Softest possible shocks?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Softest possible shocks?
The 430 that I bought seemed to ride a bit rougher than the other ones, so id like to replace at least the rear shocks. The ones that I've found at my parts supplier are the Bilstein Hd's. I DO NOT want better handling or anything. The main reason I loved this car was the soft ride. Therefore, Id like the softest set of shocks possible.
Any recommendations?
Anybody have low mileage stock take offs?
thanks
Any recommendations?
Anybody have low mileage stock take offs?
thanks
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
From: Northeast
e300d
Boge/Sachs might be the OE part. I think AZAutohaus sells those.
KONI produces adj shocks. I've got a set of these and they're pretty nice...far more "street-friendly' than a Bilstein.
You could also order the OE pieces from a dealer.
KONI produces adj shocks. I've got a set of these and they're pretty nice...far more "street-friendly' than a Bilstein.
You could also order the OE pieces from a dealer.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
Were the other W210s you drove also 4matic? I've heard some anecdotal evidence that the 4matics ride harder than non-4matic. I'm inclined to believe it since I'd hardly call the ride on mine soft. (And I have new OEM Bilstein front shocks.)
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 46
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From: Temperance, MIchigan
tires
Dont forget about tires. The tires can change the cars comfort and handling greatly. I just changed to a new Conti and noticed a softer ride and much smoother. The down side was I lost some of the sport feel for comfort. You may want to look into this and tire presure as well.
Good Luck
Good Luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
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John Deere
Good point about the tire pressure. If you don't have one, get a nice digital pressure gauge. If you want to trade mileage for comfort, let a few pounds out of each tire.
Also, the soft rubber tires will feel nicer but wear faster. Everything is a tradeoff.
In addition, NE roads just suck. You will be punished going over frost heaves no matter what you do.
Also, the soft rubber tires will feel nicer but wear faster. Everything is a tradeoff.
In addition, NE roads just suck. You will be punished going over frost heaves no matter what you do.
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
What make/model tires are you running?
As others have stated before, as a rule of thumb:
Sport tires are made of a softer rubber compound which don't last very long but are quiet, sticky, give a soft ride.
The all-season, 50,000 mile type tires will be made of a harder rubber which will prove louder, less sticky, and give a more harsh ride.
So, tell us which tires are on the car and someone will tell you if it's the tires or not.
As others have stated before, as a rule of thumb:
Sport tires are made of a softer rubber compound which don't last very long but are quiet, sticky, give a soft ride.
The all-season, 50,000 mile type tires will be made of a harder rubber which will prove louder, less sticky, and give a more harsh ride.
So, tell us which tires are on the car and someone will tell you if it's the tires or not.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
The tires are a big part of it. Right now its on brand new Michelin Alpin 2 snows and they are at about 38psi cold. Obviously thats not helping matters.
I plan to switch to a set of Yokohama Avid H4s which should be a good balance.
CQ, I agree with a lot of your post, but some things I disagree with.
1. While sporty tires may use softer rubber, the sidewall will be much stiffer to give better response. That will affect the ride much more than the hardness of the rubber.
2. In my experience, tread design is the number 1 contributor to loud tires. Usually the all season tires have simple, parallel treads that aren't fantastic for traction, but provide a quiet ride. You want a loud tire, look at the wild tread pattern on the BFG KDW 2. They are extremely noisey. Also, don't discount that sticky tires like to throw rocks and debris into the fender wells.
I realize the snow tires have a lot to do with it, and those will get changed, Im just looking to have the softest ride possible.
I plan to switch to a set of Yokohama Avid H4s which should be a good balance.
CQ, I agree with a lot of your post, but some things I disagree with.
1. While sporty tires may use softer rubber, the sidewall will be much stiffer to give better response. That will affect the ride much more than the hardness of the rubber.
2. In my experience, tread design is the number 1 contributor to loud tires. Usually the all season tires have simple, parallel treads that aren't fantastic for traction, but provide a quiet ride. You want a loud tire, look at the wild tread pattern on the BFG KDW 2. They are extremely noisey. Also, don't discount that sticky tires like to throw rocks and debris into the fender wells.
I realize the snow tires have a lot to do with it, and those will get changed, Im just looking to have the softest ride possible.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
The tires are a big part of it. Right now its on brand new Michelin Alpin 2 snows and they are at about 38psi cold. Obviously thats not helping matters.
I plan to switch to a set of Yokohama Avid H4s which should be a good balance.
CQ, I agree with a lot of your post, but some things I disagree with.
1. While sporty tires may use softer rubber, the sidewall will be much stiffer to give better response. That will affect the ride much more than the hardness of the rubber.
2. In my experience, tread design is the number 1 contributor to loud tires. Usually the all season tires have simple, parallel treads that aren't fantastic for traction, but provide a quiet ride. You want a loud tire, look at the wild tread pattern on the BFG KDW 2. They are extremely noisey. Also, don't discount that sticky tires like to throw rocks and debris into the fender wells.
I realize the snow tires have a lot to do with it, and those will get changed, Im just looking to have the softest ride possible.
I plan to switch to a set of Yokohama Avid H4s which should be a good balance.
CQ, I agree with a lot of your post, but some things I disagree with.
1. While sporty tires may use softer rubber, the sidewall will be much stiffer to give better response. That will affect the ride much more than the hardness of the rubber.
2. In my experience, tread design is the number 1 contributor to loud tires. Usually the all season tires have simple, parallel treads that aren't fantastic for traction, but provide a quiet ride. You want a loud tire, look at the wild tread pattern on the BFG KDW 2. They are extremely noisey. Also, don't discount that sticky tires like to throw rocks and debris into the fender wells.
I realize the snow tires have a lot to do with it, and those will get changed, Im just looking to have the softest ride possible.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Richardson, TX
'04 Cobra & '04 S430
I read this article on TireRack. Seems like the weight of the wheel/tire combo can affect the ride as well (Heavier=smoother).
