Lift Kit for Mercedes-Benz Vito [W638], V-Class | 1996-2003

Lift set for Mercedes-Benz Vito / V-Class - First Generation (1996-2003) | Classic Series

Restore factory ride height and expand the overall potential of your Mercedes-Benz Vito or V-Class (W638, 1996–2003) with this polyurethane lift kit. Over years of daily driving and carrying heavy loads, the factory springs inevitably sag, reducing ground clearance and leaving the long wheelbase vulnerable to bottoming out on steep ramps, speed bumps, and rough roads. Installing these polyurethane spacers compensates for spring fatigue, increases obstacle clearance, and protects the underbody from harsh impacts—unlocking greater off-road capability, everyday driving confidence, and preserved comfort even when fully loaded.

• Front strut spacers | 30 mm (1.2") — 2 pcs.
• Front strut rod extenders | 30 mm (1.2") — 2 pcs.
• Rear coil spacers | 30 mm (1.2") — 2 pcs.
• Rear shock extenders | 40 mm (1.6") — 2 pcs.
• Thread locker | Medium strength (Blue) — 1 pc.

• Front: +30mm lift (30mm spacers)
• Rear: +30mm lift (30mm spacers)

📏 Looking for a different height?
Check the "Other Size Options" section at the bottom of this page for available spacer heights and custom configurations.

This complete lift kit is engineered for:

Years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

This lift kit is specifically engineered for the Mercedes-Benz W638 platform (First Generation). Suspension mounting points and chassis geometry remain identical across all regional model names and purpose-built factory versions:

• Mercedes-Benz Vito — Standard commercial panel van, window van, and crew cab (Mixto) variants.
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class — Premium passenger minivan and multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) lineup.
• Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo / Vito F — Factory camper and recreational lifestyle conversions developed in partnership with Westfalia.

☑️ Full Compatibility: This lift kit seamlessly fits all first-generation Mercedes-Benz Vito and V-Class models equipped with standard rear coil springs across all production years (both Pre-facelift and Facelift versions). It is fully compatible with all factory body styles (Panel Van, Mixto, Minibus, and MPV) and Front-Wheel Drive drivetrain layouts produced from February 1996 to July 2003.

⚠️ ENR / Air Suspension Restriction: This kit is designed strictly for models with conventional coil spring rear suspension. It is incompatible with vehicles equipped with factory rear pneumatic suspension (ENR — Elektronische Niveauregulierung) unless the rear axle is converted to conventional OEM steel coil springs and spring seats.

• Front Spacers Installation: The front spacers are installed directly on top of the factory upper strut mount cup. The deep recessed base of the spacer slips over the original mount cup, positioning the spacer securely between the strut assembly and the vehicle body.
• Installation Note (Front Axle): Before final assembly, it is recommended to apply a layer of paraffin (or dry wax lubricant) between the standard upper mount cup and the spacer. This creates a protective barrier that eliminates squeaks and extraneous noises if moisture, water, or fine road dirt gets between the contact surfaces.
• Front Strut Rod Extenders: The included thread extenders screw directly onto the original front shock absorber rods to compensate for the added spacer height. Blue medium-strength thread locker (included in the kit) must be applied to all threaded connections to prevent loosening caused by road vibration.
• Note on Rear Spacer Design: To achieve the stated +30mm of actual lift, the physical height of the rear spacers is calculated to include the height of the original factory spring pads. By integrating these measurements, we ensure a precise fit and the exact lift height promised, regardless of the thickness of your old, worn-out factory isolators.
• Rear Shock Extenders: Included 40mm steel extenders are required for the +30mm lift to compensate for the suspension travel and restore factory damping range. They ensure the shocks operate within their intended stroke. A thread locker is included in the kit and must be applied to the extender threads to ensure a secure, vibration-resistant fit. Note: These extensions must be installed only if the rear axle lift is 30 mm or more.
• Installation Note (Rear Axle): Important: The factory rubber spring isolators (gaskets) must be removed before installing the new spacers. Our spacers are designed to replace the factory isolators entirely, not to be installed on top of them.
• Lift Height Disclaimer: Please note that the final achieved lift height may vary depending on the individual condition and service life of your vehicle's suspension. Factors such as factory spring fatigue, chassis load history (commercial cargo Panel Van vs. passenger Minivan), powertrain weight configurations (lighter 4-cylinder petrol vs. significantly heavier 2.2L OM611 CDI and 2.8L VR6 engines), auxiliary camper equipment (Westfalia / Marco Polo interior conversions), and heavy rear cargo loading can influence the final suspension height.

Our spacers are manufactured from professional-grade Polyurethane SCU-PFL-100 (93A Shore hardness). This material is the core of our Classic line, offering distinct advantages:

• Comfort & Quiet:

  Unlike metal spacers, polyurethane effectively absorbs road vibrations, maintaining high ride comfort and reducing suspension noise.

• Stealth Appearance:

  ⚫ The solid classic black color of the polyurethane ensures that the spacers remain invisible under the wheel arches and look like original equipment.

• Extreme Durability:

  100% resistant to road salt, oils, and harsh weather conditions. Polyurethane never rusts or corrodes, making it ideal for both snowy regions and coastal areas with high humidity.

• Structural Integrity:

  The 93A hardness ensures the spacers hold their shape even under heavy loads, while remaining flexible enough to protect your suspension.

• Wheel Alignment: A professional wheel alignment is required after installing the lift kit. This is a mandatory step to ensure proper handling and to keep your tires wearing evenly.
• Self-Installation: A spring compressor is required for installation. Please ensure you have the proper tools if you plan to install the kit yourself.
• Professional Installation: For your safety and the best results, we recommend having this kit installed by a qualified mechanic or a suspension specialist.

While this kit is for +30mm, we offer various heights of spacers to help you build the perfect lift kit for your needs. You can combine different heights to compensate for rear-end sag or to achieve a specific custom stance for your vehicle.

Please contact us to place a custom order. We will help you select the perfect height for your vehicle and provide a custom quote for your personalized setup.

Looking for a different version? We have lift kits for other generations of the Mercedes-Benz Vito:

• Next: Mercedes-Benz Vito - Second generation [W639] (2003-2010) ▶️