Bilstein and H&R Sport Suspension Suggestions

Well, I got the installation "problem" all sorted out, and it was a installation / workmanship related issue, so no real news there, just watch out that the metal spring cup thingies don't get bent, or they can hang up the springs thus not fully seating.

There has been quite a lot of debate on what goes where Bilstein shock and H&R spring wise, and I am offering my $ .02 from my personal technical experience and some logic I see as sound.

First, most USA W210 E55's come with # 3 spring pads in F and R. I ended up using # 2 in the Front, and # 3 in the Rear. It could be a bit lower, but it's at a good height now with the total lowering about 1.25" F&R.

Second, the closest shock Bilstein makes for the E55 is the shock for the E430 "4-matic". The P/N is correct on the site and is BE3-A058-H0 for the Rear, and BE-A057-HO for the Front. My very knowledgeable and quality Installer (Wheel Supply in Walnut CA) re-installed it this way after my original installer put installed it backwards. This E430 V8 application is similar in weight and weight bias / valving and after driving it both ways should be installed per the instructions and correct P/N recommendation which is A057 in Front, A058 in the rear. I realize there are those that have said to match the lengths but two thing need to be considered. 1. the springs lower the car, and require shorter shocks. 2. the correct front shocks are valved for the heavier weight in the front of the car. Anyway, it worked better for me this way....

Third, the correct W210 E55 H&R spring P/N is 52724. The other P/N's are for 6 cylinder E class M-B's and will fit, but are for lighter cars, and will be too mushy. I say, drop it, or leave it alone!

Fourth, The ride is awesome as was expected by those with this combo. I will agree that it is no more than 10-20% stiffer, but in a good way. Because I didn't lower it more with the thinner spring pads, there are no real "issues" only one sweet ride!

Thanks to all that advised. Pictures posted on Benzworld

Fallbangskid

 

 

So you're saying the ride was better with the shocks switched? Any specific differences that you noticed?

 

After much to do on this subject, it is my position that the Bilstein Sport Shocks for the W210 E430 4matic should be mounted as per the instructions, NOT Reversed. They are working fine for me in this position with # 2 Pads in F and #3 Pads in the rear with H&R Springs. I may change it as the springs settle more....

See side View.

Happy Motoring....

FBS

 

Nice...That's the ride hide I will be looking for when I lower my car. Nice write up BTW.

 

Thanks, nice write up indeed!

 

Very detail description, thanks! I've just ordered Bilstein Sport shocks for my car, and planning to get the Eibach pro kit with it. Not sure if the combination will be good; therefore, was wondering if any w210ers out there tried this combination and have any comments about it. Btw, our w210 only have non-adjustable shocks right? Were any PSS9 produced for our vehicle?

 

hi guys ... some of you may have seen the pics of mine from UK... but im some what confused here.......

there is talk of lowering our e55's but knowone i have seen seems to be as low as mine........

please see..... mine is simply H&R springs with #1 rears and #2 fronts..... 19in alloys with 235/35/19's and 265/30/19's (euro spec)

the confusion i have is simply you guys lower yours and they look like mine did before i lowered mine..... like that thumbnail at top of pic..........

 

From what I observe the pads make a difference. Also, it looks like in your pic that the car is not parked level (one side on curb) so pic shows compression on the side where the pic is taken. Finally, I would make sure that the H&R part number is 52724 otherwise it may be springs for the V6.

Anyways, your ride still looks good and as long as there are no problems.

 

Gentlemen,

Each M-B spring pad has a differential of 8mm or .312" (about a quarter of an inch) US E55's come with pad number 3 F&R. I have heard Euro E55's may come lower from the factory with possibly both lower springs and/or pads.

Your car with 19" tires, and 2/1 F/R pad combo looks about right (a bit low though) all things considering.

There are 2 things that could cause it to be a bit lower. If the springs are for the E55 (P/N 52724) the could simply be "sacking out" and need replacement. Second, mine is set with 2/3 pads F/R. I could safely make mine lower.

Yours looks Hot!

FBS

 

yes car isn't quite level in pic but belive me it maves no or very little difference as parked on kurb makes it almost level due to camber of the road.......

Secondly the difference in spring pads is NOT 8mm its infact 4mm .... this is straight from the mercedes main dealer here in uk..... as the springs lower it 20mm and i have lowered it a further 4mm by changing pads.....

Total lowering is 24mm front and back...... i was originally going to do #1 fronts and 1# rears but found out 1# fronts are not available here in uk only 1~ rears which is why i ended up with the 1#rear/2#front....

As for the springs "sacking or if you meant sagging" they are NEW springs with barely 2000 miles on , and yes they are correct ones... well ish...... they are for a model 99-02 while mine is 98-99......... wonder if this is the difference

thanks for coments on car..... i am happy with ride for the moment all be it a little bouncy but this is obviously due to the fact the original shocks are working outside of what they should be.....

thanks for all comments..........

 

Thank you for correcting my incorrect thickness of the pads.... They are indeed sold in 4mm increments, not 8mm.