm, because of the geometry of the suspension. Contact the dealer’s parts department to see what they have for your car.

I had 3 bump all around when my car was stock, changed to 1 bump all around when I added the Eibachs, and then had to go back to 3 bump just in the rear because the Eibachs lowered the car more in the back. I wanted a symmetrical drop.

It is a pain and not cheap if not DIY, but don’t worry because you can get the car flat after a number of iterations.

__________________
I just couldn't give up on my 1995 E320.

I think it might be like always going back to that same bad relationship with an ex girlfriend.
You feel you love them too much, or you are just too stupid to know any better.



Flickr slideshow of my 1995 E320
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24145497@N06/sets/72157616572140057/