Shock Decision
 

1989 300E

I was leaning on going to Bilstein Comforts until I read that their construction was not the same as the HD. Anything I have to be concerned about? Seems others rate the Comforts no better than Sachs, etc. If that is the case, how much stiffer will the HDs ride compared with stock OEM ?

Thanks.

Not much. You will like them.

Replace stock shocks on former '90 300E. Very nice improvement in handling, but still quite comfortable.

Nothing close to as stiff as my current '92 Sportline with Bilstein Sports.

Steve

Hard question to answer since everybody has different opinion on what is firm, soft or whatever.

I can say this. I installed the heavy duties on 92 300E and 90 300D 2.5 turbo earlier this year. I describe handling of both as firm, tight and not harsh at all. Going over speed humps on many of the streets around here does not unsettle the cars at all.

On the other hand a friend of mine who owns an independent Mercedes shop thinks the car is more comfortable with the comfort shocks; he says the comfort shocks make it ride the way it was meant to ride.

have bilstein comforts.... new rears in the 300e made a big difference in handling....

i have another new set of rears for the CE...it doesn't seem to need them yet...

every once in a while someone gives a new set away on ebay.... i haven't been able to nail a pair of fronts, however...

HD bilsteins
 

Hi, I also rec the HD's over comforts for our 124 cars. I have HD's on the TE, E300D, and usa 190D. The euro 190D has lowered springs and Sports, and the CE is stock. I liken the difference between comfort and heavy duty Bilsteins to the difference between the ride of a Honda Accord and a BMW 5-series. If you like the Honda ride, go comfort; if you like the BMW ride, go HD. I do alot of city driving and pot holes, and find the HD not harsh.

I too have a TE mine is a 92 300TE. I take it that you put the HD's up front? Mine had new Boge/Sachs Automatics on the front when I got it, which I understand to be the same as OEM replacements.

I'm assuming you still have the hydropnematics on the rear. If that's the case is the car still well balanced with the HD's up front?

I did a lot of research on this site when faced with the same decision 3 years ago. I opted for the HDs instead of Comforts for my C280. If I remember right, the HD is valved for a 10% stiffer ride than the Comforts. The car felt tighter and sharper, but by no means too harsh. I'd definitely recommend them.

HD Bilstein on TE
 

Ron, the HD Bilstein's on the front of the TE are balanced well. I replaced the accumulators after buying the car three years ago- the PO had done nothing, and fluid flushes did not help. Then I found a leak on one of the rear struts, so replaced both (the other side strut was a Christmas present to the car;). This "new" rear end is firm, and the HD's are really helpful to reduce front end dive on braking. Again, not harsh at all around town. Dave

The Bilstein comfort shocks actually give a slightly firm ride, while the HD shocks give an extra firm ride. Actually it is too firm for some people.

The choice is up to you but I'd think the comfort shocks are the best all around choice, for general use.