Original feedback straight copy and paste
Mercedes Sedan C240| C320| C32 6 cyl. typ W203 | 01 - 07 Lowering Springs | 952069
11.5.09 Marina Del Rey, California
The springs install was simple and the product performs exactly as I expected. Great springs! Denis
Vogtland Tec Line VW Passat, type 3C 06- Height Adjustable Suspension Kit 968235 Drop F | R 1.2-3.0 [in] 30-75 [mm] Fixed Damping
09.07.09 Columbia, South Carolina
The first impressions of the kit was excellent. From the couple of other coilover kits I have seen/helped install, the Vogtland Tec Lines are very comparable to other options. As I have mentioned in another thread, I would say they are right in line with the ST Suspension Coilover kits from KW Suspensions and slightly below Koni's Coilover quality (material-wise).
The front shocks are approximately 2" shorter than the OEM Equipment and offer plenty of adjustment. The Vogtland springs are roughly 1.5" shorter than the Eibach ProKit springs and feature a progressive spring rate (spring rates are unknown). The kit is only height adjustable (no dampening adjustments for the shocks/struts); however, the dampers are very well complimented for the spring rates.
Level of adjustments are ~3" for the fronts and 1.75" for the rears (1.5" of thread adjustment and 0.25" perch height). From the few levels of ride height that have been implemented, the ride doesn't seem to be affected greatly due to the height level. It does become a slightly "bouncy" with the rears threaded all the way down combined with the fronts down to 0.5" of thread. However, with my current ride height (pics below) of 1.5" thread in the fronts and 0.75 thread in the rear, the ride is excellent.
The Vogtland ride is much improved over of the OEM dampers combined with the Eibach ProKit. The Tec Lines provide a firm, controlled ride as opposed to the soft, unconnected feel of the OEM dampening equipment. Imperfections in the road are definitely noticeable; however, the Vogtland dampers quickly stabilize the spring's compressions and control the rebound exceptionally well. Turn in and out is where the major differences have been noted. The ride handling is now exceptionally planted coming into and out of turns and while the car's body lean/roll has become eliminated. From long sweeping ramps to 90* sharp turns are now handled with much more confidence and stability.
My only complaints thus far are from the softness of the beginning progressive rates of the Vogtland springs. Overall, the range of the springs is excellent and the progressiveness of the springs allows for a sporty, yet still comfortable ride. However, I have noticed some rubbing during 90* turns with a dip. This is most likely due to the springs compressing under the weight of the front end combined with the angle of the wheels/tires during the turn. Nothing that would detour me from purchasing the kit again, but definitely something that should be noted if one takes a sharp turn with a "lean-in bank" on the road.
Summary...I would definitely recommend these to people looking for a daily driver suspension with more sportiness over the OEM equipment. I can't say that I would recommend them to people in harsh-weather climates due to the lack of stainless materials offered in the Vogtland kit. In addition, I don't believe that auto-x members will find the spring rates stiff enough for constant track use. However, for someone looking for DD coilovers on a modest budget, these seem to offer a very comforable, yet sporty ride at a value price. Ryan
More comments from Ryan with pictures Vogtland Tec Line
BMW 3 E36| M3| 3.2L (Club Spec) | 96 - 99 Lowering Springs | 9161007 | Drop 1 [in] 25 [mm]
10.28.09 El Cajon, California
Mercedes Sedan 4-Matic 6 cyl. W203 | 01 - 07 Lowering Springs | 952016 | Drop 1.2 [in] 30 [mm]
06.09.09 Needham, Massachusetts
Mercedes C-Class W202, 6 Cyl, C280, C43 Suspension Kits | 1/96 - 01 | 969451 Drop F | R 1.4[in] 35[mm] Non-adjustable Bilsteins
06.22.09 Shamong, New Jersey
Ford Fusion| 4 cyl. | 06 - 09 Lowering Springs | 958026 08.06.09 Wittensville, Massachusetts
The Look, Handleling & especially the Ride are spot on awsum. Had a set of Ford Racing springs on her 1st week of July....lasted a couple of days only...Ford neglected to specify in the fine print that they are for the 6cyl's...nose way up...horrid ride! Ordered sum Tein S Techs...great Look & handleling...but ride became 'rough on the rear' after a few weeks...transmiited every lil road imperfection to the seat of ur pants...ouch! After a month of this I researched Vogtlands & came up with sum good fedback on various forums & a YellowMustang site review... so i ordered them & am exremely satisfied with them! Am considering coilovers next year & I no Vogtland offers a set for the Fusion...but unable to get any details regarding them...ie...pix, specs, etc. Anyway...I have recommended these on the Ford Fusion Club Forum in my 'SUSPENSION UPGRADE' thread where there is a detailed writeup of all stated above with pix...& here were I work on 'The Mountain' in Metrowest Mass...I have recommeded them to a few fellow car buffs looking to lower there rides. Great product & customer service! Steve
Toyota Avalon Suspension Kits | 97 - 02 | 969080T Drop F | R 1.8[in] 45[mm] Non-adjustable Tokico HP Series
6.29.09 Philadelphia, PA
Mercedes C280 / C43| 6| 8 cyl. typ W202 | 96 - 00 Lowering Springs | 952079
08.06.09 East Windsor, New Jersey
Mercury Cougar XR-7| SC| V8 | 89 - 98 Lowering Springs | 953058
08.11.09 Brandywine, MD
BMW 5 E34| 5/H| From 525i| 528i 530i excl. self leveling| M5 | 1/88 - 3/97 Lowering Springs 951026
09.07.09 Jackson, Michigan
Mercury Cougar XR-7| SC| V8 T-bird Club special | 89 - 98 Lowering Springs | 953058B
08.06.09 Markham, Ontario
Volvo C30, Typ M | 08 - Lowering Springs | 956922
09.07.09 Mountain View, California
The springs were installed on my 2009 Volvo C30 with no problems. I replaced the rear anti-sway bar with a slightly larger bar at the same time the springs were replaced. The overall handling has been dramatically improved. Very little body roll. Ride is quite comfortable. Much easier to drive quickly and smoothly.
Springs were advertised as providing 30mm lowering. Actual lowering was 25mm in front and about 50mm in rear. Factory setup had the rear higher than the front with noticeable body rake. With new springs car is level. I'm OK with the lowering and the car being level but the advertised claim of "30mm lowering" is simply false.
Regards,
John
Saab 9/3 incl. Cabrio | 98 - 02 Lowering Springs | 951815 | Drop 1.4 [in] 35 [mm]
06.05.09 Logan, Utah
Considering the product, satisfied. The paint isn't wearing off, the color is cool and the install went smooth. Considering the application to my 2000 Saab 9-3, i wish it could have dropped the vehicle a little lower. Overall, i'm satisfied.
thanks, Tom
Mazda Speed 3 | 07 - Lowering Springs | 958028A | Drop 1.2 [in] 30 [mm
05.20.09 East Islip, New York
In response to the email below, I will give my impressions of the springs I purchased for the Mazdaspeed 3.
First, the ride height is perfect. I like the fact that the car doesn't look "slammed". Low in the front and slightly higher in the back works for me. The 'rake' of the car is sweet.
Second, the handling and ride comfort are very good. The ride is stiff, but not harsh by any means. The car takes turns like a champ and instills confidence on the road.
Overall, I am pleased with my purchase of Vogtland lowering springs. At first, getting the correct rear springs right was a little problem, but one exchanged set resolve that issue. I would and have recommended Vogtland springs to others. Thanks for a great product and excellent customer service.
Thanks,
Keith