Any ideas on aftermarket struts/ shocks for the softest ride on a 2017 with standard suspension set up?
Not a speed demon here.....touring at normal speeds.
Have already traded out run flats for Michelin Pilot Sports.
Thanks

Why not try Brabus? I used 3WD vendor here out of Las Vegas. They are a top tier brand, but this way you can compare with Koni, KYB, KW,and Bilstein.

I know many do not put a lot of miles on their SL's so they hardly ever need replacement but hope someone has some real world experience with a certain brand and how well they changed the ride, if at all.

I will be changing my springs in two weeks to Brabus and will let you know the ride characteristics. If you want a softer ride, you can put aftermarket shocks to the softest setting since many are adjustable. Additionally, you can also have your mechanic check the spring pads to see if they are worn. They can contribute to a harsh ride (non-ABC cars).

I know a Independent who has worked on Mercedes and BMW's for 30+ years so I'll ask him next time I am in his area.

Nothing in the KW catalog so far

http://www.kwsuspensions.com/products.html

Yes, but Bilstein has a nice set of coilovers, shocks, and struts. See Carid.com. KW will not be far behind. I am going to use them on my Nissan GTR.

The few sets I have found for the 2017 SL are listed for a sport ride which I believe is stiffer, not more cushioned which is what I am
investigating.

Why not call or email Bilstein and Brabus USA directly? Or the luxury German aftermarket manufacturer of your choice-I am sure one of them can direct you. As you know, many of these parts come from the same manufacturer and are modified (Brabus springs are made by Eibach, but with changes in the spring rate). Someone on this site says Brabus has a physical storefront in CA.

Any change in springs lowers the ride and firms it up. That includes Brabus and H&R springs

Yes, I know but by calling the manufacturer, you can ask if the aftermarket struts and shocks will give a smoother ride on the “soft” setting. I am just using the springs as an example. I am upgrading for handling rather than lowering. With the larger thickness spring pad, the lowering will be minimal.
It will have a stock ride in terms of comfort, while gaining 20-30% stiffness for driving in the corners. I know from another car that the wrong or thin spring pad can cause a very harsh ride! I called the rep and found out the parameters before purchasing. So if you want a floating, comfortable ride, why not ask the Bilstein rep? They have great shocks and struts.

Perhaps you will have some luck with Blistein. However, when I called KW about a similar request for a CLS63, I was told "if it's not in the catalog it's not available".

I too have changed over to non runflat Michelin's. My wife and I are very satisfied with the result. The tire change made a better improvement than I had hoped for. At this point I wouldn't want the car much softer. Of course, some areas of the country have roads less "maintained" than other areas.

Changing spring mounting spacers will have a much greater effect on ride height than spring rate. Thicker spring spacers (adding ride height) would give you more suspension/shock travel. Which could make an impact with a pot hole a littler softer, but should not alter the spring rate, shock calibrations, or overall ride quality.