CDI CountryBoy

I blew out a strut the other day on a massive pothole. Looking for aftermarket performance struts without spending a ton of money. New OEM Sachs were $240. I was considering Koni's Yellow Sport adjustable ( I probably won't adjust), found them for $176 each, or some Bilsteins, HD's I guess. Haven't seen much talk on the Koni here, would like some input on both if possible. Car rides like total crap now and needs new parts asap. Thanks for any help.

isstay

Bilstein B6 will give you more controlled ride.

CDI CountryBoy

Ordered Bilsteins today. Thanks for the input.

Alan Smithee

Please post a comparison once you get some miles on the Bilsteins. I have been wanting to improve the wallowy ride since my E320 CDI was new (more specifically, the weird difference in dampening between front and rear), but am concerned the wife will throw a fit (it is her primary car) if the ride is too compromised.

Alan Smithee

Still looking for a comparison between OEM Sachs, and either the Bilstein B4 or Bilstein B6 (HD) on the W211...anybody?

isstay

Day and night difference. I am using B8 which is shorter B6 with H&R Springs. Ride is stiff and controlled with very little body roll in corners and when changing lines or passing even on 16" winter tire, 17" is even stiffer. Other things to consider is that B6 or B8 have lifetime warranty and cost less than OEM Sachs, can not comment on OEM Springs/B6 combo. Also look at Koni FSD but decided not to buy them because they have many more valving parts, thus better chance for something to go wrong. You can see pictures of my car here:

https://mbworld.org/forums/5638005-post1460.html

jandmtv

How stiff is the ride? Im thinking of replacing my struts also. I have 80K on the clock so Im thinking of replacing them. Also, what do you guys feel about H&R vs Eibach springs?

Eayacht

My car has 98k miles, My tires are in good shape but I could hear a humming noise coming from the rear when I was at high speed, I put the car on the lift and noticed my rear tires were feathered due to bad rear shocks, recently replaces my rear shock and bought all new tires, cars runs mint. Tomorrow I'm installing new Eibach lowering springs, should drop the car 1.5" front and rear,

Eayacht

According to my mechanic H&R springs would be a stiffer ride, didn't want that,
So he says Eibach would be better smooth ride

isstay

It is stiff, but after you get use to it is ok, at this point everything I ride in feels like boat. If I push down on the front fender dive is between 1/8 and 1/4 of the inch compare to original travel close to 2 inches, probably.


You can expect premature shock wear if you are keeping OEM length shocks, also a bigger chance of bottoming the shock in pothole.
Most people complain about uneven front/back drop they get from Eibach springs.

Eayacht

New lowering springs installed.
I want to make a correction from my last reply. The Springs I ordered Were not Eibach they are H&R. Installed then today, lowered the vehicle 1.5" front and rear. Not a stiff ride at all, and handles corners great, not to mention car looks bad *** now

LemonSqueezy

Me likey

Quick tip: take phone pictures horizontally and not vertically! Makes the picture wider and nicer looking!

Eayacht

Thanks. I'll take some pics tomorrow horizontally and post them, man what a difference on the handling with the lower springs, I'm defiantly going to have to buy new tires soon, taking corners at high speed is very addicting

Eayacht

LemonSqeezy,

How's that?

jandmtv

Hmmm. My 2009 E350 amg sport package sits that low stock. Wonder if they made the facelift sport package models lower than the oldies. I'll have to compare to my sister in laws 2006 E350 when she is over next time.

Eayacht

I also think the older models like mine did come a bit higher than the new ones like the one you own.
Yours prob came with 18" wheels from factory, correct?
Mine comes with 16" factory. so when I replaced the wheels with 19" it looked like a jeep, way to much gap between the fender and tires,

Eayacht

Stock 16" rims and suspension


Stock suspension and 19" rims



H&R lower springs. "Perfect"

jandmtv

Ya, I see the difference now. Mine is definitely lower. And yes, mine came with 18" amg wheels.

So those lowering springs won't do much for mine in other words.

Eayacht

Your right these springs won't lower your car, but remember these are for a 2003. If you order the right springs for your year car it will,
you drive a 2009, your car comes pretty low from factory compared to mine being a 2003, all cars now a days come alittle lower and sportier then the older models.

qmfacdi

I used Bilstein hd on my 2005, gives the car a nice firm ride, plus i lowered the snap rings 3 notches on the front struts to lower the car a bit in the front.

Eayacht

I don't think my struts are adjustable, I'm screwed. Lol

isstay

All W211 cars with standard steel suspension have same springs no matter the year, changes are only cosmetic (body panels).

Yes the are - I am on last (bottom) notch on B8, but I have custom made plate which keeps the spring centered and adds 1/8 of the inch to the total height. Look here:

https://mbworld.org/forums/5843580-post42.html

CDI CountryBoy

LemonSqueezy & Eayacht - Nice rides!
Riding on the Bilsteins for almost a year now, and no complaints. I did not think the ride was terribly stiff, just gave te car a good "tight" feeling. Handling is good and body roll is minimal as stated earlier by someone else. I will definately put these in the rear when needed. I didn't really notice any unbalence having only replaced the fronts, but imagine the car will be even better when I replace the rears, just didn't see the point in throwing money at it now. I ordered mine from Allshocks.com. Good Price and free shipping over $250.
I've been a truck guy till recently and love the ease of driving and comfort of my E-320 CDI, not to mention 35-41 mpg highway. I don't know much about cars and with my lack of experience it can be difficult to give someone a run down on things I don't know. Compared to a 1 ton truck the car rides like a dream, regardless of the type of shocks. I'm a noob here and definately have more questions than answers. The other guys (and gals) two cents are probably worth more than mine.

redlinegw

I just ordered Bilstein H/D's for the front of my 05 E320 CDI with 130k miles do you think I should replace the top mounts at the same time? If so which ones do you think are best? I also plan on getting the H&R springs. So far I have seen the best prices for the springs on ebay with free shipping. I got the struts for $129 each from shock warehouse. Also my front suspension is creaking and making a clicking sound when I go over bumps at a slow speed, from what I have read on here it is more then likely the lower ball joints are suspect. The lower control arms were just replaced before I bought the car. Any ideas on what brand ball joints I should get? OE MBZ or are ones from NAPA ok?

samaritrey

Go with OEM or OES parts as most auto parts store parts are crap for the price. I was looking the other day and for auto parts store prices you can usually get OES parts online for the same or cheaper prices.