Hmm.. W202 vs W208 suspension

[Proven Guilty]

Hey guys, I'm looking to get exotic on a W208 project car. Not quite Penske remote adjustable shocks exotic.. but in that direction :D

I've been trying to do some homework, and check with various tuning shops as well as use what applied knowledge I have with the W202 suspension.

I'm currently under the impression that the W202 and W208 share the same underbody, perches, and suspension design as the "Face-lift" W202 models. Also, both cars share a lot of parts from the big bother E-class W210 model.

I'm looking to buy an H&R cup kit from a club202 member, that was designed for a W202, and I intend to use them on a W208. Aside from possible weight differences between a 4cylinder and 6cylinder model - can anyone confirm that the suspensions are identical for fitment? I'm also going with Lensolo's new stainless steel camber arms, and might actually buy two sets for more adjustability with the rear-end link suspension brace so I can have the car cornered when doing the alignment.

Per Renn208, the club202 admin in an older post; the C43 and CLK do have the same suspension...

[Proven Guilty]

After more research, it appears the H&R Sport Cup Kits do have different part numbers as follows:

-Part No.: 31007-1 (intended for '96-'00 C220, C230, and C230K) 2.0" front, 1.7" rear lowering
-Part No.: 31007-2 (intended for '96-'00 C280) 2.0" front, 1.7" rear lowering
-Part No.: 31007-7 (intended for '97-'02 CLK Coupe) 1.9" front, 1.6" rear lowering

The question is.. what is the difference in the last digit of the part number? Will the 31007-2 work instead of the 31007-7

The car these would be going on is a W208 CLK320 with a suggested curb weight of 3240lbs. The car they were designed for was a W202 C280 with a suggested curb weight of 3316lbs.

I've tried calling H&R directly, but can't seem to get ahold of a human being, let alone one technically proficient in their products.

H&R telephone number: (888) 827-8881

[rman]

i don't have a "real" answer for you but i can take a stab in the dark

i am guessing they all have to do with f/r weight distributions and overall curb weights.

i think the differences between them all could either be very insignificant, or they could actually make the car ride/handle like shit.

i used prelude coilovers on an accord before and it rode like absolute shit. I've heard of integra springs on civics being too stiff.
Someone has once brought up the fact that the koni springs on my car (94-00) might leave the nose too high because the v6 is aluminum/lighter than the iron L6.
My v6 f150 required cutting the front coils 1 coil (per manufacture instructions) to get the full drop that the v8 would have.

Actually, i think that it's best to go with the components designed for your specfic application, unless you want to spend hours of research and trial-and-error work to get the ride height/spring rate that you desire.

[jnolte]

the w208 is built on the w202 chassis

[Espresso]

Originally posted by jnolte
the w208 is built on the w202 chassis
The Hummer H2 is built on the Chevy Suburan platform, but it is actually lighter(even thought it has more chassis bracing).
It may share the same platform, but interior options, body panels, ect..make all the diference.

[MirageHatch]

sounds like it would be a whole lot easier to just buy the parts designed for the specific car you are putting them in.

considering your safety is at stake. I'd steer away from mix-matching parts with car model