Koni v.s. Bilstein HD on W123 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

biobenz617 · #1 03-17-2006, 06:37 PM

What is better for performance? Koni "Special" or Bilstein HD shock absorber on a W123? Anything else out there for a 123 that I should consider?

I'm going for all out performance and dont care about comfort. It looks as though these are the only shock absorbers out there that aren't just the comfort standard.

t walgamuth · #2 03-17-2006, 08:12 PM

performance go koni. they are three way adjustable.

tom w

biobenz617 · #3 03-20-2006, 12:29 PM

So, regardless of adjustable settings (say I put the Koni to maximum damping), are the Konis the better option still?

Thanks,

jhodg5ck · #4 03-20-2006, 06:49 PM

are we talking the Koni Red's?? If so I'd just as soon go w/ the HD's. If we're talking Koni Yellow's, I'd go w/ them in a heart beat.

Adjusting the red's is a major production:-/

Jonathan

t walgamuth · #5 03-20-2006, 10:43 PM

but i suspect the koni on stiffest setting would be harder than the bilstein hd.

tom w

jhodg5ck · #6 03-21-2006, 10:04 AM

The yellows yes, reds, not so much. I've chatted w/ the race shop here that sets up the suspension/wheels/brakes for a Lot of the local race cars and I asked him this very question, his advise was Bilstein HD's.
The bottom of the line Koni's never impressed him much and he's been @ it for right about 30 yeras now.

JOnathan

Veloce300DT · #7 04-04-2006, 07:57 PM

biobenz617-

If you are really going for performance with your w123 suspension, there is another mod you can do. Order a set of John R. Olson springs. They offer springs in varying stiffness and height custom made. Sport-Progressive Rate-Custom.

http://www.slmarket.com/springs.htm

PaulH · #8 04-29-2006, 11:10 AM

Koni reds for some daily drive comfort. Koni yellows for racing. Even Porsche goes to Koni when they go racing.

manny · #9 04-29-2006, 04:05 PM

Are you going racing ?
Harder is NOT always better.
The shocks work in unisyn with the springs & you want to match the two as close as possible.
I used to run Konis, but am a converted Bilstein fan now.

PaulH · #10 05-02-2006, 01:00 AM

Interesting. I bought a Benz with Bilsteins and I couldn't wait till I switched to Koni Specials (Red) for better comfort and control. I've had Koni Reds on two other cars and thought that they were great. All this for daily driving. No racing for me. Oh well, that's why we have choices. Have a good day.

jhodg5ck · #11 05-02-2006, 08:55 AM

which bilsteins?

Jonathan

manny · #12 05-02-2006, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhodg5ck

which bilsteins?
Jonathan

Depends.
If your car is lowered ( more than 1 " ), use Bilstein Sport with the shorter shaft.
If the vehicle is NOT lowered, use the HD's ( same valving as the sports ), and stock shaft length.

BF_JC230 · #13 05-02-2006, 12:51 PM

i am running HDs - back when i lowered my w123 (1999-2000) - no one had a sport spring to sell?!?!? there has been no problems to date...
Jake

jhodg5ck · #14 05-02-2006, 06:30 PM

For a lot of Mercedes you can not get Sports.. 123'2, 107's, 126's, 116's etc.. I wish they made them..all my 126's are lowered!

In the mean time I'm still quite pleased w/ HD's in all my cars.

Jonathan

Furious D · #15 05-04-2006, 08:42 PM

The Bilstein's are a good choice. Koni's are nice too. Stiffer isn't always better either, but either should work well with stock or slightly lower or stiffer spring rates. Adjusting the Koni's can be a pain, and not all are rebuildable. Either is a good choice, and I guess it's up to price and availability and possibly your personal preference.