shocks and coils

[hgupta]

While driving on a bumpy road in my 190Sl, my car felt like it was bouncing like a rubber ball. A mechanic friend of mine recommended over the phone that I replace my shocks and probably the coils as well. He said that the coils have most likely lost their springiness. The shocks make an odd gasping noise--like a bicycle pump when the car comes back up after being pushed down, but really doesn't keep bouncing--it sort of shivers when it comes to the top. Is it supposed to be like that? My only comparison is the AMG, which is hard to push down and doesn't bounce at all, but then again it is meant to have a firm suspension. DId the 190SL originally have a firm suspension? Are the bilstein shocks that replace the 190SL shocks same as original, or are they better newer technology shocks?

[Edited by hgupta on 05-31-2001 at 03:09 AM]

[Jim Villers]

Hemant … The 190SL should ride smooth and comfortable. The suspension was not designed as a sports car but more of a grand touring car so is will probably not be as stiff as your AMG machine. It, however, should not bounce and should not make any noises as it rolls down the road, even rough roads. First, listen to Robby and lube all of his 27 or so grease fittings. Next, check out the front suspension. Jack one front wheel at a time up with the jack under the lower wishbone. This takes the load off of the king pin. Try wiggling the tire, first in the vertical plane then in the horizontal plane. It should feel firm with no looseness, clicking or wiggle. Vertical motion is normally wheel bearings or king pin pivots; horizontal motions is normally tie rod ends or drag link. Just guessing, you will need tie rod ends and the drag link. These are normal replaceable items in cars of this vintage. Next check the steering damper (shock absorber). It probably needs replacing. Now for shock absorbers; if they make noise or "shiver", it is time to replace them. I utilized Monroe "Red Riders" (you are probably not old enough to remember the commercials for these) for many years and then installed a set of Bilsteins. The Bilsteins greatly improved the ride and I am very happy with them. I can't recall if they were "gas shocks" or not but they work great. If they are the gas type, the gas pressure adds about 20 pounds of "lift" to the front end and will raise it about an inch or so (this occurred to me when I replaced the front shocks in my 230SL). I guess that I have rambled enough.

[Robby Ackerman]

Hemant

I use modern Bilstein shocks on my 190 SL. If you want something firmer I'd suggest Koni adjustable shocks. The bilsteins are excellent for the car. I can't answer your question comparing 1955 era shocks with modern Bilsteins.

robby

[hgupta]

Where is the best place to buy bilstein shocks, and how do I ask for them (is there a rare size I need)? Is it something I can do myself, or do I need special tools?

[Robby Ackerman]

Hemant

If the Bilsteins are for your 190SL I'd suggest you email the sl********@oasisonline.com. Ron Rapp the owner and past president of the International 190 SL Group has about everything you need for the 190SL. He would stock the correct Bilsteins for your car. Another equally good option is to call k & K Manufactoring in Sparta Michigan. They have a website but I don't remember their address. They also stock everything including body panels for the 190SL. Cheryl is the 190 Expert there and Tim is the owner.
K&K did a 2,200 hour body off restoration of my 190SL.

Robby

[Robby Ackerman]

Yes, you can do it yourself. The only special tool required would be a floor jack.

Robby

[hgupta]

Wow, the bilsteins are really expensive! I was thinking about going with a cheaper brand since I will have to replace them eventually anyways, and the money could be used on stuff like a swaybar. How do I go about ordering a different brand... is there a size or standard that is used in buying shocks?

[Jim Villers]

Good shocks are more important that the sway bar. Shop around. You should be able to find them for about $80 each. You also might check into Koni adjustable shocks. A little more expensive but you can adjust the stiffness to what you prefer. You can always look for a sway bar later.

[Robby Ackerman]

I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to shocks. The quality of shocks and tires bears directly on the quality of your ride and handling. I typically pay around $400/$450 for a set of Bilsteins or Konis. The 25mm sway bar is between $200 and $300.

Robby