Thanks for the link. Some good insight. Yes, I think Sachs is about 10-15 dollars less than Bilstein. The posters mention about using the no. 1 spring pads. I'm wondering if I can use those. My car was somewhat loaded with options and I assume they used higher #'d pads. It rides 3/4" higher than another c280 I'm familiar with. And that one feel MUCH sportier than mine with very little tradeoff in comfort, if not better ride feel. Mine feels like it's on springy stilts when cornering.

Is an alignment necessary if the spring pads are changed?