AR3S

Right now I have Bilstien HD shocks on my 88 300E and will be getting the struts to match. I want to lower my car about 1" to 1.5". I know I should have got the Bilstien Sport, but I didn't realize that the sport were designed for lowering and by then it was to late. So, what springs would give me the maximum drop with my HD's.

Jim's500E

Either H&R or Eibach with #1 spring pads all around will give you enough of a slam. Not too many spring manufacturers to choose from on a W124. For even bigger dollars there are Brabus, AMG, Renntech and Lorinser springs that are also available.

I have the H&Rs and Koni adjustables on my 500E...its a real nice set-up IMO.

AR3S

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably go with the Eibach Pro Kit springs with the #1 pads.

soldsep

I got eibach pro kit with #1 pad all around and bilstien sport struts. and my drop isnt very much. But then again all benzs are different. So good luck.

Jim's500E

Drop will vary with models...that is true...also be aware that new springs need several hundred miles to 'settle in' or down.

In my case...the nearly 4000lb. 500E settled into the new springs in about a week. What a fat slob of a car!!

soldsep

lol. No, when I say it is different on every car. I mean it is different on every single individual MB. Thats why MB has the spring pad system going on, to adjust the heights of their cars. I have lowered two 97 c280's with the H&R cup kit. Number 3 pads all around. And both cars had different heights.

my car with eibach has a 2 finger gap from wheel to fender. and that is number 1 pads all around like i said earlier.

Jim's500E

Right on man...I think we knew what you meant. At least I did.

Example, all US-spec 500Es came with 4 bump front and 2 bump rear pads while the Euro-spec ones came with 3 front and 1 rear pads. There are about just as many combos of spring pads as there are W201 and W124 models (pads fit both chassis). I'm sure W202s are similiar to this. The difference between each pad is only mms but the difference between a 4 bump pad and a 1 bump pad is certainly noticeable; in looks and ride quality. Agreed?

Also realize that new shocks also need time and miles to settle in/down, especially HD ones

AR3S

How do you change the spring pads? Is it difficult and can I do it myself?

Jim's500E

The rears are very easy to change on a W201 or W124...no spring compressor is needed and the pads just 'screws' onto the top of the spring. By just removing the outboard rear subframe bolts for the shock, hub and links the spring will fall out basically.

You'll need a Klann spring compressor for the front springs though to get them out...good news is that you don't need to disassemble the front hub or shock bolts to do it. Pads just 'screw' onto the front tops also.

You do need a couple of jacks and jackstands...one jack for the car and the other jack to manuever the rear lower subframe up and down to re-align the bolts in the rear.

soldsep

yup yup agreed. 1 pad = bumpier ride. and yea shocks do need time to settle in. I think im gonan sell my suspension its too high for me. 2 finger gap looks stock almost.

soldsep

You might have trouble getting the the bolts out since our cars are old. Well, i have trouble getting the bolt out even on the newer cars. You need a punch and a hammer to get it out. But if u get a compressor just compress the spring remove the pad put new pad on and un compress spring. Its easy if you have the tools. Not so easy if you dont hehe.