Can you even get Bilstein Sports for a W201 2.6 anymore?

[SHYNE]

Hello All,

I'm about to do a complete suspension overhaul on my 190. As in everything. I have a set of #1 pads, all the rear links & bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, the whole deal.

I have a set of Intrax lowering springs and was wondering if I should try and run them with a new set of Bilstein comfort struts/shocks (which I have found) or the sport (which I cannot confirm to be specific for the 2.6 on tirerack). I've heard the HD's actually raise up the car a slight bit, so I'd like to stay away from that. I'd like to move soon, the Canadian dollar is $0.93/US !!!

What say you?

Thanks,

Mike

[MTI]

1) There are no M103 specific struts or shocks . . . the ones for the 2.3L are the same.

2) It's the front springs that are engine specific.

3) Struts and shocks do not affect ride height unless there's some other fault in the suspension. Quite frequently DIY installers will tighten the control arms with the car still off the ground, leading to an improper height.

4) Using OEM, Comfort or HD struts/shocks with spring that have more than an inch of lowering will prematurely wear out those dampers. Stick with Sport units with lowering springs.

[SHYNE]

Originally Posted by MTI

1) There are no M103 specific struts or shocks . . . the ones for the 2.3L are the same.

2) It's the front springs that are engine specific.

Thank you very much! That answers the tirerack.com question.

Do you run sports on your 190? Do you still have one?

[MTI]

I have Eibach springs with Bilstein Sports on my 2.3 8 valve. Ride quality suffers a bit, but overall it's a good upgrade.