Need advice on Bilstein kits
10-25-2004, 05:20 AM
#1
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SLK200K (2002) / A190 (2004)
Need advice on Bilstein kits
Hi.
I want to make a suspension upgrade to a SLK 200K (2002 model) and was thinking about a Bilstein complete kit.
The following are the options that I'm interested in (from: http://www2.bilstein.de/en/produkte/tuning.php3):
- B12 BTK
- B14 PSS
- B16 PSS9
Does anyone have any experience with those kits?
The B12 is perfectly applicable on the SLK I think (as it's B8 shocks + springs) but I really like the B14 but don't know if it can be fitted to the car. The B16 is too much for an SLK.
I don't want to lower my car too much, just make the ride a bit more stiff... in conjunction with 18" (AV 225/40; AR 255/35) or 17" (AV 225/45; 245/40).
Can you help me decide?
Thanks.
I want to make a suspension upgrade to a SLK 200K (2002 model) and was thinking about a Bilstein complete kit.
The following are the options that I'm interested in (from: http://www2.bilstein.de/en/produkte/tuning.php3):
- B12 BTK
- B14 PSS
- B16 PSS9
Does anyone have any experience with those kits?
The B12 is perfectly applicable on the SLK I think (as it's B8 shocks + springs) but I really like the B14 but don't know if it can be fitted to the car. The B16 is too much for an SLK.
I don't want to lower my car too much, just make the ride a bit more stiff... in conjunction with 18" (AV 225/40; AR 255/35) or 17" (AV 225/45; 245/40).
Can you help me decide?
Thanks.
11-01-2004, 09:07 AM
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SLK200K (2002) / A190 (2004)
No one knows if it's possible to fit the B14 PSS kit on the SLK?
'cause the Bilstein kit is a lot less expensive than AMG, Carlsson, Brabus or Kleemann similar kits (in Andorra) and slightly better quality in my opinion... but I won't get it if I'm not sure about compatibility...
'cause the Bilstein kit is a lot less expensive than AMG, Carlsson, Brabus or Kleemann similar kits (in Andorra) and slightly better quality in my opinion... but I won't get it if I'm not sure about compatibility...
11-05-2004, 08:19 PM
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1993 190E 2.3
What experience do you have with kits?
Apparently you can't use the full kit on your car, but I doubt you'd need or want to.
I've done a lot of different suspension mods on different vehicles. I would stay away from springs (they are available for my car). I've installed the sport shocks (B6 I think), and poly bushings.
Of all the mods I've done, poly bushings are the easiest, and cheapest thing you can do, and provide the MOST benefit. Bilstien doesn't want you to know this of course!!!
On a 2000 SLK you should already have nice shocks as standard equipment. I would go all out and replace the sway bar bushings, and possibly look for a thicker rear sway bar first. Then control arm bushings, the bushings are whats going to give you the stability in the curves. If the bushings and a beefy sway bar aren't enough to make you grin, go for the B8 shocks. If that doesn't work, you might as well look into getting a Porsche.
One tip, bushings are like spark plugs, one kind will fit a lot of different cars. If you can't find your application, buy a rubber set and take that to stores to compare with what they have. Rubber bushings are less than $5 each and poly are less than $10.
I've done a lot of different suspension mods on different vehicles. I would stay away from springs (they are available for my car). I've installed the sport shocks (B6 I think), and poly bushings.
Of all the mods I've done, poly bushings are the easiest, and cheapest thing you can do, and provide the MOST benefit. Bilstien doesn't want you to know this of course!!!
On a 2000 SLK you should already have nice shocks as standard equipment. I would go all out and replace the sway bar bushings, and possibly look for a thicker rear sway bar first. Then control arm bushings, the bushings are whats going to give you the stability in the curves. If the bushings and a beefy sway bar aren't enough to make you grin, go for the B8 shocks. If that doesn't work, you might as well look into getting a Porsche.
One tip, bushings are like spark plugs, one kind will fit a lot of different cars. If you can't find your application, buy a rubber set and take that to stores to compare with what they have. Rubber bushings are less than $5 each and poly are less than $10.
