timannnn

Has anyone changed out their factory shocks for aftermarket? I am looking for some different options. I am going to install h&r springs and want to change out the shocks at the same time. I want something that rides stiffer than the elegance (very soft) suspension. Have been looking at bilstein hd shocks and also the factory sport shocks. Does anyone know how the ride is changed with the above upgrades? The car rides like a boat now.

Searched around but found nothing for the w211.

timannnn

Has anyone upgraded their shocks or replaced?

sunny_j

i changed my stock springs to H&Rs and the handling improved a little but it still handles like a boat

timannnn

I know exactly what you mean sunny j. I have been looking at bilstein shocks but they only carry heavy duty or comfort. I have heard they offered a sport line but not for the w211 chassis. Does anyone know if the sport line is the same as the heavy duty's just for lowered cars (as far as firmness)?

sunny_j

when i have 5 ppl in the car the handling improves alot. i guess its because the springs are more compressed

BenMarar

I just did it for my 2003 e320 w211,I replaced the rear ones with bilstein HD and and it is to stiff, like a BMW, what I really don't like. Yeah the car became a lot more controlled, holds road much better then the originals Sachs. Now I wont to sell my Bilstein HD, I drove only 30 mi with the shocks and took it off,brand hew.

BenMarar

I just changed out my Sachs OE shocks to Bilstein, As you, I wanted something firmer and I bought Bilst.HD after installation my ride became too firm that I could even enjoy my ride,than I went with Bilstein Comfort and now it is perfect, the Comfort is firmer than your Sachs OE and softner than HD. I am pretty sure that your OE shocks are worn now,they are not to soft, some of them just died. BTW I have brand new Bilstein HD for sale now,I live in Seattle.

Ronaldk

Well Timannn, I actually perceive the standard elegance suspension to be a bit hard. I would actually like the car to absorb the road imperfection a bit more. Are there any configuration available that would actually soften the ride?