Hey Luke,
I have been to the Tire Rack website and looked over the minimal options you have for suspension for my 16v. My question is which shocks match up better with the H&R springs, the Konis or the KYBs? And what is the all the ancillary KYB stuff you guys have. I am interested in getting some suspension for my 16v in the next few weeks and need to know what the best setup is. Thanks in advance. - nicholas

I was looking at the sportline kit for my 16v. Here is what PartsShop had to say:

> Hello David, there is a Sportline kit available for the 190E's. It's
only
> > worth installing if you want to sport the vehicle out. It corners much
> > better also. The factory kit runs $1240.00. Included are the following
> parts
> > New struts / shocks
> > Coil springs
> > Sway bars
> >
> > All required bushings.
> > Sportline emblems of the front fenders.

Not sure what I need yet. Please keep us posted with what you decide.

Thanks,

Dave

the Koni's would be my choice because they are adjustable and you will be able to tune the suspension to your requirements .... the additional items would also be a good idea because of the age of your car and the harsh environment the shock boots and mounts live in

suspension search page

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If, so it should not be that much better than the stock 16v suspension, unless yours is worn (which mine is). I was thinking of going with the H&R springs for $231 and either the KYB front struts for $61ea. or Koni adjustables for $181ea.. I am keeping the SLS rear for ride quality and originality. As for swaybars, I have heard that the sportline front swaybar is a good upgrade, or you can use a 500e front bar (you will need to cut it a bit though). I am interested in more performance than the MB sportline kit offers. I also want the car to sit a bit lower than the sportline kit. Hopefully Tire Rack will be able to fill my needs.

1. H&R springs ($231)
2. KYB strut mounts ($28ea.)
3. Koni sports ($185ea.) or Koni specials ($166ea.)

I still have few questions:
1. Will the KYB strut mounts work with the Konis. I assume the mounts are just a replica of the factory units? Are they better than the factory units?
2. Which Koni is best suited to my application? What is the difference between them?
3. Are the Konis worth 3 times the KYBs?
4. What is the warranty on the Konis, lifetime?
5. And most importantly, any discount for MercedesShop members?

I am looking for an 'upgrade' not just a fix. The 16v will be my track car and I feel the need to make it better.... :-)

Please keep us informed of what you go with and how you like it.

Thanks,

Dave

If your 16V is going to be your track car, I would seriously consider getting rid of the SLS, not only to save weight, but it would also allow better tuning of the rear suspension. If I'm not mistaken the Sportline and the 16V already have the same roll bar and springs, so there's not much to be gained by putting a Sportline kit on a 16V.

For racing, look into adjustable rear links and camber plates for the front and back, along with lowering springs and sport shocks. For roll bar upgrades, the W124 bars are the cheapest upgrades for the 16V but there's a number of people developing thicker bars specifically for the W201.

I love my Koni's on my Ground Controls for the M3. All Though hard to ajust sometimes, but deff a nice balance. Better then the Bilstein Sports (which are stiffer)

Anote vote for Koni's...plus they are adjustable.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel
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- 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12
- 97 Acura NSX-T
- 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP
- 04 Lexus RX330
- 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8

4 Sale:
- 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel.