Knightmare69

I recently installed H&R SS on the fiancee's C200 CGi still using OEM shocks, while she likes the stance she's noted that the ride is bouncier now. Given that it's her daily and she needs to car family around I can't let it perform like that. The supplier that I bought the H&R's from suggested Bilstein B8's as they have a short piston and are meant for lowered vehicles but I'm reading around and getting mixed reviews on just how stiff the ride is.

So I'm hoping that we have members here that have experience either on their Benz or any other vehicle that it may have been installed on. Please chime in and let me know how you felt the ride was. I'm looking for as close as possible to stock ride comfort but with lowered performance. Obviously I know that there is a comfort trade off with lowering ones car but I think with today's technology we should be able to find a good medium.

BTW, my fiancee's C200 is the Lux/Avantgarde model.

bhvrdr

For people who are looking for improved performance in both ride and handling as opposed to more aesthetics, using lowering springs with OEM dampers may not be as desirable. Running dampers outside of their efficiency range can give you poor ride and a bit more bouncy and a pogo like ride. Don't confuse this as being a side effect of lowered cars. It's not. It's a side effect of mismatched springs and dampers. I've used a PSS10 system from Bisltein and I could achieve an arguably better ride while lowered. Step up to a more professional quality set of Ohlins and you can fine tune for high and low speed settings and give excellent ride quality with outstanding handling. You may want to look at something matched like a KW coilover setup. You can quickly end up spending more money in multiple installs and removals trying to match up our own separate parts.

cheers! Mike

Knightmare69

Maybe I should rephrase but I am well aware of the issues of using lowering springs on OEM shocks that were not meant for that height having previously owning/modding many cars with aftermarket spring/shock combo's.

Having said that I went this route after searching through countless threads where many members stated that the combo was in fact riding similar to that of OEM, none having stated that the ride became bouncier, stiffer maybe but that's to be expected given the springs, this combo was also based off given statements from members that the OEM shocks are used across the many trims of the W204 all of which stock have different heights from one another.

I do appreciate your input but having said that, I'm still trying to find out if anyone has personal experience Bilstein B8's or at this point any other aftermarket shocks.

rb23lb

bump bump

Please report back when you can compare H&R SS with upgraded shocks to see if it noticeably improves comfort and makes it not really worth it to worry about coil overs...

rb23lb

any updates?

Knightmare69

Nope, they still haven't arrived.

kevink2

Replied on this similar thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...springs-2.html

.

rb23lb

Where did you order them from?

I SCOURED the internet this morning and couldn't find them being sold by anyone in the US!

Only UK sellers, but then I wast sure if they were the right ones...

What the hell is the reason that these are not widely available like the rest of Bilsteins shocks?

Knightmare69

I'm in Hong Kong and ordered from a local trade company. As for availability I can't say, maybe you should shoot Bilstein an email.

rb23lb

Do you have a link to the product so I make sure I am looking for the right ones?

kevink2

FWIW, Bilstein USA only markets B8 (for lowered springs) for the W204 rear shock, per this link:

http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mmid=1440465

.

Knightmare69

24-141857 Shock AbsorberBILSTEIN - B8 SPRINTFitting Position Rear Axle; Gas Pressure; Monotube; Bottom eye; Top pin;

35-141846 Shock AbsorberBILSTEIN - B8 SPRINTFitting Position Front Axle; Suspension Strut; Single Tube Upside Down;

http://web1.carparts-cat.com/default...C018004&12=140

rb23lb

ya I noticed this today.... why they heck would they sell both fron and rear B8 for lowered springs in other countries for the w204 but not here?

Will they work if I get front and rear from bilstein non-USA?

Knightmare69

I'm sure Bilstein USA could order it for you no?

rb23lb

are these the same part numbers you purchased?

and is b8 the same thing as b8 sprint?

Knightmare69

Yes, those are the part numbers on my invoice. No clue about the sprint part.

kevink2

+1

.

rb23lb

waiting to hear back...

rb23lb

Response from Tire Rack Representative who I contacted for the special order in the US:


"These part numbers are brand new parts for Bilstein. They are currently in development and production. Bilstein tells us that we will not have pricing or availability for at least 90 days. I am sorry, I do not have any additional information currently available.

We do have the Bilstein HD shocks available today.
24-141833 - $82 each
35-141822 - 293 each

Please let me know if there is anything I can help with.

Best regards,
Keith"

Knightmare69

That's weird considering they've been for sale here in HK already.

Cocoout

any update

Knightmare69

Had them installed a while ago, wife actually commented on how it rode better than stock and has no complaints. Even our family members haven't made any comments on the added stiffness which is good news to me cuz that means they can't tell the difference. Currently though I'm dealing with trying to find where I'm getting creaks and clunks from. Just haven't had time to get the car on the lift.

Cocoout

My ride 27 months now runs 55000km seems the shocks getting bit soft, I am thinking blistein pss 10 coilover , or blistein b8 + h&r !

Knightmare69

Pss10 are overkill if you're not into tracking your car. Springs and shocks are enough for daily driving.

Cocoout

Ok , let's see