ULTIMATE W201 suspension set-up for AutoX or Drifting

[mde3]

Limo front sway from 300E Limousine, and the MB E 320 sportline has a heavier rear swaybar than the E 320 std, and the 16V standard...not positive on the mm though...comparable to the EVOII I think.

[mde3]

Originally Posted by NitrousVic

There is not a lot of suspension travel. Coil bind :p

You might want to change them so you can take advantage of your struts.

I changed the springs right after I acquired the car....it already had the Cup Kit installed...but left the struts....put Vogtland springs from a 2.6 on the car and they worked out very well....I was not looking for a track car...just a daily driver with a little firmer suspension than stock, and cosmetic lowering. This change raised the car about 1.4" overall, so I went from 1" of "tuck", to about 3/8" tire to well clearance.

[pdjv]

Originally Posted by badboybenz

What would be the Ultimate W201 suspension set-up for AutoX or Drifting?? wether if its for an 8 valve or 16 valve, what would be the best suspension kit available in the market and what suspension system that needs to be custom made?

One of the fastest cars in our autocross series is a stock 1986 190E 2.3 - everything is stock (except the competition tires) - it's driven by a guy who really pushes the limits. We also have three stock 16V cars that are running stock suspensions (with SLS but competition tires) - one scores consistent FTD for Mercedes-Benz cars. I put a set of Eibachs with upgraded shocks/struts in a 1990 2.6 (5-speed) - with all new bushings - the car handled great, but it wasn't any faster at autocross.

As for drifting - forget it unless you want to put more engine in the car. The stock 2.3, 2.6, or 2.3-16 engines just don't have the torque you need.

[bassist21685]

Vogtland springs are the best out there imo... i miss my old set. right now i have Suspension Techniques springs, with no spring pads, i need some #1 pads.. but its decent for drifting

[The Benz Master]

stock springs are just too soft... i noticed almost no difference in handling with my 17" wheels compared to my 15"... i'd say 95% just as soft as it was before.

I had a 1990 Miata before and going from 14" to 16" made a world of difference. It went from riding like a stock civic to precise handling and control just like a karting.

[Ntranced]

anyone even looked at this as an option?

Originally Posted by Ntranced

has anyone thought about contacting Ground Control Suspension Systems?

They do a ton of stuff for E30 BMW's like mine.

I think the ride height adjusters for the e30 with the correct length and rate Eibach ERS spring would be perfect for a W201

Koni make's their Yellow or Red line of adjustible dampers for the W201 Chassis - Awesome for the money $700 for yellows

That would be the ideal drift setup because it would allow you to go from a progressive spring to a linear spring, Plus it would give you and pretty much limitless choice on the spring rates/diameters/lengths to choose from.

I beat the living shit out of my car and have never had a spring fly out so I am certain that it is safe, Install helper springs on top if you are worried about it being an issue

[mde3]

I have had the chance to compare a lot of set ups..

- stock 2.6 with stock tires,

- modified version of same with Eibach Pro-Kit and Billie HD's with stock tires,

- modified version above with 17" 40 x 17's,

- stock 16V,

- then 16V with H&R's and Billie Sports

- same 16V with H&R's and Koni sports

- another 16V with full H&R Cup Kit

- same 16V with only Cup kit shocks and Vogland springs for the 2.6

- modified 89/190E with 3.2. FK springs, Billie Sports, Limo front sway, 16V rear sway, adjustable camber front and rear, adjustable sway links rear, 16V steering box, LSD 16V diff.


Nicest "daily driver" but lowest on performance scale compared to modified suspensions or stock 16V...1992 190 2.6 with Eibach Pro-Kit and Billie Hd's

Next nicest daily driver...16V with stock suspension, performance very balanced, but too much roll at the extremes.

Third nicest daily driver...Cup Kit shocks and Vogtland springs on 16V, decent handling, about the same as the stock 16V maybe a little less predictable...much nicer to drive around town then the 16V with H&R sport springs and Koni shocks.

Fourth nicest daily driver 16V with H&R springs and Koni sports, decent handling..a notch above stock handling..still harsh as daily driver.

Fifth as daily driver..89/3.2 extremely firm and somewhat bouncy, but never bottoms, hands down the best pure performance handling. As stated, the ride is a little bouncy..not bouncy like bad shocks, but like it might be oversprung..looking at maybe swapping the Koni's from one of my 16V's and adjusting rebound. The car understeers quite a bit with the limo front sway, however with the torque from the 3.2 it is very easy to power correct.

Worst daily driver with only average handling...16V with full H&R Cup Kit..very little suspension travel, so frequent bottoming out, some tire rub, would be ok on a smooth track but handling for a daily driver was compromised when bottoming out suspension (car would bounce over bumps at the apex, and loose contact with the road.)

Worst handling car...stock 2.6 with stock suspension.

[Scottsdaleuro]

So what would be the best DD without sacrificing any trackability?

I really don't care if it has a stiff ride, I like that, it makes the car fun to drive..for me at least.

I was thinking some type of..

-E36 coilovers up front
-Billie/FK rears
-EvoII sway bar rear
-16v Sway front

any objections? I'm new to the W201 scene so feel free to slap me!

[marrymemercedes]

SLAP! just kidding . Coilovers have been talked about many times, check this thread out, there are many links to other threads within it.

http://community.190revolution.net/s...ight=coilovers

You seem to know a little about cars and also seem to have some cash at your disposal. If you figure out a way to make it work let me know!!

[Scottsdaleuro]

Ok, and yeah I know a little about cars , I am dropping an LS1 into my audi this month/next year. But i'll just stick with the bilstein/FK's for right now, I ordered my sways and and springs...so now I just need my struts and an afternoon!

[chrisfball12]

These pictures belong to Kleen190D. He's had it on his car for about a year and he says its a bouncy ride but hey its a start that can open up alot of doors.

[chrisfball12]

I'm ok with the rear springs. But i wish someone could redo the front so that it can work.

[P1MP1N J]

those springs are sooo ghetto thats just a problem waiting to happen