venturaII

I need shocks for my '02 C320 wagon. It has the non-Sport, non-self-leveling suspension. I'm looking for something slightly tighter riding, but I don't want Bilsteins or anything else aftermarket (ride quality is #1 for this car). Can I simply upgrade to OEM Sport shocks with my non-Sport springs? Will the valving be all f-ed up? Or maybe a combo of non-Sport front and Sport Sedan rear shocks (since the Sport sedan uses the same rear spring as the non-Sport wagon). I'm open to suggestions (other than aftermarket ).

KIRA

Bilstein HD shock are pretty comfy

venturaII

Not where I live... Even the HD valving is too harsh for the excuses we have for roads here...

Another question for you though - since I assume you have the Bilstein HDs, was your static ride height affected at all after you had them installed?

KIRA

lol stiffer shock last longer than softer one if you have really bumpy road at where you lived

Sport might be a way to go they aren't that harsh

but the stock one are just tooooo soft for my taste..

btw, i got Bilstein PSS9

splinter

Although KIRA is one of our forum’s foremost chassis tuning experts, his statement is incorrect.

OE dampers (shocks and struts for you Yanks) will restore its original ride quality and handling characteristics. An ’02, regardless of its mileage, is past due for replacement.

The ‘Comfort’ valved Bilstein’s ride quality will closely match those of your (fresh) OE Sachs pieces for far less investment. Their HD and Sport parts have virtually the same compression/rebound damping, although the Sport versions are designed for the lower ride provided by aftermarket springs. This, according to the knowledable and forthcoming technical assistance department at Bilstein. www.bilstein.com

Some have been tempted by the value priced KYBs, only to report back later that the acronym ‘keep your Bilsteins’ is applicable.

KIRA

soo btw, did Bilstein make Stock shock for MB?

or MB made their own?

venturaII

I'm not worried about shock life - I'm worried about wheel life, kidney life, and not turning my car into a rolling box of squeaks, rattles and clunks....

After autocrossing for almost 25 years and having used KYBs, Konis, Tokikos, Bilsteins, etc., I'm fairly comfortable saying that Bilstein Sports are totally inappropriate for the bulk of road conditions here in central New England. Suspension compliance is the key to a good handling street car up here...

venturaII

OEM shocks on my wagon are made by Sachs, with the valving equivalent to the Super Touring model. Not sure what the M-B Sport valving equates to, model-wise....

venturaII

I would LOVE to find a set of Bilstein Comfort shocks; their valving sounds like it's ideal for my requirements - a bit tighter than OEM, but still very compliant - but I have yet to find them for the W203 wagon....if you've seen them somewhere in the 'States, please let me know!

Thx -

venturaII

Anyways, this has all gone a bit off-topic from the original question....has anyone here used Mercedes Sport shocks with non-Sport springs?

C230 Sport Coup

Tough crowd I tell ya!
Not many people here willing to sacrifice looks and performance for
comfort. Pretty much the other way around.
If Splinter says it, it must be true.
He knows what he's talking about.

I really doubt you'll find one person who replaced their shocks with anything from the dealer in the W203 forum.

venturaII

I used to be the same way, but the roads here have seriously deteriorated to the point where sometimes a car with softer springs and shocks is actually faster than a stiffly sprung one. All the tire in the world doesn't do any good if it's just skipping over the top of bumps instead of following them. I'd kill to have roads like you left coast guys...!