Your input: Comfort over HD Bilsteins.. W126 - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ara T. · #16 02-10-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBYCC

So what is your experience with setting up suspensions and why are you so definitive that the HD's aren't designed for use with lowering springs...because you read it somewhere ?

Lowering springs require shorter stroke shock absorbers. HDs are just stiffer comfort shocks which are designed for stock suspension height. Sports are HD shocks except designed for lower suspensions.

Hey big boy, call Bilstein and see which shock they recommend for a car with lowering springs.

RBYCC · #17 02-10-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ara T.

Lowering springs require shorter stroke shock absorbers. HDs are just stiffer comfort shocks which are designed for stock suspension height. Sports are HD shocks except designed for lower suspensions.
Hey big boy, call Bilstein and see which shock they recommend for a car with lowering springs.

Well Ara T...guess that oil burner of yours doesn't go fast enough to understand handling and what is desirable on the street or for strictly track use.

The reason Bilstein recommends Sport versus HD for lowering springs has nothing to do with handling but to cover liability of one who has a slammed car that with even a slightly longer stroke can cause the spring to move off the mounting pad.

If I had a track only car then I would use Sports and probably drop more then the 1.5" that most lowering springs attain.
My car wasn't lowered for looks but to handle the power it produces.
The suspension remained stock for the first nineteen years of ownership.

The HD/lowering spring setup is used on Porsche, BMW and Mercedes as the slightly longer stroke along with stiff compression allows for better street use as you won't typically slam against your stops.

The HD and Sport are identical in all ways such as valving and compressed length with the exception that the Sport has the internal stop located to prevent full extension.

JMURiz · #18 02-12-2009, 04:42 PM

RBYCC
Do you run stock springs and HD's on your 280SL?

How's the ride, too stiff or still benz smooth?

Just wondering for when I get new shocks on my '74 280C, wouldn't mind a little more sporty ride, but don't want to loose that old benz smoothness over bumps.

Thanks,

RBYCC · #19 02-12-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMURiz

RBYCC
Do you run stock springs and HD's on your 280SL?

How's the ride, too stiff or still benz smooth?

Just wondering for when I get new shocks on my '74 280C, wouldn't mind a little more sporty ride, but don't want to loose that old benz smoothness over bumps.

Thanks,

I run H&R Sport springs with the stock as delivered from the factory spring pads.
The drop is about 1.5"

I bought the car new in May of 1988 ran it for two years with the stock rims/tires, went to a +2 17" rim/tire package from 1990 to 2007.
Went to 18 x 8 rims with 225/40-18 Falken FK-452 tires after doing the engine upgrades and suspension mods.

Can honestly say the ride quality is better now then when new.
Not harsh but yet feels planted under power.