Hey guys. As some of you might remember, my car a 1992 300E was having some drifting problems at high speed. Well, the problem has developed further, and now I can hardly shift from 1st to 2nd without breaking the rear tires out. I know its not the tires, as they have lots of tread left, are qualtiy Michelins, and are filled correctly. So, its the suspension components. I want some opinions here... I want to tighten up the handling quite a bit, so I was thinking either bilstein sports, hds, or Koni adjustables. I was just wondering what you guys think about these three, and if you had any other suggestions for shock absorbers. I was also wondering how much and what difference there is between hds and sports. Secondly, I wanted to lower the car by about 1.5 front and rear. I have two options, I can either buy eibach or H&K springs and spend more money, or cut a coil or two off of my existing springs. What do you guys think is better? And, how much stiffer are eibachs and h&ks you can pick up at tirerack.com compared to the stock springs? Would I notice a differnece between stock springs with a couple coils cut off and eibachs if I used bilstein sport or hds? Finally, since the car's underparts are getting replaced, I need to change out bushings etc. My car has 106k miles on it now, and these parts have undoubtedly worn. Any suggestions as to what to replace? Thanks a bunch guys, and sorry for a long post....

I would change the following.

rear tie rod links, rear push strut links, rear subframe mounts, front lower control arm bushings, front drag link, front tie rods, front idler arm bushings (repair kit) and last but not least the steering shock. In fact if you do all this you might not even have to change your shocks and springs but if you must H&R's and bilstien sports give a deep drop and a euro stiff ride, Eibachs give a more subtle ride.

If you are going to do all this you might also consider the sportline suspension components available here with sportline shocks and springs for about $1300.

I think you have some wore out components front and rear. I would replace those first and THEN go for shocks and lowering springs IF you still want them.
Good luck!

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J.H.
'86 300E

First off, that's fairly low mileage for having a worn-out suspension. Has the car had a proper 4-wheel alignment? If not, I suggest you get one done at a Mecedes dealership, or a reputable Mercedes-experienced independent. When they're doing the alignment, they should be able to identify those parts that are worn beyond their usefulness.

Good luck!

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

thanks guys. I think I will go and get an alignment done. When I asked my dad about the last time he had one... the reply was "Oh yea, alignment, I think that was done last time..." He didn't know what date "last time" was... so yea... I was all ready to lower my car and get some cornering enhancements, but I don't wanna waste my parents money (They agreed to pay for the new shocks and bushings, since it was a matter of my safety :-) Oh well... ill just have to wait untill stocks go up some more, and then get the car lowered and get some 17s at the same time! (With my own money of course :-(

alignment...then Sportline/400e upgrades

good luck and let us know what turns out
-fad