A Daimler Dilemma... Plz vote

[jaetee]

Okay, so I've got my 1985 Mercedes 190e project car about 95% done and have a bit of a dilemma on my hands. As you can see from the pics, I put new springs in the car which have lowered it a bit. The springs came to me from overseas at a considerably reduced price versus what I would have had to pay in the USA and cannot be returned. That said, the springs were supposed to lower the car by roughly 4cm and be compatible with standard OEM shocks. Unfortunately, they actually lowered the car 7cm and when I hit a bump, or make an aggressive turn on bumpy roads, the front tires scrape inside the wheel well.

To fix this I can either replace the front shocks with stiffer ones that will change the comfort level of the car, or I can put in the original springs. If I put in the originals, I can sell the aftermarket lowering springs on ebay and recoup the costs for having this work done. I can have the work done for around $100, which is half of what most shops would normally charge.

Personally, I think the car looks fantastic lowered. But, I can't live with the bump & grind. Granted it's rare that it happens, but it cheapens the car and diminishes it. And looking at the pics on the same page like this, the normal springs don't make the car look bad. In person it seemed the gap over the tire was much more dramatic....

I'll also add that I'm way over budget in fixin' er up... The car does have new shocks all the way around, too... and now needs rear brakes right away and front ones soon...

So, I think already know what I'm going to do, but just wanted to run this by some people who are not emotionally attached to this project like I am. Here are some pics to give you an idea of the looks...

190e with stock springs:

Non-stock:

 

[redbenjoe]

i voted

 

[bill]

i say put it back to stock. i mean i dont think there is a massive difference in how the car looks from picture a to b.
if you say its affecting the driveability you should put it back to stock.
save up the cash and then maybe at sometime in the future do it the way you want.

 

[oldskool69]

Back to stock...think resale if you ever go that route...

 

[Superduper]

Been there, done that, and if I had to do it over again, I would just go stock. The look wears off after awhile. But you live with the ride every time you get behind the wheel and it get's old fast. Also, putting on stiffer shocks might only aggravate the situation and deteriorate the ride comfort even more. Save the lowered go fast look for the vettes. Leave this refined automobile the way it is and if you want better looks, put on some nice low profile rims and some aerodynamics packaging and it'll look much better.

 

[jaetee]

Thanks for the input, guys....

Seems most of you are thinking what I was. Put in the stock springs.

gsbadbmr, if the car were a 5-speed, you can believe I would put in sportier shocks for sure. But as an automatic it just doesn't have the balls to really warrant the lowered suspension anyway. I'll save that for my next car, which will either be a beemer or an Acura RL or TL Type S. Back in the late 80's, when I was living in Germany I had a lowered E21 body BMW 323i. That car was a rocket, and cornered like it was on rails. I fear that putting a set of Bilstein sport shocks into this benz will ultimately rattle the car to death. She is 25 years old after all!

I will drive this car for maybe three years max, then sell it. And, as Freddy pointed out, a prospective buyer is more likely to want this car in stock configuration anyway. I was thinking this as well, good to hear someone else point it out, too.

I never thought about the shocks not being able to handle the lowering... but that makes sense.

Glad I asked you guys.

Thanks for the different perspectives.

 

[Strānj-Bōōmbŏks]

For me it depends on the kind of music you listen to and how.

1) If you listen to a very nice and loud 2 Live Crew Tape with your windows down with a thumpin' bass... lower the mutha!!!
2) If you listen to Paganini's 24 Caprices on CD with moderate volume and equalized sound... stock the mutha.

Just messin' wit ya bro, I love it lowered! I'm gonna vote now... for lowered... of course, well done!

 

[jaetee]

For me it depends on the kind of music you listen to and how.

1) If you listen to a very nice and loud 2 Live Crew Tape with your windows down with a thumpin' bass... lower the mutha!!!
2) If you listen to Paganini's 24 Caprices on CD with moderate volume and equalized sound... stock the mutha.

Just messin' wit ya bro, I love it lowered! I'm gonna vote now... for lowered... of course, well done!

Alex, you crack me up!

Then again, you are quite Stranj, aren't you???



But, what about if I'm listening to a house DJ mix, or maybe some Vivaldi???

 

[Master Z]

Save for some deep dish AMG monoblock rims!

 

[bill]

Save for some deep dish AMG monoblock rims!

yeah thats the ticket right there .

 

[Radio raheem]

Sell the car and buy gordies collection

 

[MONOLITHIC]

Christiana Milian once said, "Dip It Low"...
[youtube]5z5Mvyp1QHw[/youtube]
But in your particular case, I don't think that's a good idea.

 

[Aiwa]

My opinion:
1.)
Get better stiffer shocks : bilstein ore monroe - that will give a good result.
The comfort level of the car will be reduced a bit,but it should still be ok,it`s just more sportive now.

2.)
If your target is :to get the car on a vintage condition level ,get new original shocks at list for the front.
they are available for 80€ over here.(no idea about shipping costs)