When are we supposed to replace our shocks on the W210 E55s. I think it may be time to replace, but not too sure. Thanks!

 

I recommend 45k miles!

 

Really 45k sounds really conservative?
When replacing what did you replace with? OEM or some other version of billstein? I know it sounds lame but I would like to soften up the ride when i replace the shocks. The roads in upstate NY suck (excessive salt in winter), any suggestions in how to make the ride softer?

 

45K...ok. What are some good brands and a good place to get them?

 

I replaced mine with new Bilsteins. So far so good especially with the stck springs cut 1/2 a coil or left totally alone.

 

I have already bought H&R springs to lower the car. Do I have to buy shocks as well? I've been told that springs are all I need to lower it...is this true?

Thanks

 

If you want a crappy ride, it's true but you should replace the shocks to shorter sport shocks when you replace the springs. The stock shocks are too long and you won't get the full range of travel causing a crappy ride and immediately shortened life.

 

Ok thanks, can you recommend a brand and place to go? Or what to look for?

 

Can't recommend a place in Portland but can in Los Angeles. I recommend Bilstein Sport shocks because I love the ride. I had the H&R Sport springs and Bilstein Sport shocks on my previous '97 E420 and it handled amazingly. I don't know if anyone else has any hook-ups on the shocks in here for a better price but they are always on ebay for between $350-400 bucks. Here is the link to a bunch online right now:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...E55&category0=

 

These cover the car all the way around right? Thanks for the help. Yea, I don't shop anywhere in Portland, I do it all online anyhow. Thanks again.

 

No prob! Just make sure whoever does the install knows what they're doing and you don't get ripped off. There are a couple of MB Techs down here charging around $300-400 bucks for labor for shocks and springs all around...Good luck and post some pics. when you're done!

 

Thanks! I will post some pictures. I'll have to wait till around April or May. Or whenever the snow is done up here. I realize the ride will be different, but it won't be unbearable will it?

 

I'm looking to do the same thing for my 2002 E55. I just called a place around Seattle (car nutz) that was recommended on this site. They want $320 for H&R springs, $500 for Billstein shocks, and $340 for labor (4 hours). They also recommended an allignment for $110. Out the door this is $1500.

I asked if I really need to do the shocks and he said the stock shocks are good for about 80-100 K miles, but that with the shorter springs I will be putting a greater load on the shocks, thus decreasing their life to aound 60 - 70 K miles (I currently have 55K miles). So I can save on the labor now by replacing the shocks at the same time.

My dilemma is that I can buy the shocks and springs online for around $645, shipped (no tax). They are going to charge me $820 plus tax (so ~$900). The only problem is that they won't warranty the parts if I don't buy them from them. Perhaps I should go with Car Nutz.

How does this sound in terms of rates? Any other good shops in the Seattle area?

 

well just get them online, save $, then just have them do the labor. I've had them do the same a long time ago on a different car, if i remember correctly it was same price back then too. yes you will need an allignment but not the day of the install, drive around first for about a week, let the springs settle in, and then do allignment otherwise you're wasting $110.
there's not many shops i trust with MBs other than dealer in seattle area but car nutz is good, and there's couple more same in bellevue as well, they all work on high end stuff, can't remember the names on top of my head atm.
btw you don't really need the warranty of the parts which is what 1 year? you're covered by the manufacturer anyway.
what color is your ride, so i know who to honk at if i see you on the road?

 

That's crazee expensive. You get Euro springs from an MB dealer and you are only spending about 240.00 to 280.00 bucks and they are better than the saggy H&R springs. I would use kleeman as my only other option. And yes go with Bilstein or koni adjustable shocks. Got my shocks from these guys,shipping included!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BILST...86137154QQrdZ1

Also verify the part#'s for the E55 locally first which I'm sure are correct. 375.00 shipped.

PS I would not wait till 100k miles to chg the stck shocks ,that's ridiculous.

 

My car is black with chrome monoblock IIs. I just got it around Xmas and love it. I drive to and from Seattle from Marysville each day. What color is your ride?

 

I was just going to recommend ebay for the shocks because they're much cheaper than $500 bucks. Also, I had the H&R sport shocks on my previous E420 for a few years and they were great! You can find the H&R's for under $300 bucks if you look around online. I too would love to go Kleeman next but that's a lot of moola.

ProjectC55, what is this about Euro springs from the dealer? I'm now curious. Thanks...

 

Someone said earlier that you should replace shocks every 45k miles, NOT TRUE. Shocks are supposed to last "the lifetime of the vehicle" but realistly, they last about 150,000 miles.

I bought my eibach springs for $300 from a local store and had them installed for $150. I just bought bilsteins for $400 and will install them myself. Raymond g- has created a diy and it shows the process to be relatively simple.

 

Trust me on these cars shocks don't last 150k miles unless you're driving on air.