C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Need new shock/brake recommendation

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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 08:00 AM
  #1  
Rev 2 Liv's Avatar
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Need new shock/brake recommendation

2001 C320 with sport package. 80,000miles. Cost is a big concern for me. I try to get the best I can afford if it's justifiable. I like a firm but not jarring car ride. Also i'd like Springs that lower the car very little.

just replaced Tires 225/50/16 Michelin Pilot Sport AS Plus.

I now need to replace all 4 brakes and the shocks as well.

Here's the break setup i'm considering from TireRack.

FBrembo solid vented rotor $160 for 2
RBrembo solid rotor $100 for 2

Pads:
Hawk HPS Street $86 front

Shocks are all over the place:
koni Sport Front 215 430
Koni Sport Rear $160 320
Billstein HD $270 total 540
Billstein HD rear 129 total 258

4 koni sport's cost 750 w/o anciliiary parts like strut cap bearing
4 Billstein Strut HD cost $798

Can i get the billstein' or Koni's alot cheaper elsewhere? Also what are less expensive options?

Will keeping stock springs in place cause an imbalance?

thanks alot guys for your insight into cheaper strut options.
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 06:15 PM
  #2  
Nokiemon's Avatar
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From: Northern CA
CLK55 AMG, SL55 AMG, C55 AMG
I have Koni sport shocks all the way around and love them. Ride is only a little firmer, but now corners like it is on rails (not that the stock set up was bad to begin with on the sport package). Prices will not vary too much from the various vendors unless they put package on special. Check all of the MB sponsors and other MB vendor sites to compare, but the best I could find when shopping for them was only a $20 difference across the board when comparing five different sources.
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Old Jan 26, 2010 | 12:16 AM
  #3  
SeaCoupe's Avatar
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
I have had an H&R Cup Kit for at least 5 years. They still handle well. Ride height is some 15% lower than stock, and the ride is still comfy. The kit is 4 shocks and 4 springs. I think I paid $650 installed, but I may be a little off.

Ed
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Old Jan 26, 2010 | 01:43 PM
  #4  
phoenix_iii's Avatar
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2007 ML350
Originally Posted by emrliquidlife
I have had an H&R Cup Kit for at least 5 years. They still handle well. Ride height is some 15% lower than stock, and the ride is still comfy. The kit is 4 shocks and 4 springs. I think I paid $650 installed, but I may be a little off.

Ed

How much for parts + install?
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Old Jan 28, 2010 | 10:11 PM
  #5  
kimman's Avatar
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C230K coupe
I'm using a coilover suspension that made from Taiwan, it call XYZ suspension.
http://www.xyz-racing.com/
They are OEM manufacture of HKS and Cusco.
The coilover named Super-Sport with 30 units damping adjustment
and just cost me $1,100 full set.
Try this one!!
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Old Jan 28, 2010 | 10:47 PM
  #6  
SeaCoupe's Avatar
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Originally Posted by phoenix_iii
How much for parts + install?
Realize that this was some years back. I think I paid $525 for the kit, and $125 for the install.

I think the initial price on the install was to be 3 hours and $180, and the Kit was going for $650.

Where ever possible, I don't pay retail. As a business owner, I have no problem negotiating. Points like:

Can I get a discount if I bring it in on a slow day?

I'll prepay before the install. That means the owner got paid, and get another kit

Referall business...but oddly, I don't remember the name of the business. I think it was down in the 619, even though I live in LA County.

Ed
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