Suspension Issue (Benzline)

[queens]

Hi,

 

I've been plagued with an issue for months and I'm at my wits end. I'm posting this because I need a consensus of solutions.

 

The issue is with my suspension set up and the parts were recommended by Benzline. 

 

I went to Benzline when I bought a used SLK. The stock suspension was leaking. Eric at Benzline suggested changing the set up to Bilsteins shocks and H&R Springs.

 

HRE rims were also purchased from them. So the setup is suggested and bought from Benzline.

 

Rubbing issue started after installing the HRE rims.

 

I have since shaved the bumper and the problem is not resolved. The rubbing issue was resolved after changing out the H&R Springs to the stock rims cos its obviously due to the height.

 

The workshop told me that the stock springs and Bilstein shocks are not a match. The shocks are too short for the springs and there will be problems very soon. I must also mention that Benzline paid for half the workmanship cost of changing the springs of perhaps $100. They were obviously not going to entertain any sort of replacement as they were only willing to pay half of the workmanship. I had to pray that the problem won't occur because I'm tired of running around workshop and wasting time.

 

3 months later, my car started drifting to the left straight roads. Going over small dips on regular roads, the steering would vibrate. The problem as predicted is happening.

 

What do you think is fair? That Benzline should come up with a solution after I've spent over $10,000 with them and the problem started after buying the products from them? Should I pay for the solutions? I can't believe the level of after sales service in Singapore. This is apparently the norm with most businesses that deals with cars. I'm sure the parts are specifically for my car model but there is a problem, shouldn't the seller be responsible for their products? Its meant to enhance the performance of the car and not cause problems.

[Tigershark]

1. don't remember what ride u have.

2. don't know the profile of your rims and tyres

3. rubbing issue was resolve after changing out h&r springs to stock rims.. huh?

4. since rubbing issue was resolved and 3mths later drift and steering vibration, issue is something else. what hv u done in the 3 mths?

[Demon]

Woah.. firstly, H&R (even super sports) & Bilstein shocks are an awesome combo for your car (or any merc for that matter). They're made for your car specific and its not a ride height issue that caused your rubbing but i suspect is the HRE rims which are not of the right offset for your car. i am assuming that the bilsteins are short strokes, hence the stock springs are not suited.. not exactly sure how much problems will arise because of this though.. And i think, if the said company wants to keep you as their loyal customer (i know i would since you spent 10k there), they should honour any and/or all costs involved in rectifying your issues... besides it should be the responsibility of a professional shop to advice and provide you the best possible combo to suit your ride. 

 

I know my regular wheel shop refuses to entertain my requests for certain tire size and ride heights cause its not advisable for my car, instead they provide me advice on what the correct offset, tire width and ride height should be... although i have disregarded their professional advice on the ride height and carried out my own mods to my suspension. hahahaha... so.. i've got a pretty uncomfortable ride and handling is absolutely horrible and going through bends at higher speeds is quite a scary affair.. but thats my choice.  

 

Good luck! 

[queens]

Hi Tigershark,

 

1. SLK 280

 

2. Profile: 235/35/19

                265/30/19

 

3. Bilstein and H&R springs were fine when I was using the old 18" AMG Replica Rims. Rubbing issue started when changed to 19" HRE Rims. The tire shop asked if the shocks is adjustable but its not. The offset could be too aggressive for the car. Benzline says the specs is for SLK 280. I even requested for 18" rims but they said 19" is fine.

 

4. The workshop that changed out my springs said the problem will come soon after driving for awhile. I've been praying that the problem wont happen for 3 months but it eventually did.

 

So the chain of events started with the purchase of products recommended by Benzline.

[Tanzy]

What's the width and offset on those HRE rims?

How do they compare to stock width and offset?

 

Are you able to run more negative camber on the rims that is rubbing?

 

I have seen many cars with HRE rims and their offset can be quite aggressive. 

[queens]

Demon,

 

My sentiments exactly, they are suppose to provide me with professional advice. Perhaps its a lemon, shit happens but I didn't cause it. If a problem occurs, its really their responsibility to solve it. Not just harp on the fact they paid half of the workmanship cost amounting to a grand total of $100+. I'm a lay person going to what looked like a quality establishment specializing in Mercs. I'm not arguing that the products are specifically for SLK 280 but its somehow causing problems for the car. I reckon if the rims are 18'', the problem will be solved. That means I have to trade in brand new HRE rims for 18". Thats a colossal waste of money. So if I'm willing to live with changing out the suspension and having an ugly height? Shouldn't they swap the bilsteins to stock FOC? Why am I even having a headache about finding a solution? I've bought these items to enhance my ride and its caused me nothing but frustration and having to spend more money. 

 

I've also asked them about the offset, they can't tell me much. Just keep saying its for my make and model. The workshops just told me straight that the offset is too aggressive. Can't adjust camber.

[Tigershark]

18" or 19" isnt the issue here. should be your HRE offset.

[queens]

Yeah,  I would have been better off buying rims that costs a few hundred. Everyone tells me its the offset but Benzline insists specs are for my car.Therefore they won't do anything about it and they won't compensate or bear the cost for the solution. So basically moral of the story is cross your fingers and hope for the best when buying anything from these reputable shops. Seriously buyer beware.

[Arshavin]

Should post on sg car forum and let the seniors offer u solution.

[Demon]

Queens,

Well... If the shop doesn't want to solve it for you then there's really not much you can do except to share your experience with others. I would suggest you advertise your rims on major forums as a swap for less aggressive offset wheels or trade them in to another wheel shop for a set of good 18" rims or a cheaper 19" set and not have to top up any more cash.... And fit the h&r springs back.. Stock height is just wrong in my personal opinion. Lol.

[Tigershark]

Queens,

And fit the h&r springs back.. Stock height is just wrong in my personal opinion. Lol.

 

 

Regarding stock height... Demon's peekture above says it all... wahahaha..

[yc3333]

Dont think your Bilstein shocks are meant to be used with stock springs, suggest you should change back to H&R.

From the looks of it, either the shocks and spring combo or the rims are not meant for SLK. Most of us are guessing its the rims.

Do you have any idea of the width and offset of the HRE? I've seen 20" fitted on the ride before so size is outta the equation.

[Tigershark]

Queens, 

 

You could narrow down your issue.

 

For your own reading, you can scroll down to the SLK R171 section on the URL below to have an idea of the rims fitting guideline for your ride.

 

http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/information/fitting_chart/mercedes-benz

 

Then get the full specs of the HRE rims you have.

 

By the way, the link is just a guideline, there are folks who like rims with more aggressive setups.

 

Also, your rubbing was back only right?

[Demon]

Tigershark, lol.... Maybe i am not Soo practical a person to be giving any input on rubbing. Hahhaha

Queens, there's actually a rather simple solution to be able to keep the h&r and the HRE if you like the whole combo. Suspect if its rear rubbing, it should be rubbing the rear bumper bracket... Its a small piece that sticks out abit inside the fender. All you need to do is find a rather reliable body shop to do a simple relocation of the brackets further up the fender. A very quick and simple job, then it's lovely cruising.

[queens]

The issue is finally fixed thanks to the guys at Boss Motors. They really know their stuff!

 

Anyway, the bumpers and fenders has been rolled till it can't be rolled anymore and it was still rubbing badly on the previous setup recommended by Benzline.

 

So I got KW V3 installed at Boss Motors and adjusted the height of the suspension so its sitting really sweet now.

 

I hope people will be careful when taking advice from irresponsible suppliers and workshops. Just because they've been around for a long time and seem like specialists, they don't really care once the products are sold and installed.

[Odessus]

Good to know your issue has been resolved, sis.

[Ah Bui]

Finally!!!! U have a comfortable ride.... Which is what u wanted when u bought the setup from benzline.... Congrats!!!! Time to go run again sis!!!!

[Jayson]

Bro mind sharing how much u got ur v3?

[achtungku]

Regarding stock height... Demon's peekture above says it all... wahahaha..

 

Seriously, I was only looking at the legs...... what ride height?

[kepiting1sg]

The issue is finally fixed thanks to the guys at Boss Motors. They really know their stuff!

 

Anyway, the bumpers and fenders has been rolled till it can't be rolled anymore and it was still rubbing badly on the previous setup recommended by Benzline.

 

So I got KW V3 installed at Boss Motors and adjusted the height of the suspension so its sitting really sweet now.

 

I hope people will be careful when taking advice from irresponsible suppliers and workshops. Just because they've been around for a long time and seem like specialists, they don't really care once the products are sold and installed.

 

IMHO

Shorter springs cannot adjust height by itself unlike KW V3 coilover.

The HRE wheels ET are probably a little agreesive and coilover can adjust the spring height bit higher not to cause rubbing.

Running negative camber helps too!

Any wheel alignment done after lowering your ride after the Coilovers

If not possible you come back months later complaining tyres wearing out on 1 side of your tyres

I;ve been buying stuff from Benzline for > 10 years but I don't deal with Eric but George.

Once I bought Lorinser muffler for my M271 W203 C180 - They give me the wrong part for M111 W203 C180.

Even at VICOM inspection for LTA approval they wanted to pass me but I noted the part numbers were wrong.

Benzline airflown the right muffler for me, apologised for the wrong part and for the taking out and re-installation cost - they bear all includingthe re-inspection charges.