For my 16v, I am wondering what type of springs I should use after I replace the sls. What is the difference between 2.3 8v and 2.6 springs from eibach and H&R? Will both work on a 16v? Will the 2.6 springs be stiffer or also taller? Does anyone have the spring rates available and the weight differences and distributions for a 2.3 8v and 2.6? Thanks.

The front springs ate "taller" for the 2.6 due to over 125lbs of extra engine weight!

Some OE spring rates are avail but don't correspond to aftermarket spring rates.

The OE 16V front springs are simular to "sportline" 190E ft springs.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

M.B. DOC thanks for the input. I found out online though that the 2.3-16 weighs 3030 pounds while the 2.6 weighs 2880 and the 2.3 2745. In other words, won't 2.3 springs be a little soft? Won't 2.6 springs work better? Are the rear springs definitely the same between 2.3 and 2.6? Thanks.

The 16V engine weighs only 25 lbs more than the 8V. Much of the weight difference is due to body moldings, things like power seats & leveling suspension. Even more sound deading material.
Rear Eibach springs should be the same on all W201 chassis. MB installes different springs on almost every different car, even different year models use different springs from the factory.

What are you trying to accomplish??

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

M.B. DOC, thanks for your continued help. I am trying to get a suspension with no sls but that is as responsive and solid as the sls system. I do not want a mushy and soft ride, I am more interested in performance than comfort. Will the 8v eibach springs do it for me, or will H&R be better? 2.6 springs will make my car nose high right, so 2.3 is better? What about the Bekkers sporting kit made by sachs, what do you recommend? Thanks again.

I have Eibach springs up front and Hyperco springs/perch kit in the rear with Koni adjustable shocks all around. It is a very nice setup for my 2.3-16.