I scheduled next weekend off to do a suspension rebuild on the 300E. The ball joints feel 'lumpy' on wheel lock turns in the parking lot, the brakes are almost shot, and the car spent its life until I got it on Long Island. After driving it down the LIE on the way home, I believe the suspension took a regular beating. Plus I have to pay attention to the sissy speed on the yellow signs on curves. I tried to quickly dodge a piece of garbage on the highway that I saw late one night and it almost felt like one of the wheels rolled under.

The first question is about Vogtland springs. Although there are tons of posts about Eibach and H&R, a search of Vogtland turned up 10 posts on the entire site. Mervyn says he loves the ones he put on a W126, and ksing44 said
I imagine the camber thing is too good to be true, (does any one know?) but several other posters said they were planning to get or had gotten Vogtlands. Why has no one posted about how they like them? I mean they are made in Germany, one dealer who sells all three claims Vogtlands are the hands-down winner, and they are about $50 cheaper than Eibachs ($220 vs $277 both w/free shipping). Are Vogtland owners a secret fraternity with a superior ride or are they out in the garage saying "why did I do it?"

Speaking of camber, are there camber struts available to compensate for the change? Can a 4-wheel alignment compensate for a change in camber?

Next are the struts. After reading tons of posts, I am inclined to install Bilstein comforts unless there is something I overlooked which will require the sports. I like the bank vault ride, but want to be able to dodge a loose tire in the road without feeling like I am driving a limo. The car still passes the 'rock the fender' test, but at 120k miles, it seems foolish not to replace the struts/shocks. Are the struts available to replace inside the factory assembly, or are they only available with the assembly?

Next are bushings. I assume I cannot use Sportline sway bar bushings on a stock sway bar because of the 1mm smaller diameter? Which bushings can I replace with Sportline?

I plan to use 1-bump fronts with 3-bump rears. Experience with the 528 tells me to go ahead and replace the strut mounts. Of course the control arm bushings, the tie rods, the strut bellows, the bump stops. Is there much difference in the control arm repair kit available on eBay and the ones available from Phil or Rusty? Maybe new brake hoses and rebuild the calipers (seller unstuck one caliper before I picked up the car). Ballo rotors and Pagid pads. Have I left anything out? Also, is this the time to do the rear subframe bushings, or can it be done later without an alignment? In general, I am not as familiar with what I need to replace in the rear.

Sorry for the long post, but I am working on the shopping list.