I've been thinking about installing some Eibach springs to make my W201 sit a little bit lower. If I do that, do I have to install new shocks such as Bilsteins or can I keep using my current shocks? I never do any high performance driving, I never even break the speed limit, so I wouldn't want to spend a lot of money on high perfomance shocks if I don't need them. I just think that the car would look a little better if it sat a little bit lower. Anyone have any advice? Thanks!

Yes you will need sport shocks/struts which are made to go along with the shorter springs. You will ruin your suspension and it will handle bad if you dont replace them. So if you choose to go with Bilsteins, go with the Bilstein Sport shocks/struts.

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1985 Mercedes 190E 2.3(Sold)

not really i have eibachs with stock shocks and i couldnt ask for better setup

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1981 240D 32X.XXX km Totaled
1983 300D 28X.XXX km Sold
1993 300E 126.000 miles Totaled
1999 S320 76.000 miles


Will live forever.......

They do recommend shorter firmer shocks with lowering springs. My understanding is that a more powerful shock is required to control the increased spring rate of the performance springs and the stroke length of the shock should be in the range that the springs actually move. In regard to the stroke length, however, the Eibachs do not produce a huge drop, so you may be right on the edge of what is acceptable for a normal length shock. As for the valving (power) of the shocks, my understanding is that your stock shocks may wear out earlier from working harder to control the performance springs with the higher spring rates. I have also read people's comments that they think the ride could be overly bouncy, because once again the stock shocks may not be up to the task of controlling the performance shocks.

You can certainly try it without changing the shocks. Many others have done it and they simply replace the stock shocks when and if they actually fail, or when they have the cash.

I used the Bilstein HD shocks with the Eibach springs. The HD shocks are valved much like the Sports, but they have a normal stroke length. My car is only about an inch lower and I think it is OK with the HD shocks. I probably should have gotten the Sports, but I was trying to figure it all out and the opinions I received at the time pushed my toward the HDs. It has been 3 years, I don't have any problems, and I really do love the ride. What I don't know, is how much different it would have been with the Sports. Next time I may try Sports, although the Bilsteins are guaranteed for life and I really do like the way my car rides and handles.

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I just couldn't give up on my 1995 E320.

I think it might be like always going back to that same bad relationship with an ex girlfriend.
You feel you love them too much, or you are just too stupid to know any better.



Flickr slideshow of my 1995 E320
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24145497@N06/sets/72157616572140057/