Drop your Brabus

[silverbrabus]

The Brabus suspension isn't really much lower than stock -- 10mm isn't even 1/2 inch. Good news is the perches on the Bilsteins are the same so any spring kit will work.

Went with H&R for the level drop. Haven't driven it much yet but so far seem to work well with the Bilsteins.

Typical positives: less body roll, faster cornering -- ESP doesn't kick in as quick, no rocking with upshifts, more stable at hwy speed.

Negatives: bottoms out at the rear over big stuff -- might be more true of the H&Rs than others because of the greater drop at rear.

Verdict: It's getting closer to a gokart with a roof.

Before:



After:



Front: down ~5/8 inch



Rear: ~1 1/8 inch

[jefferios]

I drove a Brabus for the first time yesterday in several situations, rain, dry roads, highway and city driving. I have the say the car was smoother going over any size bumps, and the handling was different. I am happy I don't have power steering, it forces the wheel to a forward position to prevent extended turns. It added resistance!!!

[silverbrabus]

Two week update.

I've had everything from cut springs to full coilovers on previous cars and will be the first to admit that lowering springs on stock struts/shocks are usually a compromise at best -- compromised ride/handling for the lowered look.

That said, I'm very impressed with the Brabus Bilstein/H&R combo -- no freeway bounce, no banging over potholes and expansion joints, just flatter cornering, quicker lateral transitions with less body roll, and "hands off" stability at speed. The Bilsteins are able to handle the slightly higher spring rates and reduced travel with no problem. Little harder to gauge any effect on handling -- ESP makes it hard to explore the limits. ESP light does seem to come on with greater frequency now though.

The only negative to note is the back end will find the bump stops if I take a big hit at speed -- gotta slow down over the railroad tracks.

http://www.h-r.com/index.php?sprache=en (search catalog for Smart)

Did a little research and looks like H&R may have addressed the above issue. They offer a "cup kit" that includes springs and rear dampers. I suspect the damper has shorter body to address the lack of travel. Will email H&R for more info and US availability.

[ElementalDragon]

i kinda like having ground clearance..... especially since my brother now lives on a hill with one wicked dirt road.

[piglith]

By chance you didn't happen to get the bilstein part number on those shocks off hand?

BTW the link didn't work for the cups

[silverbrabus]

Originally Posted by piglith

By chance you didn't happen to get the bilstein part number on those shocks off hand?

As they're OE on the Brabus, part numbers and availability should be as close as your nearest Smart Dealer.

Nothing aftermarket from Bilstein yet.

[silverbrabus]

Update -- got a reply from H&R on my questions for the cup kit. Looks like it is available in the US and the dampers are available seperately if anyone would like to upgrade spring only installation.


From: John Filipiak
Subject: FW:tech info on cup kit
To: xxxx@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, July 20, 2009, 3:07 PM

Hello,

We can special order these dampers for you.
Please contact Richard at Alley Auto for pricing
360.325.0231

Please note

Cup Kit # 29067-2
D32-1066-01 is the internal part number that you require.


1) kit damper body is shorter than factory to restore rear supension travel?
The damper body is the same length as factory. Internal shock rod and internal components are different.

2) kit damper manufacturer is Bilstein?
Damper is H&R built with Bilstein components

3) kit springs same as 29067-1?
The springs you currently have installed are the same as used with our Cup Kit.

4) kit damper available as seperate part?
Yes

5) kit available in US
Yes

Thanks
JOHN
888.827.8881