nathanso

I'll soon be replacing my original shocks. Can anyone share their experiences with Koni or Bilstein for the W210? I've read the limited threads here on shocks but want more info. Both are priced around $380/4 at shox.com.

Also, I want to do the install myself. Is there a how-to guide somewhere?

KWiK

I tried some Bilstein Sport shocks with H&R springs on my 2001 E320 and I thought they were too stiff for the car. The Bilstein HD might be a bit softer.

FYI: This guy is doing a Koni group buy. Email Mike, mkim_91@yahoo.com

Hope that was some help.

nathanso

KWiK, You changed two things at the same time.. I wonder which caused your car to be too firm for your liking?

KWiK

Actually, it went like this:
1. H&R springs, stock shocks - too bouncy
2. H&R springs, Bilstein Sport shocks - too firm
3. AMG springs & shocks & sways - just right

It's all a matter of taste. Some of us on this board think the Bilstein sports are too firm, others think they are too soft. Unfortunately, the only way to tell which you will like is to try them out.

Lightman

Two weeks ago I installed the H&R sport springs and bilstein sport shocks on my'99. The ride firmed up considerably from stock but is not harsh. Much much tighter though, no floaty feelings at high speeds on the highway that were previously there. Much much less body lean/roll in corners. I like it a lot, as do a lot of other forum members running the same combo.
The stock springs with bilstein hd's will be slightly firmer than stock, but not too much. Handling should improve marginally. Lifetime warranty on bilsteins is nice..

nathanso

Lightman,

Thanks, that's good info. I read your thread on your modded E300 and saw your pics. I agree with you that the front looks too low.. have you changed that yet? My E420 has the same wheels so I'm very interested in what spring pad ends up working for you.

I may just install 4 Koni's and be done with it, though. If that stops thet bouncies I'll be happy.. for now.

Lightman

I have since changed out the #1 front pads for #4 front pads and the clearance/look is much improved, as well as the ride, and camber. I'm happy with this setup and am going to leave it how it is..

KWiK

nathanso,
So what did you end up buying? How do you like it?

nathanso

I have not bought anything yet. My E420 was just rear-ended so I have more pressing matters at hand. Also waiting for the Koni GB folks to mount them up and report back.

KWiK

rear-ended, that sucks. Hope the damage isn't too bad.

M Brabus

Adam, it doesn't sound like you have lowering springs. That has to be another factor in your shock decision. Some shocks like the Bilstein Sport are designed to go with lowering springs whereas I believe the Bilstein HD are designed for stock height springs.

Like Lightman, I have H&R with Bilstein Sport and I'm very happy with it.

Petie

another factor to consider is that Koni shocks are manually adjustable while bilsteins are not. i assume maybe you already know this, just throwing it out there just in case.

Eric

nathanso

Yes, I talked to Koni and their shocks for the W210 are 3-way adjustable. They are not externally adjustable however, and require an R&R to dial in a new setting.

I'm leaning towards the Bilstein HD's, and I wonder if anyone can comment on the before/after effect of replacing OEM shocks with Bilstein HD's with all other suspension parts left stock.

KWiK

I wouldn't let the fact the they need to be removed to change the setting bother you. It takes less than an hour to replace all 4 and once you find the setting you like best, you won't be changing it any more.