Anyone with Koni shocks?
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From: Southern CA
I haven't yet tried the Koni shocks on the w203. We had quite a few people who were waiting on them, but after literally 10 months, they all chose other options. Koni makes a good adjustable shock, that allows you to choose a dampening level of your choice to go with your aftermarket spring. While you will not have a matched set, typically results are pretty good. Having to choose between that and the H&R cup kit would in my opinion be based on total price and lowering amount. It will handle better than springs alone, but not better than H&R coilovers.
Since the shocks need to be adjusted while off the car, make sure you choose the correct dampening level first!
Ben
Since the shocks need to be adjusted while off the car, make sure you choose the correct dampening level first!
Ben
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Originally posted by Mach430
....Koni makes a good adjustable shock, that allows you to choose a dampening level of your choice to go with your aftermarket spring. While you will not have a matched set, typically results are pretty good. Having to choose between that and the H&R cup kit would in my opinion be based on total price and lowering amount. It will handle better than springs alone, but not better than H&R coilovers.
Ben
....Koni makes a good adjustable shock, that allows you to choose a dampening level of your choice to go with your aftermarket spring. While you will not have a matched set, typically results are pretty good. Having to choose between that and the H&R cup kit would in my opinion be based on total price and lowering amount. It will handle better than springs alone, but not better than H&R coilovers.
Ben
I find that a bit contradicting. Does that mean everyone should do some extensive research and find out all the spring rates on all available springs and choose the best one that can be matched perfectly to the Koni? If thats the case, it will be a fun project! :p
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Southern CA
No, it is in no way contradicting. It means exactly what it says.
I specifically said "you will not have a matched set," which 99% of the time you won't. I have 3 other suspension upgrades I would recommend over it for that reason. However, the middle-firm settings with H&R springs will still be an upgrade over the stock AMG/Bilstein HDs.
Thanks,
Ben
I specifically said "you will not have a matched set," which 99% of the time you won't. I have 3 other suspension upgrades I would recommend over it for that reason. However, the middle-firm settings with H&R springs will still be an upgrade over the stock AMG/Bilstein HDs.
Thanks,
Ben
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Originally posted by Mach430
No, it is in no way contradicting. It means exactly what it says.
I specifically said "you will not have a matched set," which 99% of the time you won't. I have 3 other suspension upgrades I would recommend over it for that reason. However, the middle-firm settings with H&R springs will still be an upgrade over the stock AMG/Bilstein HDs.
Thanks,
Ben
No, it is in no way contradicting. It means exactly what it says.
I specifically said "you will not have a matched set," which 99% of the time you won't. I have 3 other suspension upgrades I would recommend over it for that reason. However, the middle-firm settings with H&R springs will still be an upgrade over the stock AMG/Bilstein HDs.
Thanks,
Ben
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: dallas tx
c32 & 330i
Thank you guys, I am just exploring new options. I think both Bilstein and Koni make great shocks, of course comparing to the coilovers, after market shocks and springs combo can not compare to the finely tuned coilovers like the H&R's and PSS9. Once again, thanks for answering my question, I have a better idea of what to do and what not to do now.
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From: Clarksville, MD
C32 AMG, CLK 320
I put yellow adjustable Konis on the rear of my C32. I had them adjusted to the firmest setting, and they are still softer than our stock AMG shocks. I had them on for 200 miles. Now they are just sitting in my stock.
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Harris to help clarify, for every spring rate, there is a range of suitable shock absorber damping setting which will properly dampen a given spring. You can have a slightly underdamped or slightly overdamped system, and still consider it a good matching combination. Koni's allow you to taylor the ride to what YOU think is more appropriate for your driving, and the springs you're using. Some like a little more bounce, some like a little less, and there's nothing wrong with it.
Bilstein shocks (like those supplied by H&R) offer internal valving that can adjust and slightly alter the damping automatically, depending on the shaft velocity of the shock. It's a relatively unique feature to Bilsteins which allow them to get by without external damping adjustments.
Bilstein shocks (like those supplied by H&R) offer internal valving that can adjust and slightly alter the damping automatically, depending on the shaft velocity of the shock. It's a relatively unique feature to Bilsteins which allow them to get by without external damping adjustments.
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From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
Originally posted by Mach430
...While you will not have a matched set, typically results are pretty good...
Typical results are better than good, because you can make adjustments. To me Koni & Spring X, is a better choice than the commonly used Bilstein & Spring X.
Having to choose between that and the H&R cup kit would in my opinion be based on total price and lowering amount.
This one is a joke right??? H&R cup kit is about as soft as stock.
It will handle better than springs alone, but not better than H&R coilovers.
Now this one I think I agree with, but not 100%
Since the shocks need to be adjusted while off the car, make sure you choose the correct dampening level first!
Starting at the 50% setting is the quickest way to find the one you like.
...While you will not have a matched set, typically results are pretty good...
Typical results are better than good, because you can make adjustments. To me Koni & Spring X, is a better choice than the commonly used Bilstein & Spring X.
Having to choose between that and the H&R cup kit would in my opinion be based on total price and lowering amount.
This one is a joke right??? H&R cup kit is about as soft as stock.
It will handle better than springs alone, but not better than H&R coilovers.
Now this one I think I agree with, but not 100%
Since the shocks need to be adjusted while off the car, make sure you choose the correct dampening level first!
Starting at the 50% setting is the quickest way to find the one you like.
Originally posted by Jon Winter
I put yellow adjustable Konis on the rear of my C32. I had them adjusted to the firmest setting, and they are still softer than our stock AMG shocks...
My guess is that you either mistakenly put them on full soft, or you didn't really have Koni.
I put yellow adjustable Konis on the rear of my C32. I had them adjusted to the firmest setting, and they are still softer than our stock AMG shocks...
My guess is that you either mistakenly put them on full soft, or you didn't really have Koni.
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Kwik question
Kwik you may know, since you are a suspension guy with some actual Koni experience:
Do the Koni rears really have to be removed to adjust, or can they be adjusted via removal of the trunk liner? What about the actual front process too?
Can you rate the specific Koni Yellow adjustments from say:
MB-like ride, BMW-like ride, AMG-like ride, M3-like ride, heavy sport ride, track etc (use whatever you think is appropriate)?
What is the relationship between Sachs and Bilstein. Who actually makes the OEM AMG dampers?
Thanks in advance
Do the Koni rears really have to be removed to adjust, or can they be adjusted via removal of the trunk liner? What about the actual front process too?
Can you rate the specific Koni Yellow adjustments from say:
MB-like ride, BMW-like ride, AMG-like ride, M3-like ride, heavy sport ride, track etc (use whatever you think is appropriate)?
What is the relationship between Sachs and Bilstein. Who actually makes the OEM AMG dampers?
Thanks in advance
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 21
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From: dallas tx
c32 & 330i
Re: Kwik question
Originally posted by rrf
Do the Koni rears really have to be removed to adjust, or can they be adjusted via removal of the trunk liner? What about the actual front process too?
Do the Koni rears really have to be removed to adjust, or can they be adjusted via removal of the trunk liner? What about the actual front process too?
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Clarksville, MD
C32 AMG, CLK 320
Theses Konis are for a C320. The rears must be removed to adjust them. The Koni fronts have an adjustment on the top of the strut. The C32 OEM shocks are much better than the C320 Konis.
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Agree, my AMG shocks clearly say "Sachs" on the side too, but everyone else keeps saying Bilstein so I keep wondering if there is some relabeling going on or whatever.
I am very surprised that you find the Konis to be too wimpy even on the stiffest setting. Maybe because they are C320 based, and you track your car. If they are too wimpy for the average guy on the firmest setting, then there never will be any hope for that solution.
I am very surprised that you find the Konis to be too wimpy even on the stiffest setting. Maybe because they are C320 based, and you track your car. If they are too wimpy for the average guy on the firmest setting, then there never will be any hope for that solution.
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Originally posted by rrf
Agree, my AMG shocks clearly say "Sachs" on the side too, but everyone else keeps saying Bilstein so I keep wondering if there is some relabeling going on or whatever....
Agree, my AMG shocks clearly say "Sachs" on the side too, but everyone else keeps saying Bilstein so I keep wondering if there is some relabeling going on or whatever....
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Southern CA
Originally posted by rrf
Agree, my AMG shocks clearly say "Sachs" on the side too, but everyone else keeps saying Bilstein so I keep wondering if there is some relabeling going on or whatever.
Agree, my AMG shocks clearly say "Sachs" on the side too, but everyone else keeps saying Bilstein so I keep wondering if there is some relabeling going on or whatever.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: San Diego, CA
C32 AMG
Originally posted by Jon Winter
I put yellow adjustable Konis on the rear of my C32. I had them adjusted to the firmest setting, and they are still softer than our stock AMG shocks. I had them on for 200 miles. Now they are just sitting in my stock.
I put yellow adjustable Konis on the rear of my C32. I had them adjusted to the firmest setting, and they are still softer than our stock AMG shocks. I had them on for 200 miles. Now they are just sitting in my stock.
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From: Clarksville, MD
MB C32 AMG
No, I'm not going to put any time into the Konis. I saw the new Bilstein kit in action this past Friday at Summit Point. I have a friend with them on his 993. I wonder how soft they can get?
