Hey about to change out my shocks on my 90 w126. Has anyone tried the monroe sesi-tracs on thier Benz? If so how are they? Any noticable diff?

You will get every and all opinions in this forum on that topic.

I think the general consensus would be to hold out a bit more, until you can get Bilstein's. They are the best out there, and you know for a fact your car will ride the way it is supposed to, with no surprises. You can even upgrqade ride with Bilstein HD's, for a sportier, more sure-footed ride. I just did on my W124, it was huge improvement, and freshened the car up.


Good luck!! Let us know what you decide>

fq

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FAQ

W124
Sportline Swaybars
Bilstein HD Struts
16" E420 wheels

Sensi-tracs use grooves in the bore to provide lower damping in the middle of travel. They are a position sensitive variable damping design - poor engineering concept. I installed them on a non-MB vehicle, and found them liveable, but unpleasant.

Bilsteins are velocity-sensitive, and their action is dramatically better. Ride far superior, handling tighter. They are on our MB, of course, and I installed them on the m'home as well.

Steve

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'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7

I guess I have learned this lesson before, Stay German stuff!
Anyway if I upgrade to HD will it make her too rough?

I say no. Depending on your mileage on the originals, the new ones will fell better regardless. I would say maybe a 10% increase in damping. The springs still have a lot to do with the overall ride, and the struts/shocks are for rebound. On my car it reduced some body-roll, and pitch and dive characteristics under braking and cornering. I replaced my originals with 140k, and they were toast. The HD's is the best upgraded maint. item I have done. Not "harsh" in the least. In fact i feel newer BMW's, Acura TL's, some Volvos ride harsher than nmy car.

FQ

__________________
FAQ

W124
Sportline Swaybars
Bilstein HD Struts
16" E420 wheels

Ok I am sold, I was also going to change out the rear springs just as a PM issue, not that expensive and I think they are getting tired a little. Any suggestions on these? Should I look for a HD or stick with stock. Also who would be best supplier, Fastlane or OEM?

Springs typically last a very long time, if not forever, and when they go bad, they just snap. How many miles do you have? try the struts/shocks first, you will be surprised how much more of the original ride you retain. If you feel springs are needed at that point, you can go down that road later.

As far as places for Bilstein HD's, I got mine from fastlane, best price i could find, Phil is a great help, and we try and support him as much as possible.

Below is a great thread i started on the HD dilemma, plus installation, check it out.

Struts- HD's. Do they really "raise" a car??


FQ

__________________
FAQ

W124
Sportline Swaybars
Bilstein HD Struts
16" E420 wheels