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Mar 25, 2009 | 09:26 PM

NIGHTCAP

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97 MB E320, 97 Volvo XC70, 87 Volvo 240 DL.

Shocking Shocks

Has anyone replaced original shocks on a 97 to 2000 E-320 with Bilsteins? I just replaced the rear ones on mine with the "touring" type and it is the worse shock I have ever had. I could feel every wave, uneven surface and pumps on the roadway. What are your experiences with Bilstein touring shocks?

Mar 25, 2009 | 09:43 PM

fosmith

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From: No. Calif., SF Bay Area, Orinda

2001 E430, Obsidian Black w. Ash/Orion Grey, 195,000 mi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIGHTCAP

I put a set of Bilstein HDs on my '01 E430 and I love them. Firm but not harsh ride and good road feel.

Fred

Mar 25, 2009 | 11:43 PM

ghaffar23

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'08 CL600 with 152k km; '01 E430 4Matic with 433k km; '17 Porsche Cayenne with 130k km

I'm thinking with about 142K on the clock, it is long overdue for some shocks all around. That will be my next investment after my lowering springs for my 4Matic. The car still rides surprisingly well; perhaps, I'm so used to the ride that I don't know how it rides with new shocks!

Mar 26, 2009 | 01:56 AM

stickygreen

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From: Monterey, CA

'97 E320

I don't think Bilstein makes a "touring" version for the w210. After talking to Bilstein USA a couple months ago, looks like the only make "heavy duty" and "sport", both of which have the same valving but the Sport is for lowered cars and HD is for stock height.

I put Bilstein HD's on my car over 100k miles ago, and have regretted it since. They do ride well on the smooth stuff (what doesnt) and on the gradual bumps, and handling is definitely improved. But on the harsher bumps (expension joints, potholes, and even bots dots), they are pretty brutal. The ride got worse (as expected) with the 18" wheels, but they were still entirely too harsh (imo) on stock mushy 16" Michelins.

I have H&R Springs with Bilstein Sports (rears revalved by Bilstein to be 40% stiffer) on my old BMW, and it has a similar ride over the harsher bumps to my bone stock e320 on Bilstein HD's.

Will be going back to Sachs/Boge shocks when funds are a bit more plentiful.

Mar 26, 2009 | 03:16 PM

socalsounds

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From: San Diego

2012 CLS63 AMG Performace - Obsidian Black

I installed a set of the standard KYB gas shocks on my 1997 E320 at 120K, and they are wonderful! Very little dive, squat and lean, nice ride, but very responsive when pushed into corners or braked hard. $350 a set. I couldn't reccommend these enough!

Chris

Last edited by socalsounds; Mar 26, 2009 at 03:32 PM.

Mar 26, 2009 | 10:59 PM

NIGHTCAP

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97 MB E320, 97 Volvo XC70, 87 Volvo 240 DL.

Like you said, Stickygreen, they ride good on smoothe road surface, but compared to the stock ones, I find then stiff. I thought Bilstein made a 'touring' version shocks. The ones I got were painted completely black, similar to the ones I took off. I know that they also have a yellow and blue painted version. I would think that those were the sport type. I am trying to live with it but the ride does not feel like a benz.

Mar 27, 2009 | 12:22 AM

TMAllison

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From: Bay Area, CA

09' E320

I put bili sports on the rear and it feels like what those ricer turner cars look like going down the freeway.

I wouldn't change from Sachs/Boge OEM if I had it to do again; but, mines a diesel, not a race car.

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Mar 27, 2009 | 10:05 AM

Carcrazy1

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Volkswagan

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Mar 27, 2009 | 09:34 PM

#10

NIGHTCAP

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97 MB E320, 97 Volvo XC70, 87 Volvo 240 DL.

Today, I got tired of the bobbing up and down ride, so I decided to release 2psi from each tire. The ride did improve, at least so it felt. Or it could be that I got used to it. If you want to try it, be careful not to under-inflate your tires.