maKe

Hi new member here! Been a Benz owner for few years, or actually it's my first car ever -97 290td Elegance. Have had only sport bikes in the past and riding bikes for 7 years. Currently have a -11 Husaberg FS 570 supermotard that is absolutely the most fun on 2 wheels.

I don't know what to say of the Benz as I have been thinking lately that they are more of a old men car and suited for comfy daily driving only. I have always wanted a fast turbo car, but I have only a car with turbo now lol.

Ok, now to the point. I have been offered Bilstein B12 kit (old one with h&r springs that are -35mm I guess?) #SE5-8049 part number. I googled that up and it's meant for models E200, E200k, E220d, E220cdi and E240. #SE5-8177 is for E290td, E300td and E420.

I emailed bilstein.de and they know absolutely nothing of their own products, and forwarded me to ask from Finnish distributor which again know also nothing of these two kits and what the main differences are. Shocks with different valving and springs with different rates, because of different engine sizes and front axle weights?

Would it be ok to buy the #SE5-8049 and install it on my car? It has 270k km old stock suspension and I find the car to drive worse than old 80s Toyota. I really hate how the car drives and it's one of the main reason to get rid of it. Too soft, bounces everywhere, side to side rolling and without any road feel.

My freshly rebuilt and polished Oz Futura 18 x 9.5" and 10.5" wheels looks pretty dumb with a wheel gap where you could put your head in.




Sorry if my first post sounds a bit negative. It's just that I don't know actually should I pour anymore money into the car to make it better, or just get the mkiv TT 6spd Supra that I've been thinking lately (sell both benz and bike).

simmsgoff

have you solved you suspension issues yet?

simmsgoff

I have the B12 kit on my w210 and I have to say it completely changed the personality of my car. It was like mug of yerba mate after a rough night.

The difference in the kit numbers is because one kit was designed for the lighter versions of the car and the other for the heavier variants. If you want your car to ride soft and soggy get the lighter kit (which may eventually give out on you) but if you want it to ride like the manufacturer intended it to get the one designed for it.

I recommend the kit if you want a no nonsense suspension upgrade that is to the point and good to go

Maximo55

Anyone with a newer review on the B12 kit for an E320 ?

raymond g-

the challenge is that I'm not sure if I have relevant information (from experience) as bilstein has
changed numbering over the years so I'm confused. I know that I felt the OE shocks were too
soft and allowed my RWD E320 to roll a little in transitions...though the ride was very luxury car
compliant and comfortable. I prefer a bit more handling control

it has been over 10 yrs now and I went first with the Koni 3 way adjustable yellow body shock but
felt it was still a tad soft. I then moved to the Bilstein HD which had the part # 30-2154 front,
36-2155 rear which was very firm in both compression and dampening rates. I really liked them.

when I opted further for slightly lower springs, I continued to use the Bilstein HDs until the springs
settled, after which I moved to the slightly shorter Bilsten Sport numbered #36-2156 front and
36-2157 in the rear. the Sports were said to have the same dampening rate as the longer HD.

I've been quite pleased with this set up for the past decade. Freeway rides are controlled and firm
while arterial driving (minor potholes, railroad tracks, poor pavement...) will induce more jarring and
tell you to slow down a little.

You may already be aware, but shock selection will vary depending on driving style, comfort
preference, suspension mods planned, and spring selection...so it's a bit of a moving target.

Good luck!