need some help with bump pads...
 

Hey everyone, here is my predicament. I had H&R lowering springs installed a while back, and the drop was quite a bit more than I expected. Even then with my 15s, I had rubbing up front while I was taking u-turns. Now, I installed 18x8 carlsson evos, just like subman's, and I am getting rubbing even more often (obviosly) I rolled the fenders, so now when I cam going straight, nothing rubs. I get crazy scary rubbing when I am taking turns though, or going up hills at an angle. I don't know what else I can do. The drop up front is quite dramatic, and coupled with my new wheels, there is about a pinky-space (flat ways) between the wheel and the fender (height wise). Now, while this looks absolutely fabolous, im sure this is why my car is rubbing. Looking at it from a logical perspective, the car can only roll a few degrees before it comes crashing down on one of my tires while im turning, and if I hit a small bump, there is definetaly going to be contact. Now, this whole thing has got me scared sh$%less, im afraid that the tire is going to rub and burst on me while im taking a turn, and im gonna end up 5 feet underground... So, now that I have told all of you my story, the point of this whole post was, how much difference is there height-wise between 1 bump and 3 bump pads, and does mercedes make 4 or 5 bump pads for the front? I hate to change the awesome look of my car, but if I can't drive it, who cares what it looks like... And, if there are any other suggestions as to what I can do, short of being smart and getting rid of the 18s (they are so beautiful, its impossible to put into words) please feel free to share.

for the 124.
1 bump = 8mm
2 = 13mm
3 = 18mm
4 = 23mm

There are plenty of threads on this site about ride heights on 124 but here is a good one:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=22569&highlight=pads

Jeff

thanks, I don't think the thicker bump pads will ruin the look of my car, and I think they might just be enough to save me from haveing a catastrophic blowout...

What ever you do don't let the tires rub under the fenders or it will quickly heat and burn the paint. That is a real bummer. A true heartbreaker when you have to repaint.

Well aside of course from the simply dangerous part of having your tires contact the body of the car.

yea, I was afraid of friction as well. Luckily, the tires only rub for short periods of time (a second max), so any damage will be limited to the inside of the fender lip, which you can't see anyway...

A quick question though, can you buy the 23mm pads for the front? I checked on fastlane, and they only have up to 3 bump. I figure id buy 2 and 3 bump pads and try them out to see where I can get the right match. 4 bump pads would be good to try out too, but I can't seem to find any.

you should talk to subman...

He will help you out

Alon

You never posted what tires you have mounted on your 18's. There may be a width/profile combination that'll get you where you need to be. Might want to try Luke at the Tirerack forum.

Brian16V

I have kumho ecstas running 225/40 up front and 235/40 in the back.

Like I said talk to subman, he has lots of info on 18's ona w124 and rubbing etc.

Alon

thanks alon, Ive been talking to subman. Great guy and he knows his 18s, has been a real help.