I would like to increase the load capacity of my 300E so it does not squat when full with 4 people. I was thinkning of new rear springs and maybe thicker spring spacers?

Any recommendations for heavy duty rear shocks that will not mind carrying an extra few hundred pounds in the rear?

The recommended BRAND of shocks for your Mercedes - by general acclamation here is Bilstein. They have heavy duty shocks, but they may be quite firm in the feel of the ride (if thaqt is of concern to you). For general use the Comfort style Bilsteins are just fine.

For just a full complement of passengers and their luggage you probably won't need a different set of springs, if yours are still servicable

There is a reason why with regards to Mercedes Benz shock replacement, people refer to KYB shocks as "Keep your Bilsteins"

Certain brands mate well with Mercedes, such as Bosch, Beru plug wires, Behr radiators, etc. Lots of contributors/members here know better than I, so stay tuned and keep the questions coming

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

I have heard bad things about KYB too. I have been using the euro valved eom shocks for a while but am open to any brand that will increase load capacity. I also prefer a stiff ride versus the soft luxurious ride.

And I was thinking of replacing the springs to restore that original raked look that is no longer present with my sagging rear end....

I assume you mean your car's rear end, not yours

H & R, or Eibach, have good springs for Mercedes....

I personally would not attempt to install the springs myself, if you are going to lower the car, because if you don't know what you are doing, the spring compressor can get lethal on you if you aren't SUPER careful

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

I dod the heavy duty bilstiens, the ride is a little stiffer but nothing to complain about and it does help when the car is full, now it makes the whole car squat when full not just the back( helps distribute the weight) plus handling is greatly improved

Sounds like the HD Bilsteins are they way to go for my car.

Thanks for chiming' in guys

One CANNOT increase a car's load capacity by using different tires or different shock absorbers.

It's a rather more complicated engineering challenge than that.

Better be safe and stay with manufacturer specifications.

If you need more load capacity, get a different vehicle.

__________________
Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

Remember the old rule!!! Springs hold the car UP. Shocks hold it DOWN. If you need to carry a heavy payload, change the springs.

you will find that each mercedes spring is topped off with a rubber spring pad.the thickness of which vary with the options installed in the car.your pads are old and squashed.you can take aflashlight and look up to the top of the spring and see how many little tabs are hanging down on the outside of the spring.replace these pads[maybe with the next size up to stiffen the susp]and you will be amazed at the diff. david poole european performance dallas tx.

Thanks for the advice fellas.
I went ahead and ordered new springs, the HD Bilsteins, and new rubber pads.
I just need it to be the same as it was intended to be when it was new. Not looking to carry a load of bricks or anything.
My current situation is just a sagging rear end. Add a full tank of gas and it looks like I lowered the rear 2" and left the front stock....Not cool

Maybe I'll just cut a couple coils off the front springs.......


Just kidding