Progressive Rate Springs on Vintage MB

[toms]

Wonder if anyone on the list has any experience with progressive rate springs for their vintage Benz. I am interested in retaining the soft ride that I enjoy on the highway while improving (tightening) cornering and overall handling of the car. I have tried the poly bushings but there is somewhat of a trade off between comfort and handling.

I am not planning on racing the car or doing autocross.

I guess I want to have my cake and eat it too.

Anyone have any experience with these springs?

[toms]

I just installed progressive rate springs on my 1971 280sl (w113). The difference in all around driving is remarkable.

When cruising on the highway, the ride is soft, not floating, but smoother than the stock suspension. Long distance driving will be much more enjoyable with the new springs.

Braking no longer causes the forward plunge, which is a real problem with the stock springs. Stopping is straight and strong.

Cornering-hard to describe, other than tight, very tight. Just doing a 360 in the parking lot at low speed is noticeably different. Quick maneuvering from lane to lane is substantially enhanced.

The only negative I see is that, while the springs measured the same as my existing springs (other than the compensating spring), the car sits up noticeably higher. The springs don't give as much, thus the weight of the engine and fuel tank with fuel do not compress the springs as much. I think I will end up preferring the look of the car with a little more height, but I was taken back by the increase in stance-looks like the car is on steroids!



This is the single most meaningful enhancement I have made to this car.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Tom,
Where did you get your springs? Are they availible for other years/models of Mercedes?

Happy Motoring, Mark