Bilstein or Koni
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
From: NY
CLK320
Bilstein or Koni
Hello. I have stock springs and I have decided my next maitence item is shocks as my car rides like a boat.
Anyway, I want a soft, supple ride.
What do I do. Get Bilstein Sport Shocks or Koni adjustables. How much of a difference is there in the ride?
Also, I am leaning towards bilstein at the moment cause I can get a better deal on them but I am willing to pay more for the konis if any only if the ride is that much softer.
Should I just go with the bilsteins or shell out more for the Konis because they could possibly be softer?
Anyway, I want a soft, supple ride.
What do I do. Get Bilstein Sport Shocks or Koni adjustables. How much of a difference is there in the ride?
Also, I am leaning towards bilstein at the moment cause I can get a better deal on them but I am willing to pay more for the konis if any only if the ride is that much softer.
Should I just go with the bilsteins or shell out more for the Konis because they could possibly be softer?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 3199cc
Hello. I have stock springs and I have decided my next maitence item is shocks as my car rides like a boat.
Anyway, I want a soft, supple ride.
What do I do. Get Bilstein Sport Shocks or Koni adjustables. How much of a difference is there in the ride?
Also, I am leaning towards bilstein at the moment cause I can get a better deal on them but I am willing to pay more for the konis if any only if the ride is that much softer.
Should I just go with the bilsteins or shell out more for the Konis because they could possibly be softer?
Anyway, I want a soft, supple ride.
What do I do. Get Bilstein Sport Shocks or Koni adjustables. How much of a difference is there in the ride?
Also, I am leaning towards bilstein at the moment cause I can get a better deal on them but I am willing to pay more for the konis if any only if the ride is that much softer.
Should I just go with the bilsteins or shell out more for the Konis because they could possibly be softer?
Rob
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
I have...
the Koni's and wouldn't buy them again. I've always bought Bilstein, and should have done it this time as well. Some guys on this board have them and think they're great. I just don't care too much for the setup I have with my H&R springs. Way too busy, and the ride does not have the supple quality you get with Bilsteins. If I had to do it over again, I would buy the Brabus kit with springs and shocks, or do the AMG Euro springs with Bilsteins. Just my .02..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
You're probably right thuged....
the HD's may be a better choice. I'm now convinced that my car is oversprung with the H&R setup. Would make a different choice if I did it again...
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by allenjdmb
the Koni's and wouldn't buy them again. I've always bought Bilstein, and should have done it this time as well. Some guys on this board have them and think they're great. I just don't care too much for the setup I have with my H&R springs. Way too busy, and the ride does not have the supple quality you get with Bilsteins. If I had to do it over again, I would buy the Brabus kit with springs and shocks, or do the AMG Euro springs with Bilsteins. Just my .02..
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 1
From: Genoa, NV
2014 GLK250 BlueTec & 2009 ML320 BlueTec
Originally Posted by 3199cc
i have stock springs tho. Do you think it would make a noticeable difference?
Bilstein sport = very stiff
Bilstein HD = mild
Koni sport adjustables = mild - stiff - very stiff
Kleeman sensitive = soft all around - stiff when needed
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
1999 CLK 430
Originally Posted by 3199cc
Hello. I have stock springs and I have decided my next maitence item is shocks as my car rides like a boat.
Anyway, I want a soft, supple ride.
What do I do. Get Bilstein Sport Shocks or Koni adjustables. How much of a difference is there in the ride?
Also, I am leaning towards bilstein at the moment cause I can get a better deal on them but I am willing to pay more for the konis if any only if the ride is that much softer.
Should I just go with the bilsteins or shell out more for the Konis because they could possibly be softer?
Anyway, I want a soft, supple ride.
What do I do. Get Bilstein Sport Shocks or Koni adjustables. How much of a difference is there in the ride?
Also, I am leaning towards bilstein at the moment cause I can get a better deal on them but I am willing to pay more for the konis if any only if the ride is that much softer.
Should I just go with the bilsteins or shell out more for the Konis because they could possibly be softer?
I installed a set of Bilstein Sports while I was waiting for my set of Eibach springs to come in. So I had a chance to see how they worked with the stock springs. The handling characteristics of the car were great: Much improved cornering and braking. A HUGE improvement over the stock shocks. And the best part for your situation, the comfortable ride wasn't sacrificed at all. I don't know about the Koni's but anything that requires adjustment might not be the way to go for your use. With the Bilstein's, just put them on and smile... Good luck.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
1999 CLK 430
Originally Posted by turboriceco0ker
For those of you who have installed eibach/hr/koni/bilstein.
How easy is it to have it done?
Or do I need a pro/expert to install it?
How easy is it to have it done?
Or do I need a pro/expert to install it?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 954
Likes: 245
E550 Coupe 2wd (2016)
Doesn't Koni have a short life span? I've owned cars that had them and they were always worn out. I like a shock to stay as new, not wear down like a battery in a toy car. I think Bilstein is the best shock for the money there is. 
