Sport Shocks - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 04-16-2003, 04:30 PM

Hello,

I can share my experience with my 300e. I installed Bilstein sport shocks ( avoid the HD version, it's too harsh ) and Eibach springs.
If you are going to replace the shocks, you are already there, so might as well do the springs too. Better handling with a slightly rougher ride, but well worth the effort.

BR,

Richard

yal · #2 04-16-2003, 04:35 PM

My bilstien sport shocks are the best damn install-and-forget shocks I have ever bought for a car!

ksing44 · #3 04-17-2003, 06:52 AM

Hello rcapi,
That is an interesting post. You say "the HD version, it’s too harsh". I have been wondering about a direct comparison between the HD and Sport Bilstein shocks with the Eibach springs. It sounds like you have the information. What exactly have you noticed that is different between HD and Sport shocks with the Eibach springs? I have the HD version and if I did it again, I would go for the Sports, but I have been trying to convince myself that it is really about the same. I have read that the valving of the shocks is almost the same and that the real difference is just the stroke length. My drop is one inch at most, so I thought the HD was OK with such a small drop. The Sports would be great too, but I thought the HD would be OK since the car wasn’t "slammed". I would love to hear what you have noticed with the Sports compared to the HD.

gsxr · #4 04-17-2003, 03:21 PM

I thought the same thing, and have some info at home with specs... HD and Sport have [I]very[I/] similar valving, mostly it's just a stroke length difference - about an inch shorter when extended, same as the OE Sportline and 500E dampers. I do know the "Comfort" version does not have enough rebound for lowering springs, but the ride isn't too bad - I'm living with them for now until I feel like forking over $400+ to get Sports, Sportline, 500E, or KONI struts & shocks.

Regards,

#5 04-17-2003, 04:18 PM

Hello,

I have had experiences with the Bilstein HDs on two other cars, not my 300e. I both cases, I was initially happy with them, but the ride became tiresome after a while. To much "whuppatta, whuppatta" over the road. I've had the current setup in the 300e for two years, and I'm still happy, even though I have 17" wheels and Conti Sport Contact tires. It's a smooth ride, but digs in when it needs to.

I hope this helps.

BR,

Richard

ksing44 · #6 04-18-2003, 07:20 AM

I thought of another question that I have about shocks. Do the shocks have much impact on the initial compression of the springs as the car encounters a bump, or is the shock’s job really just to control rebound from that initial compression? My car, equipped with the HDs, does not continue to undulate after the initial impact. My car is not like my parents Cadillac. The bump is once and done. It feels great to just sit right down on the road, kind of hunkered down, as the car settles in through a corner. The car is very stable, but I wish I knew how different it would be with the Sports. The HD shocks are brand new, so I am not planning to rush right out and replace them. If I didn’t have to sell my wife on the deal, I might just eat the mistake and get the Sports, but then again I am still not sure that it would feel very different. As I said in a previous post, my car dropped less than an inch with the Eibach ProKit springs and the "progressive" nature of the springs still allows significant compression, so I think the stroke length of the HD is probably OK. I constantly try to convince myself that my car is OK. I wish I had purchased the Sports, so I could go on with my life. The car really does feel good. I wish I could try a car with the Sports, to see if there really is any difference. I guess I will get the Sports in a couple of years, after my wife forgets that I just bought shocks for my favorite toy.

gsxr · #7 04-18-2003, 12:29 PM

ksing,

I'm not an expert, but I believe you are correct. The shock/strut is mostly to control the rebound of the spring. The compression stroke is mostly going to be a function of how stiff your springs are. If you are happy with how the car feels now, and it sounds like you are, I'd just leave it alone - it's fine! I would only switch to Sports if you think the car rebounds too far before settling, or is "bouncy", or does other funny things. I think the Comfort shocks are not strong enough, based on my experience with them, but the HD's should be OK.

Regards,

1994s500 · #8 07-12-2003, 09:48 PM

I have sport springs on my '94 S500, and they feel really "bouncy." I am planning on purchasing shocks but i think that I can only install Bilstein HD's for this car. I wonder how much bouncier the ride will become after installing the shocks. Or are there any shocks other than the Bilstein HD's for the W140's?

#9 07-12-2003, 10:21 PM

Hi,

Actually, your ride may become less "bouncy" with the Bilsteins.
Your new springs and and your stock shocks are not happy together. With the new shocks, your ride should be much more controlled. If you don't want to spring ( sorry, couldn't resist ) for the Bilsteins, try Konis, they are adjustable so that you can dial in the right ride for yourself.

Good luck with your choice, I'm sure that your car will end up just right.

Best Regards,

Richard

1994s500 · #10 07-12-2003, 11:37 PM

Richard, thanks for the input. However, i have some concerns about the shocks. I think i only have two choices...the HD's and the Koni Special (red shocks), both are really firm (i heard)? since my car has been lowered, could i still install the HD's or the Koni Red? I read from other posts that the HD's are not for lowered cars. I am not sure for Koni Red's though. Would really appreciate any input. Thanks.

ksing44 · #11 07-13-2003, 07:15 AM

I wanted to add something related to my experiences with the Bilstein HDs. I am starting to think that the Bilstein HD shock may actually be the best shock to combine with the Eibach Pro kit springs. I always hear Sports if you drop and originally I was sorry that I listened to what I have been thinking was the wrong advice when I got the HDs. For one thing, the drop is actually less than an inch, after correcting for the asymmetrical drop in the rear with bigger spring pads in the back, so the whole thing about shorter stroke length is really not a big deal with the Eibachs. In addition, and I think more important to ride quality, is that the HDs actually help to support the car by pushing up to help the springs. I have seen this on friend’s cars that add the HD shocks to stock springs. Their cars actually increase in ride height. This added support for the springs, seems to contribute to the "progressive" part of the spring compression in a car with Eibach progressive springs. My car is really very comfortable during normal driving and yet when pushed hard into corners, the more extreme forces overcome the progressive component of the ride and my car handles like it is on rails. The HD shock has plenty of performance and durability to control the stiffer springs. I have also heard quite a few complaints about loss of ride quality from the Sports, so I am really starting to think that I will not be looking to get the Sports in the future.

#12 07-13-2003, 01:08 PM

Hello Again,

You can't go wrong with either. I have heard from many suspension specialists that once you lower a car, you must then install heavier duty shocks. The standard shocks will be under too much stress otherwise. If you can adjust the Konis, then I would to withh them. However, I have done many cars with the Eibach/Bilstein HD combination with excellent results. The only time it was not great was on particularly bad pavement.

Best Regards,

Richard

1994s500 · #13 07-13-2003, 03:55 PM

I'll have to check what springs i got. im running on the stock rims since my wheels have to be repaired. im still looking for a place to get them repaired though. hopefully i will get them running soon.

suginami · #14 07-13-2003, 04:06 PM

I installed Bilstein HD's on my 1993 E320 with the stock springs and stock pad height.

I noticed that my car is riding higher than it used to, especially in the front. I'm not sure if this is due to the HD's making the car sit higher, or rather due to the original struts sagging.

I politely disagree with those that say the HD's ride is harsh. I find it to be perfectly controlled. I wouldn't want it any softer. It is also like riding on a magic carpet when cruising down the highway at 80-90 mph. It soaks up the bumps like they aren't even there.

If you think the HD's are harsh, I suggest that you take a ride in any AMG model that Mercedes currently sells. They are much more harsh than my car with the HD's. Also take a ride in a Nissan Maxima or any Infiniti model. They are also noticeably more firm.

Even my wife now appreciates the ride in our car after we borrowed by mother's E430 for a week when she was on vacation. My wife noticed the E430 floated like a whale around the twisties in the rural roads near my mother's house.

1994s500 · #15 07-14-2003, 01:44 AM

I have H&R springs on them. Now I'm wondering if it will work out with the Bilstein HD's. Any suggestions?