Looking to purchase a set of Bilstein Sport shocks for my lowered 420SEL, but having a hard time locating some. Phil at Fastlane can only get the Comforts & HD's. I've checked some other places with the same results.

The Sport models don't seem to exist. What gives??

Presently riding on the HD's and it's a little stiffer than what I'd like. Would the Comfort models do the job with out being too spongy?

Thanks,
Cliff

They don't make Sports for every application. There wouldn't be much calling for it on a 420SEL. Sports are shorter and require a change to shorter springs as well.

My experience personally, riding on them, for about 7 years now, is that they work very well for all conditions.

My vehicle is lowered with eibach springs, and larger 225x50x16" Yokohama Avid tires and chromed wheels, but oherwise bone stock in all respects.

I have once had the car to over 145 MPH, handled long sweepers at 80 mph, and ridden on the highway and cratered city streets. The Comforts do the job well in ALL situations, and I would recommend them, as they are comfotable but let you still get a sense of what the road texture is beneath you, without suffering for it. Unbeatable so far as I am concerned

They are the best compromomise for all situations. Most other consumers feel the same way.

My understanding they come with a lifetime guarantee.

I would buy the comforts, and get them from Phil at Fastlane were I do do it today, so as to support the forum sponsors.

I am under the impression that they are lifetime guaranteed, so I am not likely to need others for a long time for this car.

Don't know the cost, but as I recall they were maybe about $70 each 5-7 years ago.

I put in a new steering shock (steering damper) for about $30, & repacked the front wheel bearings.

All since then has been PERFECT!!!!!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do

The Sports and HD are simply too firm, and not worth it unless you do regular autocrossing. I would pass on them

__________________
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)

There is no Sport for that application - only Comfort and Heavy Duty.

http://www.bilstein.com/303passengercars.pdf

Thanks Jim and all others for your input.

This 420 is my new daily driver for a 100 mile a day roundtrip commute. The previous owner put the HD's on. Just last weekend I backed off the mounting nuts of the shocks so as only to have about 6 or so threads showing. It did make a difference by lessening the severity of the road 'feel'. Also lurbricating the door sill seals made the creaking sounds almost vanish. Both of these tips I got from this forum by a quick scan of the archives.

Right now I'm running 235-45-17 on aftermarket AMG style knockoffs. Would like to get my hands on a set of genuie AMG Monoblocks in 16" or 17".

Just the other day I ordered new brakes & rotors plus other goodies from Phil. He also quoted me a good price for a set of the Comforts. I'll give the Comforts a try.

Thanks,
Cliff

The comforts are sweet, as they provide a good ride and good handling.


I put HDs on my car to stiffen it up a little bit. I wanted sports, but I didnt want it lowered alot.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Buy a set of comforts; if you want a sports car buy a BMW.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Comforts are ordered.

As to the Bimmer.... it's on my list of things to own one day.... with a manual gearbox! While not the greatest movie ever, Transporter with Jason Statham (sp?) has some good manual play with a BMW.

Ahh the black 735I. I loved that car, back in highschool one of my friends had a 735IL, what a nice car. Lots of fun!

I love the old 7 series!

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200