w210 bilstien b6 or b4 shocks
 

So I decided to replace my shocks on my e300. I have only changed the front so far. I decided to go with the b6 upfront because I read it's 20% firmer over stock and the b4 is 10%. I noticed the shock is little shorter and really seems to help with body roll. But it is a harsh ride. I was looking for more plush, I can still return these and throw a set of b4s up front. Just looking for input.

I have the Bilstein HD's on my car. I'll be going to the Bilstein Comforts for my next shock change. Too harsh in my opinion.

B6 is for a lowered ride. B4 is for the OEM spring and suspension geometry. B4 is available in "standard" (comfort) or "HD" (Heavy duty).

Are you sure about that? I think the old/new model names are as follows:

Sport = B8 = shorter and firmer than OE, for use with lowering springs
HD = B6 = OE dimensions but more firm
TC "comfort" = B4 = OE spec replacement

Bilstein's page for the B6 implies that it's for use with OE springs "Even without lowering you will get better vehicle dynamics for a comfortable street performance in town and on the highway."

https://www.bilstein.com/int/en/product/bilstein-b6/

FWIW I had the Bilstein TC's on a '97 w210 and it felt very good, a smooth and comfortable ride. The good news is that shocks are so quick and easy to replace on a w210 that you can easily swap them out if you don't like the ride.

Only Bilstein is. Their information they publish is so confusing, good luck ever figuring it out. When I was shopping for shocks for the SDL, it was made very clear at more than one source that B6 is firmer and for use with "sport" springs. B4 was the only shock suggested for use with the OE spring and suspension setup and came in "Standard" and "Heavy Duty". I even called Pelican and they couldn't give a straight answer either.

Considering the OP says the B6's are physically shorter than the OE shocks, that seems to suggest they're designed for a shorter suspension throw.

The b4’s can use a spring 40mm lower (1.575 inch ) in ride height than standard.

all the info i could find was the b4 is slightly firmer than the b6. I figured with the extra weight of the diesel up front the e300 might benefit. I'm not a fan of the body roll. Only the b8s are listed on the bilstien sight for lowering springs so i figured id just get a sporty ride. Its not bad just a little to stiff, probably put 150 miles and still stiff. if i get the B4s I'll update if they are the same length as the b6s before i send those back. The ride height looks more correct with the b6s than waterever was on it.

I have B4’s on my 97 w210, they are same length as stock but internally they can go lower and allow you to fit lowering springs.
Maybe this would explain that when my front spring perch failed one morning I could still drive the car home to fix it.
Walk towards car and it seems to be sitting odd
Start it up and move forward a few feet and there is a rattle ?
Look under car and springs lying on the floor.
Tyre has clearance under arch so drove slowly for five miles to get home, no harm done .

i ordered a set of the b4s all around. I'm hoping for a firm smooth ride similar to my w124.