Rubber Shims Top of Springs

Gayle280 · 08-05-2007

Dan: Never did like the large gap between the tire and body wheel arch on my 280. Since there are several pro's and cons I have read about the sport set-up (isn't available anyway from the dealer), I spoke to my dealer and told him that I had read about there being rubber shims ranging from 8 to 23mm that go on top of the springs, to reduce that gap. He checked with his technician and said that they can adjust for me under warranty. Seem hard to believe,but I' ve made an appointment to have it done. I was referring to mainly the rear,but I'm thinking to also drop the front if possible. Does this seem to be an OK way to adjust and lower the height? I am imagining the end result to look like an SLK with the sport suspension as far as wheel tuck in to the fenders.
Do these shims just slip in place or do they have to remove the spring mounts to do it?
thanks, G

**dsb** · 08-05-2007

I'm sure Dan will probably respond but since I know the answer. These pads sit on top of the rear springs only, not on the front. To install them, you must either compress the spring or remove them to change the pad. Also, you may be able to tell which pad you have installed beforehand. This will assist you in determining how much lower it will go. Here's an old thread:
http://www.mbworld.org/forums/showth...ght=spring+pad

Gayle280 · 08-06-2007

Thanks much DSB. Just what I was looking for. I notice talk of rubbing and raising as opposed to my lowering,but again you are referring to the 55 height I presume which is already low whereas my stock 280 is pretty high. I'll see if I can feel the knobs. I'm thinking if I have #3s or #4s as stock I'd like to go to #1s,that would be a drop of roughly .320 (8mm) or .480 (12mm),which to me I think would look much better.What do you think?

**dsb** · 08-06-2007

I think any drop would make the car look better especially in the rear. Hopefully, you have #4 in there now so you'll see a good difference going to #1. If you can't reach in and feel the knobs, then use your camera. Take a bunch of pics with the flash on. You'll probably get at least one that identifies what pad you have installed.

**DansSlk** · 08-06-2007

Hey Gayle,

dsb has hit the nail on the head with his answer so i cant really think of anything to add to be honest.

All i would say is i see no problem removing them for height adjustments and the tech is right on the warranty because they are in working order and he would have nothing to submit to MB.

Gayle280 · 08-06-2007

I have an appointment this Thursday to get the height changed.i'llpost the results if it all works out.

thanks ever so much G

**dsb** · 08-06-2007

Good luck. *fingers crossed*

Gayle280 · 08-09-2007

Have not gone to the dealer yet........tomorrow is the day. In the meantime I measured from the ground up to the lower front body sill = 6" From the ground. The Rear it is 7" appox.1" difference
Dan, any reason to make sure there is always 1"difference between the front and rear height? I figure if the dealer changes my pad from a #4 to a #1 I'll be dropping approx 1/2 inch atthe rear so the front to rear will be 1/2" difference. Just curious

**DansSlk** · 08-09-2007

No you can flatten it out if you want, its just how the car sits nose down

Gayle280 · 08-10-2007

Well here is the update. The dealer checked the rear,says there was no # pad above the springs just the thin spacer to the body. Says no adjustment is possible on my 06. Recommends I go to Brabus if I want it lowered. The tech said the same thing. They are checking if the sport suspension is available,but I think I asked that before and they said it was not available any more. So looks like Brabus may be my next stop. Oh Well........

**DansSlk** · 08-10-2007

Thats weird.

Sports suspension is available parts from any MY will do, you could use AMG parts if need be.

They aren't Brabus dealers by any chance?

Gayle280 · 08-10-2007

Dan I wondered about the AMG Springs that maybe since they are for a V8 might be too much for my V6? Interesting about the sport suspension. I'll talk to my MB Service writer on Monday about prior years because I thought too it was an option in 05

Gayle280 · 08-10-2007

OH forgot, they are not Brabus Dealers,but there is a place called 702 Motoring in Las Vegas that is. http://www.702motoring.com/

**DansSlk** · 08-11-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle280

Dan I wondered about the AMG Springs that maybe since they are for a V8 might be too much for my V6? Interesting about the sport suspension. I'll talk to my MB Service writer on Monday about prior years because I thought too it was an option in 05

Yeah they might need some work to get the car sitting correctly on them otherwise you might find its nose high and that looks crappy.

bejak · 08-11-2007

Originally I had 70mm between the top of the wheel up to the edge of the fender on my SLK200. 70mm which looked like a "SUV" suspension, not something you would expect on a roadster. The rubber pads at the rear were marked with two "knobs".

I thought that MB would use a pad that will give a much lower ride height. The selection of rubber pad is depending on how much extra equipment you have ordered. I think there are four or five different available pads.

In my case just changing the rubber pads was not enough so I replaced the whole suspension for the KW type 3 with adjustable ride height. Now I have no gap between the wheel and the fender.

**nevets** · 10-05-2007

Sorry if this was already answered, I didn't see it within this thread...or elsewhere.

I am thinking of purchasing springs to lower my stock 350, either Brabus or Eibach (for aesthetics). Does their installation void any part of warantee? Does the installation need to be done by MB? (My Body Shop will be doing the job for me)..I have been quoted $225 for the install..sounds reasonable..thoughts?

**DansSlk** · 10-05-2007

I think the 2 brands mentioned are the same in the US mate, either way they void the suspension warranty only but they will normally come with a warranty on them so if they fail you can claim from them.

As for the install if its being done the Merc way you need some OEM tools they bodyshop may have them already but even if they don't it can be done like you would install them on a normal car so install by Merc is not needed.

**nevets** · 10-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

I think the 2 brands mentioned are the same in the US mate, either way they void the suspension warranty only but they will normally come with a warranty on them so if they fail you can claim from them.

As for the install if its being done the Merc way you need some OEM tools they bodyshop may have them already but even if they don't it can be done like you would install them on a normal car so install by Merc is not needed.

Dan,...is there a factory alternative for lowering the stock 350 suspension, one that doesn't void warantee? For example will the OEM 350 SportSusp springs provide the same result as the Brabus springs? Or is the warantee issue a function of original equipment vs post assembly changes? Am I making too much of the warantee issue if it just affects the springs? Advice is appreciated.

**DansSlk** · 10-05-2007

For a part to be covered under Mercedes warranty it must be OEM for that part not to effect the warranties of connecting parts it must be installed by a dealer or by an indy to the same standards as the factory.

The OEM Sport springs wont give you the same effect as the Brabus ones, to be honest we are just talking about the springs here and any good brand will give you a warranty on them not that they really need one because so long as they are properly fitted not much can go wrong with a coiled tube.

08-05-2007	#1 (permalink)
Gayle280 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henderson Nevada Vehicle: 2006 SLK280 Pewter,heating package,comfort package,satellite radio Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Rubber Shims Top of Springs Dan: Never did like the large gap between the tire and body wheel arch on my 280. Since there are several pro's and cons I have read about the sport set-up (isn't available anyway from the dealer), I spoke to my dealer and told him that I had read about there being rubber shims ranging from 8 to 23mm that go on top of the springs, to reduce that gap. He checked with his technician and said that they can adjust for me under warranty. Seem hard to believe,but I' ve made an appointment to have it done. I was referring to mainly the rear,but I'm thinking to also drop the front if possible. Does this seem to be an OK way to adjust and lower the height? I am imagining the end result to look like an SLK with the sport suspension as far as wheel tuck in to the fenders. Do these shims just slip in place or do they have to remove the spring mounts to do it? thanks, G

08-05-2007	#2 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 122 Times in 42 Posts	I'm sure Dan will probably respond but since I know the answer. These pads sit on top of the rear springs only, not on the front. To install them, you must either compress the spring or remove them to change the pad. Also, you may be able to tell which pad you have installed beforehand. This will assist you in determining how much lower it will go. Here's an old thread: http://www.mbworld.org/forums/showth...ght=spring+pad __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

08-06-2007	#4 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 122 Times in 42 Posts	I think any drop would make the car look better especially in the rear. Hopefully, you have #4 in there now so you'll see a good difference going to #1. If you can't reach in and feel the knobs, then use your camera. Take a bunch of pics with the flash on. You'll probably get at least one that identifies what pad you have installed. __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

08-06-2007	#5 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	Hey Gayle, dsb has hit the nail on the head with his answer so i cant really think of anything to add to be honest. All i would say is i see no problem removing them for height adjustments and the tech is right on the warranty because they are in working order and he would have nothing to submit to MB. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-06-2007	#7 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 122 Times in 42 Posts	Good luck. fingers crossed __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

08-06-2007	#3 (permalink)
Gayle280 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henderson Nevada Vehicle: 2006 SLK280 Pewter,heating package,comfort package,satellite radio Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks much DSB. Just what I was looking for. I notice talk of rubbing and raising as opposed to my lowering,but again you are referring to the 55 height I presume which is already low whereas my stock 280 is pretty high. I'll see if I can feel the knobs. I'm thinking if I have #3s or #4s as stock I'd like to go to #1s,that would be a drop of roughly .320 (8mm) or .480 (12mm),which to me I think would look much better.What do you think?

08-06-2007	#6 (permalink)
Gayle280 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henderson Nevada Vehicle: 2006 SLK280 Pewter,heating package,comfort package,satellite radio Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I have an appointment this Thursday to get the height changed.i'llpost the results if it all works out. thanks ever so much G

08-09-2007	#8 (permalink)
Gayle280 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henderson Nevada Vehicle: 2006 SLK280 Pewter,heating package,comfort package,satellite radio Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Have not gone to the dealer yet........tomorrow is the day. In the meantime I measured from the ground up to the lower front body sill = 6" From the ground. The Rear it is 7" appox.1" difference Dan, any reason to make sure there is always 1"difference between the front and rear height? I figure if the dealer changes my pad from a #4 to a #1 I'll be dropping approx 1/2 inch atthe rear so the front to rear will be 1/2" difference. Just curious

08-09-2007	#9 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	No you can flatten it out if you want, its just how the car sits nose down __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-10-2007	#10 (permalink)
Gayle280 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henderson Nevada Vehicle: 2006 SLK280 Pewter,heating package,comfort package,satellite radio Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Well here is the update. The dealer checked the rear,says there was no # pad above the springs just the thin spacer to the body. Says no adjustment is possible on my 06. Recommends I go to Brabus if I want it lowered. The tech said the same thing. They are checking if the sport suspension is available,but I think I asked that before and they said it was not available any more. So looks like Brabus may be my next stop. Oh Well........

08-10-2007	#11 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	Thats weird. Sports suspension is available parts from any MY will do, you could use AMG parts if need be. They aren't Brabus dealers by any chance? __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-10-2007	#12 (permalink)
Gayle280 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henderson Nevada Vehicle: 2006 SLK280 Pewter,heating package,comfort package,satellite radio Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Dan I wondered about the AMG Springs that maybe since they are for a V8 might be too much for my V6? Interesting about the sport suspension. I'll talk to my MB Service writer on Monday about prior years because I thought too it was an option in 05

08-10-2007	#13 (permalink)
Gayle280 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henderson Nevada Vehicle: 2006 SLK280 Pewter,heating package,comfort package,satellite radio Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	OH forgot, they are not Brabus Dealers,but there is a place called 702 Motoring in Las Vegas that is. http://www.702motoring.com/

08-11-2007	#15 (permalink)
bejak Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sweden, West Coast Vehicle: 2004 SLK200K R171, aut, Iridium Posts: 145 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Originally I had 70mm between the top of the wheel up to the edge of the fender on my SLK200. 70mm which looked like a "SUV" suspension, not something you would expect on a roadster. The rubber pads at the rear were marked with two "knobs". I thought that MB would use a pad that will give a much lower ride height. The selection of rubber pad is depending on how much extra equipment you have ordered. I think there are four or five different available pads. In my case just changing the rubber pads was not enough so I replaced the whole suspension for the KW type 3 with adjustable ride height. Now I have no gap between the wheel and the fender.

10-05-2007	#16 (permalink)
nevets Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Iridium Silver Other Toys: 08 BMW 535xi, 08 Infinity QX56, 2002 Honda Shadow ACE 750, Maxum SR 1800, Posts: 440 Country: Thanks: 29 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Back to the Springs! Sorry if this was already answered, I didn't see it within this thread...or elsewhere. I am thinking of purchasing springs to lower my stock 350, either Brabus or Eibach (for aesthetics). Does their installation void any part of warantee? Does the installation need to be done by MB? (My Body Shop will be doing the job for me)..I have been quoted $225 for the install..sounds reasonable..thoughts? __________________ Steven *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* 06 SLK 350, Iridium Silver, Blk Int, Chrome Trims, AMG Body, Aerowings,Wide Base Tire Flares (Thx CDRN) Green Filters, Filled Sidemarkers, Painted Ant, Komfort Module (Thks NR4L) Rear Spoiler - Piecha, Brabus springs, R170Moded Ant, 19" TSW Bremma, Mich PS2

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10-05-2007	#17 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	I think the 2 brands mentioned are the same in the US mate, either way they void the suspension warranty only but they will normally come with a warranty on them so if they fail you can claim from them. As for the install if its being done the Merc way you need some OEM tools they bodyshop may have them already but even if they don't it can be done like you would install them on a normal car so install by Merc is not needed. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-05-2007	#19 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	For a part to be covered under Mercedes warranty it must be OEM for that part not to effect the warranties of connecting parts it must be installed by a dealer or by an indy to the same standards as the factory. The OEM Sport springs wont give you the same effect as the Brabus ones, to be honest we are just talking about the springs here and any good brand will give you a warranty on them not that they really need one because so long as they are properly fitted not much can go wrong with a coiled tube. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

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