Lowering suspension

[Rinehart]

I have questions regarding the lowering of the suspension on my car:

1. What impact does it have on the handling? Pro or Con?
2. To be most advantageous is upsizing the wheels appropriate? What size?
3. What is the consensus for the degree of lowering?
4. What is best manufacturer of a suspension lowering package?
5. What should I expect regards costs of the complete package?
6. Does the lowering of the car sustancially impact clearance?
i.e. speed bumps, driveway inclines, etc

Any advice you-all can give would be most appreciated.
1988 300CE

 

[popuptoaster]

All of the above depends how much you lower it, bigger diameter wheels rarely improve handling, although they can allow you to go to a lower profile tyre while keeping the same rolling radius, lower cars can give the perception of improved handling as the CoG comes down so the car leans less, quite often though lower means stiffer and stiffer is not always better on bumpy roads, smooth race tracks are not the same as roads.

A proper handling package with all the parts designed to work together is a good idea if you want improved handling, if your just after better looks some shorter springs from anyone will do the job, lowering can increase tyre and driveshaft wear and increase braking distances if you go to low.

 

[clk200]

My car is lowered 60mm at the front and 40mm at the rear, (however im using number 5 spring pads on the front and number 2 on the rear). I used h&r springs.

Ive used Brabus shocks, they are very similar to the bilstein sport shocks.

I have 18" wheels with 235 40 18 tyres.

I dont use the car daily, so ride quality isnt my biggest concern. That being said, anyone that sits in my car is suprised at how comfortable it is.

The car handles like a different model, Ive got 3 w124's at present, the others are AMG E36's, and even the AMG suspension isnt this good.