I'm installing a set of Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs on my 1997 E320 and want to put a set of Bilsteins on as well. Anybody have experience with this set-up to recommend the Bilstein sport shocks versus the Bilstein heavy duty shocks? I've heard the sport shocks may be a little firm for everyday use though I'm used to a BMW type ride/comfort solution.

Thanks,

Gary

As I remember, the heavy duty are for standard height springs and the Sport are for shortened springs.

Good luck,

Larry is correct. The Sport springs are designed to go with lowered springs. I have it with H&Rs in my car and the ride is good. Firm, but not harsh.

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1997 E420

Would it be inadvisable to use the Sport Struts with standard height springs?


Jason M.

Sorry for interjecting, but I wish to know what my options are. I'm intending to lower my 1983 W126 (280SEL) with lowering springs (either Eibach or Terra), but I have heard from people that my car needs heavy duty shocks for the rear(because it is an SEL). So Larry, if heavy duty shocks are meant to go with standard height stock springs, does that mean that I have to forgo the heavy duty ones? Or can I use sport springs without any compromise on safety and other aspects?

Need any advice, thanks!



Mervyn

Hi
you got the exact same suspension set up like the one in my 97 e420. I put a set of an eibach spring and installed a set of bilstein shock a week ago. It is perfect for me. The car feel strong in corner and stick like a glue. I got the bilstein shocks for 520 dollars and eibach springs for 300 dollars including installations. Usually you will feel the back of the car unstable when you corner the car, but after the shock was installed, it was gone. So, I really recommend that set up. One thing you will sacrifice is only the comfort of the standard suspension.

Bilstein sports are usually too stiff unless you are a dedicated canyon carver. They are really set up for race-type suspensions which are not suitable for the street. Your choice is really between the Bilstein comfort and the HD. If you can stand some additional impact harshness over stock, then HD will offer some additional suspension control. The guys with the heavier cars, especially the hot rod 126 coupe guys, are very satisfied with H&R spring sets and Bilstein comfort shocks.

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Richard Detoy
'84 300SD
'76 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans

Hi Richard, thanks for your comments in those various topics. You drive a 126 yourself, and do you know of any site that has stuff on the "hot-rod 126 coupe guys"?

The most far-out 126 publication that I've seen so far comes from Japan, and it doesnt really help me much cos I cant read a single word of it.

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

The web site for the coupes is mbcoupes.com. There you will see that a number of owners have performed extensive modifications to their cars (think 6 liter AMG engines!) and have learned a great deal through trial and error. The site is very user friendly, searchable, and has useful links. Check it out!

For what it's worth, the '84 Brabus 300E I used to own rode well and cornered super on Brabus springs (probably H&R or Eibach) and Bilstein HD shocks.

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Richard Detoy
'84 300SD
'76 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans

I had Eibach springs and Bilstein Sport shocks on my '95 E420 had produced great handling and ride. Just a little firmer and a lot more controlled over stock. NO problems at all.

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2000 E430 Sport (European Delivery)
Brilliant Silver/Ash Leather
Brabus Leather/Wood Sport Steering Wheel
PowerChip
Euro Front Bumper Strips, Debadged
E55 "Carbon Fiber" Door Pillar Trim
E55 Tail lights
E55 AMG/Bilstein Shocks
Eibach Springs, #1 Pads
H & R Sway Bars
Speed Yellow Calipers
18" x 8" SSR Integral Wheels
245/40ZR 18 Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Tires

1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
88K miles