116 Shocks--HD's or Comforts? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sknaffl · #1 09-13-2009, 02:17 PM

I know this subject has been covered a thousand times before...but I don't really see a lot of info on which Bilistein is best for the W116.

I like a firm ride...I don't drive the 116 like a racer, but I do tend to drive slightly on the aggressive side. The roads in my area are fairly good, but I do live in the mountains, so lots of curves and hills.

Currently I have KYB's which I can only assume are totally shot. I have major front end plow and lots of body roll. It also feels a little unsettled at highway driving. If I get into a tailwind of a truck the 116 will move all over the lane.

I am leaning towards the HD's but am worried they might be to harsh for the 116....but I defiantly don't want mushy.

Any fellow 116 owners have any input on this?

sixto · #2 09-13-2009, 02:56 PM

I had comforts in a 450SEL. I can't imagine HDs would have done anything but degrade the ride. There's nothing about the road I care to feel. More people around here prefer HDs over comforts.

Sixto
87 300D

1stimer · #3 09-13-2009, 04:42 PM

I like comforts on my W126, but most people like HD's. I wouldn;t worry about the HD's being too stiff based on your description of what you are looking for.

gerkebi · #4 09-13-2009, 05:11 PM

Just don't go the KYB route again. Bilsteins are far superior.

sknaffl · #5 09-13-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerkebi

Just don't go the KYB route again. Bilsteins are far superior.

The KYB's came with the car...I would never buy them

. They are total junk. They don't look that old, but they are already leaking and it feels like I am riding on the springs only sometimes. If I have to make a quick stop, the car will literally rock from front to back several times.

I think I am still leaning towards the HD's...sounds like that may be more of what I am looking for....I'm afraid the comfort's will provide to much of a floaty ride. Of course anything would be better than what I currently have.

Does anybody know if the ones Adsit sells for $49 are HD's or Comforts?

gerkebi · #6 09-13-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sknaffl

Does anybody know if the ones Adsit sells for $49 are HD's or Comforts?

Never buy from Adsit.

sknaffl · #7 09-13-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerkebi

Never buy from Adsit.

I've read mixed review on here about Adsit. Have you had a bad experience with them?

If the Bilsteins they have are indeed HD's....$49 + $20 total shipping is a really good deal....even a good deal for the comforts.

gerkebi · #8 09-13-2009, 06:17 PM

If they send you the wrong part, they scream at you and refuse to take it back. Don't know how they stay in business. There are countless others that will treat you right. egerman, **********, germanstar, etc etc. Not to mention our friends right here, peach parts.

smittyinnola · #9 09-13-2009, 06:23 PM

I just put the Bilstein comforts on my 123. The ride is firm but not stiff. I was worried the the HD's would be a little too stiff for comfort. Seems to me that a 116 was built for a comfortable ride. I wouldn't be afraid of of mushy from the comfort shocks esp. after the KYBs!

Sev · #10 09-14-2009, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerkebi

Never buy from Adsit.

totally agree. they CHARGED my credit card for a radiator. then, three weeks later, after no radiator arrived in the mail, i called them and they told me they didn't have it in stock and couldn't get it, and then refunded me. mother F**K**S

haha

Sev · #11 09-14-2009, 03:29 AM

i'd go for bilstein sport shock inserts, then cut your brackets off the kyb's and weld them onto the bilstein sports. muahahahahaa

fruitcakesa · #12 09-14-2009, 08:03 AM

I put Comforts on my 123 and love the smooth ride and good handling.

sknaffl · #13 10-03-2009, 12:03 AM

Well...I settled for the comforts and put them on this evening....WOW...what a difference!! No more bounce and it rides much more stable. I can really tell a difference on the interstate....and the body lean seems to be almost eliminated. I think the heavy duty's would have been to stiff for the 116....the comforts are perfect...even for my aggressive driving.

I had thought the old ones were KYB....but they were actually Sachs. They had to be at least 20 years old...if not originals...since they said "made in West Germany" on them.

Thanks for everyone's advice.

Brandon_SLC · #14 10-03-2009, 12:28 AM

Hmmmphhhh, I knew they couldn't be KYBs with a review like that.

pawoSD · #15 10-03-2009, 01:53 AM

I put all HD's on my W126, but it is a bit of a harsh ride especially on MI roads.....if I had to do it again I'd probably use comforts...... I used comforts on my W124 and its much more pleasant.

I am replacing the shocks on my brother's W123 soon and will use comforts....