Originally Posted by g300d

Yes, there is quite a big difference between the Bilstein offerings, I've experienced them all.

I got a '92 260E once in great condition but I wasnt happy with the ride then, not how I remembered them to ride. After cross checking part numbers I saw they were HD fronts and rough road rears. I replaced them with comforts and it transformed the ride, so much better.

Prior to that I tried sports with H&R springs with 17" wheels on an '86 300D. It's been 20 years but I do remember they were quite the combination of ride and handling. I loved them! Apparently they have the same damping rates as the HD but in a yellow body more suited for shorter sport springs. IMO HD/sport damping is great with stiff springs but I dont like them with stock springs, harsh ride with not much improvement in handling over stock. A lot of people like the HD's though, just not for me.

My current '90 300D has comforts up front. I was gonna put new comforts in the rear but surprisingly, the original 1990 shocks are still good! I feel my old 260E rode better so am looking at springs now. There are a lot of part numbers and they are more confusing than dampers IMO lol!