I ordered 17" wheels from OE Wheels and will be using 215x45x17 Nexen tires. Now, I'm thinking of lowering 1.6" with B&G lowering springs. Do I need to change pads? Does anyone know if I'll face issues that an alignment will not take care of? I've been reading about rear camber issues with lowering.

besides alignment, ride qauilty will be compromised and suspension could be damaged

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

It also makes you 1.6" more likely to hit something on the road!

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

You will have very limited suspension travel, you will be over stressing your upper strut mounts and bump stops and spring perches and ball joints, and your ride and real world handling will suffer greatly not to mention tire clearance and alignment issues. What looks good and may work O.K. on a glass smooth skid pad rarely works well in the real world. Are you building a show car or something that you actually plan on driving on real roads?

I would get a good alignment, and call it a day.


My car is lowered alot from stock, and it rides excellent. Not to mention it looks good too!

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Thanks for the input. I decided against lowering. I only wanted to change the stance slightly and the potential for problems is not worth it. Also, the 215x45x17's are pushing the limits for ride quality. Right? I'm wondering now if I should get 16's. oh dear, decisions

I have always been a fan of just leaving things pretty much as engineered by the factory and not spending money on modifications. Likely you will see a poor return on your investment.