Daniel Shin

I have a 2007 e350 4matic sport. need to change my shocks and was thinking about changing my springs also. Don't want to lower a lot just a little to where I wouldn't need a camber kit. Can anybody recommend some springs? Thanks in advance.

toddman35

Just went through this. Seems like the consensus is either eibach or H&R. Looking at these with quality shocks looked to run ~$7-800. I opted to spend a bit more for BC coilovers for the adjustability. I was also concerned about negative chamber as I put 50k/year on my W211 and don't want to deal with excessive inner tire wear.

Daniel Shin

How much did you have to spend overall with the coilovers? Did you have to get a camber kit? I also put 50k/year so I'm concerned with negative tire wear but I noticed after hitting a pothole and not getting a alignment, I still got negative tire wear on one side of my tires. im trying to find the best median bc I do want to lower my car and not be concerned with maintaince later on down the road.

toddman35

They were $995 shipped. I haven't got a camber kit yet (or installed them). I'm planning on getting my ride height set and then see how the camber is at that level and go from there.

Daniel Shin

thank you for the info and I would appreciate it if you kept me up to date.

Roop94

If you are wanting to replace springs and shocks, it's better to opt out for coilovers like toddman35 stated. I have 06 E350 and installed coilovers just a few days ago. The turning is very smooth and can adjust the damping from soft to stiff and they are lighter than stock springs/shocks.

I bought Megan Racing, costed me $710 with shipping and a friend installed me charging me $200, shops charge abt $350-450. BC racing is abt $200 more, $900-1k that's why i went with Megan lol budget calls.

Springs will lower 1inch to 2 inches but ride will be stiff, however on coils, you can adjust it from soft to stiff, depending on ur taste. Ima make a new thread once i get clean shots on mine.

Daniel Shin

Wow, thanks so much guys. All this info is very very useful. I'm talking to some local guys and they recommend a different route: H&R springs and Koni adjustable shocks. I still have some time so I'm gonna keep doing some research and listening to other people's opinions.

toddman35

H&R/Eibach with Koni or Bilstein shocks are common for spring/shock combos. For a bit more you can have shocks that are valved correctly for your spring rate and have adjustability. Tons of info out there between the Mercedes and BMW forums though (all of these vendors are commonly used on BMWs too).

Daniel Shin

Thanks again Toddman. Yea, brother in law also gave me the same advice. Get Ebiach or H&R but make sure to get quality shocks. See how stiff each spring is and adjust with either adjustable shocks or something that will go with whatever springs I go with.

Ottin

Just lower rear? Seems not a good idea.

Strigoi

No one said anything about only lowering the rear. They were just talking about rear tire wear.

Ottin

oh I see, the front can be adjusted by height ring on strut, rear spring can be cut a little.
half inch will not cause camber problem.
if OP wants more, front camber can be adjusted by a set of camber bolt which will change +/-0.3~0.5 degrees, to allow height lower another half inch more; but unfortunately rear can not be adjusted except installing aftermarket camber set (adjustable control arms).

Roop94

Does adjustable shocks adjusts the ride height? I kinda heard some about them but never found much useful info on this topic. On the coils i installed, I was messing arnd with the shock's height but it didn't change any ride height, instead had to just adjust the springs and leave the shocks as they were.

Strigoi

No. Shocks do nothing to change the ride height.

Ottin

Shock is in charge of softer or harder ride, spring for height.

Roop94

yea so in this case i think a complete coilovers kit would seem a better choice. Due to coils also giving you an option for ride height and damping adjustment.

About adjustable shocks...lol a friend told me to get springs and adjustable shocks and they will adjust the ride height -_- lol glad i bought coilovers.

Strigoi

Your friend is an idiot. I'm guessing they were thinking about coil overs when they told you that though.

ps2cho

Sorry to break it to you...you'll have no options for a 4matic since they won't fit up front.

the factory shocks are adjustable via a snap ring but that's it if you max it out.

factory struts and springs up front will run you $500 total. I haven't installed mine yet but I'm getting close and parts are waiting in the box.

bizzy247

Koni yellows are offered with height adjustability for certain makes/models. You need to disassemble the suspension and set the ring at the bottom to one of the various settings (usually between 1 and 5 settings). Perhaps this is what your friend meant when referencing height adjustability on replacement shocks? I don't know whether Koni offers shocks for your vehicle though.


I would recommend Bilstein Sports since they come with a lifetime warranty. You can check if Bilstein offers a set for your 4matic on their website. I took advantage of it on my MINI and it already saved me once after I blew a front strut.

Roop94

No. We all have coilovers on ours. He told me that option cuz I was saying coils are a little too expensive than just springs. So I realized, springs and shocks are going to cost me about 500-700, why not just get coils and get other perks with it as well? And so I did.

ps2cho

Bilstein 4matic struts are backordered months right now...tried that route FYI!

Daniel Shin

I'm just looking to lower my ride a bit and not worry about maintance. I know everyone recommends coilovers but I'm not looking to adjust my height once I get it lower than stock so that's why some local guys say go the springs/shocks route. Basically what I'm saying is after I lower it a certain height, I'm not going to feel like I need to go lower than it already is.

Roop94

I understand your concern. Everyone has their own choices and decisions to make. I'm more skeptical to buy springs and shocks to lower than buying coilovers because if you don't like the drop you get with springs, you are stuck with it and so are the shocks. With coils, you have advantages of ride adjustment, get to your desired height and damping adjustment. How stiff or soft you want the ride.

I wanted springs at first because they were so cheap, $300-350. But I went with coils which costed me $700 n a friend installed for $200, shops charge double.

It is your choice to make, don't let my given options to derive you to a diff route. Do what you feel right but be aware of pros and cons of both sides and make your choice.

bizzy247

I misunderstood your post.