mistertonyn

Has anyone had Billstein HD shock absorbers with 16" wheels on their car?
Need input back regarding ride quality with this set up.

I have 17" wheels on now and they are beginning to beat me to death slowly....so I was thinking of putting on some OEM 16" wheels. Would that improve the ride quality a lot?

CKonstantin

How did you end up with a HD shicks in the first place? Your springs would affect how rough the ride is as much, if not more than the shocks, btw. In my experience I would have to say that how stiff the tire is would make a much bigger difference. Don't forget by loosing an inch of mag you're only gaining 1/2 inch of tire, which is not that much to make a significant improvement, but I guess if it's really bad every bit helps...

mistertonyn

I replaced the shocks at around 60K miles due to uneven tire wear and mechanic's recommendation. So I decided to try these HD's for more sporty feel. The handling improvement is much better compared to stock shocks....however, the rougher ride can be annoying at times. BTW, the springs are stock.

So you are correct...the real question is...will 1/2 inch more of tire makes a difference in ride quality?

illest

I went from 16 to 17 a while back and there is a noticeable difference. The 16s where much more comfortable on rough roads.

mistertonyn

I am guessing that your shocks are still the OEM?
Imagine having the Billstein HD's...you can feel everything not flat on the road

ejsheltra

You can't have it both ways. The shocks are your issue, improves handling and has much improved control over rebound. Changing to 1 inch smaller wheels will be much smaller gain in comfort as compared to a change to the Bilstein standard shock which is still an improvement over OEM.

ejsheltra

Change to a heavier sway bar in front for better roll control before changing the shocks. Standard is 28mm hollow versus AMG 30 mm solid or Brabus 30mm solid bar. H & R also offers improved sway bar through Tirerack.com

mistertonyn

My Bilstein HD's are fairly new...that is why I don't want to remove them yet. Taking the easy step first which is the 16" wheels, to see if that helps...if not, then I will consider changing back to OEM shocks. Did not know Bilstein standard shock is available....though they had HD's and Sport version only.

track_warrior

Are they really that stiff?? I just ordered mine but i do have 16 inch wheels right now but im thinking of buying some 18 inch monoblocks!!

gqmagic

The OEM shocks weren't causing uneven tire wear. You need a new mechanic.

mistertonyn

Both front tires were cupping on the outer edges. It could be other front end parts...but I replaced them figuring they had over 60K miles on the original shocks.
I have read that some members are well over 100K miles on the originals with no problems .