Sports coupe shocks replacement for softer suspension

[Renault-Benz]

I love my Sports Coupe 2007 (bought third-hand) but its sports suspension gives quite a hard ride. It seems unsuited to such a heavy, refined cruiser-style car, particularly an un-nippy diesel chugger, yet there it is.

I have replaced the original 17 inch wheels and tyres with 16 inch and taller tyres from a 2000 W203 saloon which has made a very nice difference, the car is far more comfortable.

But I am interested in going further. Can I get a garage to replace the shocks and coil springs (presumably they are 'sports suspension grade units) with 'normal' grade shocks and springs from a carparts website (having made sure they fit the model)?

Would it be that simple?

I am not bothered that the original geometery and handling characteristics would be altered - I wasn't keen on them in the first place. I love the car but just want it a little more adept at handling rougher roads - even having a raised ride height due to diferent springs would be beneficial.

Any response or advice much appreciated.

Alex

 

[MBDevotee]

Not sure what the insurance implications would be - but I suspect you'd be ok if the suspension parts were suited to car.

However if they are designed to fit - it doesn't mean the ride will be better - manufactures spend MILLIONS tuning suspension - just fitting some new parts that aren't balanced to the car is no guarantee it will ride better, it may handle a lot worse in the process.

I think the reduction in wheel size was a good idea - will a slightly higher profile tyre fit?

 

[Hustler]

I've got the pre-facelift C200 Coupe and really dislike the car's suspension - every slight 'bump' or small pothole on the road feels unnecessarily hard, noisy and uncomfortable when driving. When I drive other cars, I really appreciate their suspension, driving is so much smoother, comfortable and quieter as you cannot feel the small imperfections on the road.

So am also interested in finding out how ride comfort can be improved like the OP

Recently watched this video on Youtube on changing shocks and was thinking whether a decent set of new shocks could improve and soften suspension.

 

[Dogfish]

Hmmm.
Been toying with this idea for months now, the rear suspension needs new damper now so went and got a set of "Gas Adjust" ones and think I will swap out the orig 2 blue stripes springs out and put in a "Sachs" one. I plan also to do the droplinks which are waaayyyy overdue.

As an aside, Id like to replace the bearings at the top of the front struts. Hoping it may settle some of the clonks.

Maybe doing the rear this weekend...hoping it does not rain.:grin:

 

[yorkshire1]

I love my Sports Coupe 2007 (bought third-hand) but its sports suspension gives quite a hard ride. It seems unsuited to such a heavy, refined cruiser-style car, particularly an un-nippy diesel chugger, yet there it is.

I have replaced the original 17 inch wheels and tyres with 16 inch and taller tyres from a 2000 W203 saloon which has made a very nice difference, the car is far more comfortable.

But I am interested in going further. Can I get a garage to replace the shocks and coil springs (presumably they are 'sports suspension grade units) with 'normal' grade shocks and springs from a carparts website (having made sure they fit the model)?

Would it be that simple?

I am not bothered that the original geometery and handling characteristics would be altered - I wasn't keen on them in the first place. I love the car but just want it a little more adept at handling rougher roads - even having a raised ride height due to diferent springs would be beneficial.

Any response or advice much appreciated.

Alex

If you can specifically determine the actual spring setup youve got on your vehicle at the moment from VIN /colour stripes etc you stand a chance of making the ride softer ,if not you risk replacing the lot and ending up at square one ,in theory youre right though it will work

 

[Parkgate]

If your car has sports suspension then surely the ARB's would need swapping for the smaller diameter standard anti roll bars to make the car more compliant if your trying to soften the ride and not just the springs? Also not all tyres are created equal, some tyres give a harsher ride than others, going from 17" wheels to 16" wheels doesn't or shouldn't make much of a difference (only 1/2" less wall height for the same rolling diameter). What tyres is your car on, and are they of the correct load rating? When I first bought my used w209 it was fitted with Hankook V12's, which where hopeless and felt like the car was 'flopping' into corners, then I swapped to Falken 914's, good but harsh and fairly loud on rough surfaces, now on Goodyear Eagle F1 Assy's 2's, superb.

 

[EmilysDad]

.... going from 17" wheels to 16" wheels doesn't or shouldn't make much of a difference (only 1/2" less wall height for the same rolling diameter). ....

but noticeable none the less. I went the other way on my last car (V6 Omega). It originally came with 16" rims which I swapped to 17" from the later model, the difference in ride was noticeable ...... but I still kept the later rims

 

[Parkgate]

If you changed the wheels. then you also changed the tyres, I don't understand
what your saying or your logic? 16 to 17 isn't a huge leap, the tyres will play a far larger part than the wheel diameter on a 1 inch increase in wheel size.