RosSauce

I installed Bilstein PSS10 coilovers switching from Silvers and previously H&R lowering springs thinking it would improve the ride. But they all rode harsh and crashes when hitting small bumps (like changes in pavement or road reflectors). Adjusting the shock dampening settings don’t make a big difference either. I’m inclined to think something else is going on but the fronts hit so hard over small bumps but aren’t too bad over larger bumps. Can the sway bar have an effect? I disconnected the sway bar end links which seems to help a bit. I also changed some of the lower control arms recently so those bushings are all intact. Car is lowered but not slammed by means. So stumped.

Note that I actually have a C207 E550 coupe but it shares the W204 chassis and there’s a lot more activity here so wanted to see what else I should check or if anyone has any ideas.

TimC300

I just have the stock sports suspension so no idea about lowering the car. Theres a few threads on these Bilstein coilovers in the C63 section with positive reviews.

I think its harsh in general. I recently had new tires put on and I thought something was wrong at first, I could feel every bump and hated it until i realized they over filled the tires. I lowered the air pressure and it rode much better. So I can see small changes effecting the ride.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

When replacing the lower control arms, did you keep them stock? If you lowered your car, you may need to change sway bar links. However, if both wheels travel together (large bumps), the sway bar should not affect the ride. But if only one side hits a bump, the sway bar will affect the stiffness of that side.

RosSauce

Thanks for the help! It does appear to be sway bar end link related as I got some adjustable ones and made sure there was no preload on it and it rides so much better. I actually had to have a longer end link compared to stock. But now my sport button light is stuck on and when my car is jacked up/unloaded, the sway bar hits the lower control arm. Not sure if this ok as it doesn’t hit when on the ground.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

How often do you drive in the air?

RosSauce

Haha there’s a few jumps I like to hit on my way home from work . On a more serious note, I can’t figure out why my car is stuck in sport mode now. It has to be related to the sway bar/end link height or headlight level sensor since I didn’t touch anything else.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Are you referring to a transmission mode or a suspension mode being stuck in Sport?

TimC300

Mine would get some air when driving on the highway over certain bumps like bridges, just a short hop and the traction light would flash on and off quickly. Since I replaced the old rear shocks I haven't noticed it happen anymore.

Mine has the Sport/Comfort button on the shifter but i think it just changes the way the car shifts. I just have the regular OE Mercedes sports struts/shocks, not air suspension.

i came across a thread where someone mentions loose sensors at each wheel, post # 18. https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-c...port-mode.html