I think this is a great question. Many of us with 124 series cars have pondered similar questions, and have often installed these very upgrades.

First off, yes, in my opinion upgrading to front and rear Sportline sway bars and Bilstein shocks will make a difference in the car's handling and driving pleasure. I would always do this to any 124 car that I buy.

The sway bars will contribute to a flatter corning attitude that is less roll. A very satisfying feeling that I thoroughly enjoy in cars.

The Bilstein shock upgrade will make the car feel more sure-footed and often times associated with a smoother ride. When driven on a rutted or uneven rough road, the difference is even more apparent, in that the suspension seems to absorb the irregularities better. Small undulations are well absorbed …. But … large bumps etc do seem to transmit motion to the car more. This is a trade off but not a big one. Firmer control if you will.

Now to the springs. First off it is the springs maintain the height of the car in relation to the wheels and the ground. Springs keep the body up, if you will, but they also additionally to the resistance of the suspension to motion (compression), as do the shocks. Very firm springs will make your car's ride seem harsh. Every bump, expansion strip, pebble etc will be felt. Many do not like this. But …. The Sportline springs although firmer are not a lot more firmer. Think of it in increments. Remember these are factory optional springs. One final item, they lower the car about a ½ inch. This translates into a lower center of gravity that makes the car feel sportier and handle better.

To help you decide …the installation of the shocks and sway bars-

Shocks: both the front and rear shocks can be done without removing the springs. The front springs should be restrained (compressed) because of the strut type suspension. The rears are relatively easy.

Sway bars: The front can be done in your driveway. Easy. Be sure to get the appropriate rubber bushings (4). The rear is complicated because in order to remove the old rear bar you must lower the rear suspension/differential sub frame enough to wiggle the bar out and get the new one in. Just changing the front and rear sway bar rubber bushings improves the handling on cars with 70k miles or so.

Springs: Since automotive coil springs are almost always under compression (at least some) when installed, they hold a lot of kinetic energy. There are horrible stories about people being maimed and killed from messing around with springs. Whether front or rear, the springs should be compressed in order to remove them. You *can* remove them other ways, but it is a death wish.

You can also replace the spring collars with thinner ones. This effectively lowers your car without replacing the springs. You will still need a spring compressor, but you don't have to remove the springs.

In conclusion, you would be happy with just the shocks and bars. They are a noticeable improvment. Doing the springs is another additional upgrade which further improves the cars handling.

Hope all of this helps,

Haasman

After rereading this it seems like I over-answered your questions, sorry it is late.

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