Struts/Shocks, upgrading to Sport
 

I have one nearly blown strut, so i figure is just time to replace them all. I've been doing a lot of shopping around to find the best prices and have come up with Bilstein Sport Struts - ea.$125.31 and Bilstein Sport Shocks ea.$86.79, costing a total of $424.20, not too bad huh? Then I also got a quote for H&R Springs for $239.00. After reading about this in some detail, i think I can do the job myself, of course right after get an alignment. What does everyone think? Is there anything that I should know about before going about installing all this stuff??
Thanks

Forgot to mention, will i need 4 new bumb stops, how about bellows? I might as well if im replacing everything else.

Just curious about 1) which Bils you installed (Comfort, HD, Sport); 2) shocks don't affect the "ride height" so I'm assuming that you mean Bilstein springs, were they for the 2.3 or 2.6; finally, 3) do you recall what spring pads you installed? Thanks!

so your car sits higher? Are they stiffer or something?
Becaucse i really want something stiffer, i plan on adding springs and the sportline sway bars for performance.
Thanks

If thats the case then go for the bilstien sport shocks you WILL NOT be dissappointed especially if you're putting lowering springs on. They are amazing.

guys ive beem wondering, can i replace the oem shox on my 16v for blisteins without changing the springs??

Yes you can, as long as you go with Bilstein HD's.
The Sports have a shorter shaft, as they are meant for vehicles with lowering springs.;)

can any of you guys get the sachs boge part number for the stock 16v replacement shocks??

thanx

I am curious Chris 17h, did your Benz pass the emissions test?

I am curious Chris 17h, did your Benz pass the emissions test?

Very simple, when you don't pass, in Missouri, you can pass with an "offical" tuneup that cost $300 and they have to pass you, no matter what.

You have incorrect information Chris 17H
 

Totally incorrect.

If a vehicle fails the emissions test, repairs must be done to hopefully enable the vehicle to pass the test. If a citizen spends $5 on repairs and it passes, thats great.

If a 1981 or newer vehicle fails, and after extensive repairs that eventually amount to $450 in parts and/or labor from a emissions certified repair technician, OR $450 in parts alone if work is done by the owner or a non-emissions repair certified technician AND IMPROVEMENT IS MADE IN THE FAILING GASES WITHOUT CAUSING ANY OTHER GAS TO FAIL THAT IT MAY HAVE PASSED ON THE FIRST TEST then a WAIVER is granted, which allows a citizen to license the vehicle, THIS IS NOT A 'PASS' the vehicle is still failing. And if the citizen keeps it for 2 more years he/she is looking at another $450 in repairs again. So it is prudent to fix a vehicle to pass.

I have looked at approximately 2,731 failing vehicle reports/repair invoices, and a tune up has NEVER been the cure. It helps, but points, plugs, etc, has a very slight effect.

Visit the website at www.gatewaycleanair.com for more information.

Bilstein Sports are the correct replacement struts for the front of a 190E-16V. If you choose to install Bilstein Sport shocks in back you will need to replace the stock springs with either Sportline springs or aftermarket. You will also have to deal with the SLS hydraulic pump...

Chris,
You may as well replace the bump stops and bellows; one each for each front strut. The rear shocks come with plastic covers. You should also take a look at the strut isolators and change those while the struts are out.

Struts/shocks are under relatively high pressure. In my somewhat limited experience, after replacing struts/shocks in a car where the old units were completely shot, the car will end up higher by about .5 to .75 inches.