New Bilsteins INSTALLED!!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 4
New Bilsteins INSTALLED!!
hey guys. Just got my benz back from the shop. I am very happy with the results. I only put like 10 miles on them but I will be continually reviewing them over the next few days. as of now here are the differences so far.
Ride height: The car with good stock shocks was way too high with low profile tires. It just didn't look right. as the shocks slowly died the car dropped almost a .75-1 full inch. With the bilsteins is about 1/2 inch lower than that so its at a very good ride height. Looks very good.
Comfort: Compared to dead shocks its obviously MUCH MUCH better. its hard to compare to stock b/c when i had stock shocks I was riding on 16's with those balloon tires. but with 18's and low profile tires ride is very smooth, but also very crisp. no sloppyness like with the stock shocks.
Handling/cornering: I didn't have much time to really test it out but i was on some few twisties. First thing i noticed is the turn in. MUCH MUCH more crisp and precise. wherever you turn the wheel the car immediately reacts. car feels as if its alot lighter. Not nearly as much body roll as with stock (good or dead) shocks. Grip is even better now with good performance shocks.
Overall:
, Better than stock handling at nearly third the price. cost me $400 shipped for ALL 4 shocks. Damn good deal and well worth the money.
Ride height: The car with good stock shocks was way too high with low profile tires. It just didn't look right. as the shocks slowly died the car dropped almost a .75-1 full inch. With the bilsteins is about 1/2 inch lower than that so its at a very good ride height. Looks very good.
Comfort: Compared to dead shocks its obviously MUCH MUCH better. its hard to compare to stock b/c when i had stock shocks I was riding on 16's with those balloon tires. but with 18's and low profile tires ride is very smooth, but also very crisp. no sloppyness like with the stock shocks.
Handling/cornering: I didn't have much time to really test it out but i was on some few twisties. First thing i noticed is the turn in. MUCH MUCH more crisp and precise. wherever you turn the wheel the car immediately reacts. car feels as if its alot lighter. Not nearly as much body roll as with stock (good or dead) shocks. Grip is even better now with good performance shocks.
Overall:
, Better than stock handling at nearly third the price. cost me $400 shipped for ALL 4 shocks. Damn good deal and well worth the money.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 4
Further UPDATE
WOOOOW!! 
these shocks are AWESOME. unbelievable. I took the car on twisties and REALLY put the car to the limits. the combination of the low profile (VERY WIDE) dunlaps with the bilstein shocks had yeilded great results. after more time in the car i did notice the car is firmer than stock, however I like it like that, it feels more sure-footed and sturdy in my opinion. bumps much better than with dead shocks obviously.
steering responce: Much more precise. the car actually goes where you point it, its amazing. I took some very tight twisties as well as some long swooping curves. The car just sticks no matter what . I could not get it to lose control at all. One twistie even required an instant yank almost one full rotation from right - left - right. and car went exactly where i wanted it to. One of the factors must be the massive high quality rubber. 245's up front 275's out back. I am VERY happy with the results. The car is actually nimble now. And its even more nimble than most W140 b/c of the Short wheel base design. the car is a blast to drive now and I absolutely love it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
these shocks are AWESOME. unbelievable. I took the car on twisties and REALLY put the car to the limits. the combination of the low profile (VERY WIDE) dunlaps with the bilstein shocks had yeilded great results. after more time in the car i did notice the car is firmer than stock, however I like it like that, it feels more sure-footed and sturdy in my opinion. bumps much better than with dead shocks obviously.
steering responce: Much more precise. the car actually goes where you point it, its amazing. I took some very tight twisties as well as some long swooping curves. The car just sticks no matter what . I could not get it to lose control at all. One twistie even required an instant yank almost one full rotation from right - left - right. and car went exactly where i wanted it to. One of the factors must be the massive high quality rubber. 245's up front 275's out back. I am VERY happy with the results. The car is actually nimble now. And its even more nimble than most W140 b/c of the Short wheel base design. the car is a blast to drive now and I absolutely love it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Canada
1992 300SE (w140) / 1997 E420 (w210)
My mechanic just said that I was going to have to purchase new shocks as well, and suggested Bilstein's.
Where did you purchase your Bilstein's from? I have to find somewhere that would be willing to ship to Canada.
Where did you purchase your Bilstein's from? I have to find somewhere that would be willing to ship to Canada.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 4
Originally posted by Mr. Benzito
My mechanic just said that I was going to have to purchase new shocks as well, and suggested Bilstein's.
Where did you purchase your Bilstein's from? I have to find somewhere that would be willing to ship to Canada.
My mechanic just said that I was going to have to purchase new shocks as well, and suggested Bilstein's.
Where did you purchase your Bilstein's from? I have to find somewhere that would be willing to ship to Canada.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 713
Likes: 147
From: Aridzona
'15 S550, '10 E350 P1/P2, '02 ML320
Glad to hear you like your new shocks!
I am about to change mine and need to know if the tops of the rear shocks are accessed through the trunk or are they behind the rear seat?
-D
I am about to change mine and need to know if the tops of the rear shocks are accessed through the trunk or are they behind the rear seat?
-D
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 4
ONE MONTH UPDATE: hey guys. the shocks have performed flawlessly. at first they were kind of firm but now they are starting to soften up and feel really nice. VERY happy with teh shocks and they are finally starting to settle and the ride height has dropped slightly. gives car very aggressive look. Great shocks!
