Mercedes-Benz GLA Forum banner

GLA and CLA Suspension Differences?

1 reading
8.5K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  Huey52  
#1 ·
I'm looking at coilover/spring/strut options for the GLA45.

Some coilovers I see are sold for the A45/CLA45 and GLA45 (same part number, e.g., Nitrons).

For others, like Bilstein B14s (47-231108), are marked only for the CLA45.

Is there any reason CLA coilovers wouldn't fit the GLA? I may have to be the Guinee pig.
 
#2 ·
I'm looking at coilover/spring/strut options for the GLA45.

Some coilovers I see are sold for the A45/CLA45 and GLA45 (same part number, e.g., Nitrons).

For others, like Bilstein B14s (47-231108), are marked only for the CLA45.

Is there any reason CLA coilovers wouldn't fit the GLA? I may have to be the Guinee pig.
The GLA is of course a CUV/SUV so the ride height is different from a CLA sedan. The GLA is also heavier. So I'm surprised that any are cited as dual use. I suppose it's possible but ...

The coil part does the heavy lifting and the damper part the fine tuning so it's important to get them both right.
 
#5 ·
Ok, thanks for the education. So if I understand correctly, the stock GLA45 is already as suspension-low as the sedan CLA45 (seems CUV-sedan counterintuitive but will take your word for it). However a GLA250, as I would expect, is significantly ride-heightened from the CLA. Therefore it would logically follow interchangeable suspension parts for GLA45-CLA45 but differing for GLA250-CLA.
 
#4 ·
I am looking for coilovers for my GLA250 so I can lower it in the summer and raise it again in the winter, but KW coils are insanely expensive, as are most other options.
does anyone have suggestions for cost-effective coils? I found some lowering springs for $500 (iirc), how big of a jobs it to swap them out every six months? or is a 1in drop not a big deal worth removing the springs seasonally?
 
#6 ·
For a 1/2" drop on prior Germanic vehicles I've never bothered to transition Summer-Winter. It's a bit stiffer but not much. However 1" is starting to get significant I would think.

I too have been considering dropping the FWD a bit more. Although both AWD/FWD same ride height the 19" black rims on the FWD already make it look a bit lower and it would benefit from more. But again would limit to 1/2" or so. Although you've got me thinking. :unsure:
 
#8 ·
I went with BC coilovers on my GLA45. They allow damping adjustment and custom spring rates depending on how you’ll be using the car. The cars stock suspension isn’t exactly luxury but with some damping adjustment with BCs you can help dial in the feel. The BCs were an improvement over stock.

springs are okay for those that want to go lower without any adjustment in ride height. But remember that’s the only purpose. It’s not going to improve handling in my opinion.

This is how I’m sitting with wheel spacers and coilovers.
Image
Image
 
#9 ·
You're obviously on the other far side of the curve, and thereby not my cup of tea, but if you like it that's all that matters.
Having adjustability is a big plus! (y)
I went with BC coilovers on my GLA45. They allow damping adjustment and custom spring rates depending on how you’ll be using the car. The cars stock suspension isn’t exactly luxury but with some damping adjustment with BCs you can help dial in the feel. The BCs were an improvement over stock.

springs are okay for those that want to go lower without any adjustment in ride height. But remember that’s the only purpose. It’s not going to improve handling in my opinion.

This is how I’m sitting with wheel spacers and coilovers. View attachment 28255 View attachment 28256