How low with 19x9.5 in front

[SOCAL230]

I've recently purchased a 99 C230 and I'm wondering if someone can help me? The car came with these 20 inch chrome wheels which really don't appeal to me, so I purhcased a set of 19 inch Axis Finish wheels. 19x9.5 with 235/35 19's for the front, and 19x10.5 with 245/35 19's for the rear. I also purchased a set of H&R springs, and plan on lowering the car as much as possible(yes possibly cutting a coil). I was told by the shop in L.A. where I purchased the wheels that I would be able to remove the rear spring pads completely, cut the front bumpstops in half, cut one coil from the rear, and one and a half front the front, and at the most, I would have to roll my front fenders slightly. They were willing to do the work, but for the price I can take the time and do it myself. If anyone could give me some advice on whether or not this set up is going to cause me problems(other than tire wear and a ruff ride)it would be great. Is removing the pads completely okay? Are the 235's up front going to rub with a coil and a half cut from H&R's 1.7" drop? Any advice is much appreciated. Pics are avalible if needed. Thanks!!!!!!!

[SLAMMED_C]

WOW.. where to start!!....
the first issue is the 9.5" rim up front.. they will not fit without massive amounts of work. speedybenz managed to fit 17x9's up front on his C43.. but he had to cut out the front fenders and weld on new metal to make the front end wider. you can make it work.. but you will need to completely modify the front fenders.
the rears are another story.. 10.5" rims for the rear will be tough.. Ive heard of 10's.. but never 10.5's, they may work. just depends on offset and for sure you will need to modify the rear fenders too.. either massive flare or new metal.
the tires you have on the 9.5's for the front seem to be a little narrow.. 235's are good on 8.5" rims and possibly 9's (but they will be stretched) and for sure on 9.5's they will be stretched.. may want to go with a 245/30/19 or something.

as for lowering.. Im running Eibach springs with #1 pads all around, and 1/2 coil cut from the front. I have 225/35/19 rubber up front and I rub on the fenders when turning, I rub on the inside of the wheel wells on bumps.. with the set up you want to do, your car wont be able to move!
you should be able to cut 1 coil safely.. any more then that and you will possibly mess up the dynamics of the spring. if you dont care.. then cut the extra half coil.
also there are no bumpstops on the front of a W202.
I dont think that you should remove the pads completely.. for one thing the thinest shim (#1 is about 5mm thick I think, maybe less) I really dont think that removingthis will add any more to the drop after cutting the springs!, they eliminate noises fromt he pring and the spring tower, plus it keeps the spring sitting in place properly.

post pics of what you have... I like to see.

[tpliquid]

either way u will need to cut fendder and make new ones. period no way around it. front and rear

[SOCAL230]

Thanks Slammed C. I came accross your benz a few month ago on Car Domain. Sick ride of course. The fact that it was so low is what cought my attention. The set up I explained in the previous post was a recommendation from the place I purchased my wheels(WHICH ARE 19X9 AND 19X10, MY MISTAKE). I was hoping to get my car as low as yours(slammed C) with my wheels. If I do the #1 pad, with a 1/2 a coil up front, with a slightly smaller tire, I shoud be okay with minimal rubbing when turning and such. I just purchase the 235/35ZR19, which are not mounted yet. If I stuck with this tire will it make a major difference, or should I see about exchanging them? Thanks for the help. I would definetly would have a mess on my garage for a weeks if I had not seeked you advice first. Thanks again.

[tpliquid]

235 will indeed rub on front. i grauntee it. 225 will be a better choice

[SOCAL230]

If it is that much of a difference, I'll exchange them. It won't be a problem. Thanks

[SLAMMED_C]

Well thanks SOCAL230...
okay.. thats a lil better!!.. 19x9 and 19x10's are doable.. but they will still require fender modifications to fit.
you know the offsets of the wheels?

as for the tire size.. I would stick withthe 235 for the front.. a 225 will be way too narrow on that 9" wide front rim.. hell even the 235 will be a lil stretched.

with #1 pads and half a coil cut you will be riding low!.. but in order for the wheels to fit under the front fenders you will need to completely modify the front fenders.. this means cutting and welding on new material to kinda give the car a slight wide body look.. see speedybnz's thread...
the only way those wheels will fit at all.. is with heavy fender modification.. trust me.. Ive looked into as well.. I was going to do a 19x9 and 19x10 set up as well.. but decided against it (couldnt find wheels I liked in the sizes, was going to be way too heavy even if the wheels were forged and multipiece)

[SOCAL230]

I really wasn't looking into modifying my fenders if possible. I'll check the offset of my wheels and get back. I'm assuming I can get the #1 pads from the dealer? IF anyone has a part number avalible, that would be great. Thanks

[SLAMMED_C]

yep. spring pads are form the dealer..
For W202 mid 96-99
Front(W210 part number) :
210 321 01 84 pad#1 5 mm
210 321 02 84 pad#2 9 mm
210 321 03 84 pad#3 13 mm
210 321 04 84 pad#4 17 mm
210 321 05 84 pad#5 21 mm

Rear(W210 part number) :
210 325 01 84 pad#1 5 mm
210 325 02 84 pad#2 9 mm
210 325 03 84 pad#3 13 mm
210 325 04 84 pad#4 17 mm

[SOCAL230]

Your a W202 god! Thanks for all the info............I'll be getting back to you soon with offsets.......