W124 Suspension refresh help

[300EJP]

Looking for a bit of advice

My W124 is i think in need of a bit of a suspension refresh, I’m looking initially at changing the shock absorbers and springs.

My current wheel and tyre set up is causing a bit of rubbing, mainly on the front wheels on full lock and on speed bumps etc. Currently I have approx a 1-1.5 inch gap between my wheel arch lip and tyre is that normal? I’m running 16x8 Mercedes 8 hole wheels with 225/55/16 tyres with a 34 offset, should I be having clearance issues with that set up? Or are my shock absorbers knackered?

Any advice appreciated

 

[Blobcat]

It's the springs that set the ride height (along with the pads above and below) the shock absorbers just dampen the bounce.

I don't know if they're available from MB anymore, the standard setups had about 24 different variants depending upon specification and engine fitted

 

[300EJP]

It's the springs that set the ride height (along with the pads above and below) the shock absorbers just dampen the bounce.

I don't know if they're available from MB anymore, the standard setups had about 24 different variants depending upon specification and engine fitted

Hi Blobcat thanks for this, I was thinking about upgrading to a set of H&R springs with Bilstein dampers but maybe I should look at replacing the springs first?

I forgot to mention in the previous post that my ride height is a little uneven comparing the drivers side to the passenger side.
I have approx 0.8-1 inch gap between wheel arch lip and tyre on the drivers side with approx 1.2-1.5 inch gap on the passenger side.

Would this suggest an issue with the springs rather than the shock absorber?

 

[Blobcat]

Hi Blobcat thanks for this, I was thinking about upgrading to a set of H&R springs with Bilstein dampers but maybe I should look at replacing the springs first?

I forgot to mention in the previous post that my ride height is a little uneven comparing the drivers side to the passenger side.
I have approx 0.8-1 inch gap between wheel arch lip and tyre on the drivers side with approx 1.2-1.5 inch gap on the passenger side.

Would this suggest an issue with the springs rather than the shock absorber?

Shocks don't do anything to the ride height

 

[300EJP]

Shocks don't do anything to the ride height

Ok thanks I’ll try changing the springs

 

[LostKiwi]

Make sure you have the correct spring compressors. The springs are long and store a lot of energy when compressed.

 

[mioba]

Good point by LK.
Safety is paramount when working with springs. If they can sustain a car, last think you want is them flying off a inadequate compressor and hitting you.
Safety first!

 

[300EJP]

Thanks all for the advice, it will be a local garage completing the work

On the subject of new springs, what are peoples experience with H&R springs? Are they worth the extra cost, seem to be recommended by a few online

 

[LostKiwi]

Lowering springs will likely aggravate your issues.

However, H&R and Eibach are good quality springs.

 

[rayhennig]

Lowering springs will likely aggravate your issues.

I rather think so.

Your wheel/tyre combination and the ET34 offset sound like the culprits. I'm no expert on this but many have advised me the my son's plan to put ET35 offset 7 inch wheels on his W201 may result in rubbing. Time will tell.

Good luck to you.

RayH