Servantguy

Hi folks,

Getting conflicting info between manufacturers, retailers, people on the phone at these places and else about this
B16/PSS10 kit fitting my 2012 E550 Sedan:
https://www.lmperformance.com/868336/48-141147-bilstein-b16-pss10-suspension-kit-mercedes-benz-e550-front-and-rear.html

Some say yes including link above, some say coupe only, and some say base model only and "not 4matic", which is confusing because don't all E550 sedans in 2012 have 4matic standard?

I had looked for references to B16 and PSS10 in the threads but was not able to locate sedan specific info for my year. Appreciate the help.

S-Prihadi

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ersus-rwd.html

so yes, there are RWD ones

Servantguy

Thanks S-Prihadi! Looking at the chronology and last response on that thread you quoted it appears they were discussing either the 2010 or 2011 model, or am I misinterpreting? I'm new so I don't know my way around the forums well just yet.

What confuses me is a multitude of auto sources mention the 2012 year E550 sedan in the US specifically getting 4Matic standard, a few examples below:

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...12/performance

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/...atic-awd--only

https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2012...E550-AWD/Specs

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2012-M...verview-c23025

S-Prihadi

I am blind on 4 matic, but RWD W212 my E400 I can guarantee the B16 PSS10 willl fit.
However if I may suggest you do not go that route.
Unless you are itchy finger , happy to experiment and has the 4 wheel WEIGHT scale and will spend track time to test your suspension setting, don't go for coilover.
Go for Bilstein B8 and its reduced height spring package from Eibach, if you insist on lowering the car. This is called B12 Pro Kit 24-40mm lower. B12 Sportline is more extreme, 30-60mm lower.

B8 damper is shorter travel to accomodate shorter spring.


ADD : I am assuming your car has no electronic control for the damper hardness/softness level, which is totally a different system.

Happy shopping....

S-Prihadi

Pass me your VIN code and let me do some checking, heck this is fun

Servantguy

Thanks for the advice! Open to options, if only they were clear! You got PM. I appreciate the help.

S-Prihadi

So sad for you, indeed 4-matic is different. Differece is because of the wheel bearing assy ( steering knuckle), because the strut is mounted to that.


Based on your VIN code


https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ein-2123235900





If a rear wheel drive




If a 4-Matic



if a 4-MATIC




If a RWD, like mine



Attached Bilstein excel fie


Wow so sad, you can only get Bilstein B4, not even a B6 ( same height as B4, a tiny bit stiffer ).
.

Servantguy

Nooooooooo!

Alright, well, KW V3 it is! I was hoping to try the B16s, but it looks like only KW has a kit specific for my vehicle, albeit special order:

https://www.kwsuspensions.com/kw-sus...-35225069.html

Thank you for all this effort researching. Once I get my scan tools and DB access I hope to be able to return the favor and/or pass it forward to someone else who needs help.

-sg-

S-Prihadi

Sweet, let us know how the KW perform yah. That is all I am asking in return. Full nice report with lots of mouth watering photos and cornering G-force reading please. Track Addict apps will do

I might go for KW coilover when I get bored with my Bilstein B4 set.
I want to know KW softest setting equal to standard ? or how ?

You probably need to remove the rubber plug, item #100 A1723230138 for adjustment capability of front damper REBOUND.
Funny EPC image and actual product is soooo different





Also make special cut out at the boot/trunk liner for adjustment of rear damper.

• 67: Valving is adjusted by adjustment knobs, rebound is only adjustable if the top of the piston rod is accessible. This will depend on the design of the vehicle.

Good luck on the install and don't forget the rear damper installation at the spring arm need to be pre-loaded at ride height.
As long as front arms (item 100 and 200 ) you do not touch the bushing bolts #120 and #220, you don't need to pre-load them at ride height.
I don't know about 4-matic, but on a RWD W212, if you touch item 100 which is the Caster Arm, to torque it back at 100NM + 180 degrees is not joke, the working space is very limited and common torque rachet won't fit and sway bar need to be removed.
Look here : post no 14 https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post8140986
Best to use this head ( and special torque wrench for it ) : https://www.tools-giant.com/item.php...224021&lang=en

Yipee, someone will report of KW coil-over soon. I am so happy.

Servantguy

Will do! The saga continues. Not surprisingly, given the effort to even discover the right kit, the thing is made to order at KW I am told, so it will be an 8-10 week wait.

Patience... patience...

S-Prihadi

Well low volume kit is like that. Gotta special order. Non AMG W212 is not something people tinker a lot on suspension , unlike BMW crowd of equal model 5 series to E400 and E500/550.
If you want to see or read aftermarket suspension kit review, Bimmer forum has much more itchy hands ( like u and me )