In addition to my rear dif change out, I also bought K&R lowering springs from Carl at BergWerks. Please see the attached pics for the "after" picture. (I will try to add a "before" shot soon.)

The springs lower the car about 1.3", which isn't a lot. Until you get in - then you really feel like you are stepping DOWN into the car! The visual effect is quite subtle. Unless you are a Benz fan, and really know what the E class looks like, you may not even notice. I also have 16" wheels, which further narrow the gap between the tire and wheel well. I also did not want to lower so far that I wouldn't have room for a 17" wheel some day. I think from the front, it looks a bit like a 500E. A little more squat and aggressive.

They are somewhat stiffer in every day driving, although I hardly notice it over normal bumps and dips. Sharp edged bumps definitely come through more, and of course, I have to be careful parking next to curbs and going over tall speed bumps. The suspension hasn't really lost it's overall quality though. It's still very supple.

The car does handle better. There is less body roll, as you would expect, and it is more stable at 8/10th's and up. It's certainly no racing suspension, but it is a step up from stock.

The springs were $269 plus about $35 freight from BergWerks. Labor was an hour per wheel, or $450, plus a full front and back alignment, which the car needed anyhow, so the total bill was about $900. Definitely not the value I think I got with the rear dif swap, but a subtle upgrade that fits with the charater of the car. Somehow an E class doesn't quite fit into the "boy racer" mold!

Post with questions!

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__________________
Mike in Denver
'93 400E Now DEAD - Rear ended and totalled.
Replaced by '02 C32 AMG - FAST!