softest lowering springs
 

I'd like to lower my '88 300E and fit some 17" wheels. Because the sidewalls will be so much shorter, I'd like to find soft springs so as to keep a fairly nice, non-punishing ride. Anybody like H&R? Also, can I keep my stock shocks? The car rides very high because it's only got 33K miles. Huge wheel to fender gaps!

In general, Eibachs are a little softer and drop less than H&R. Both are very high quality. Don't forget to buy new shocks as well, as your factory units weren't designed to operate with a lowered ride height--they will not damp properly and will wear out prematurely. Bilstein and Koni are your best bets.

The other option (and probably the best outside of overpriced tuner packages) is the factory Sportline setup. It will most likely be better balanced and ride nicer than any combination of H&R/Eibach/Bilstein/Koni.

With a 300E, I'd go for a Sportline setup too, next down would be an Eibach setup (very popular where I come from on W124s).

Any pictures of your car?

I never see it in Boston. Never saw a clean '88 300E here!