ZE55

I've owned my '00 E55 since January 2004, and had every now and then been tempted to sell it even though I've only driven the car approximately 5000 miles during that time. Part of my ambivalence had to do with the suspension, yet I was always concerned about dramatically changing the character of the car by playing around with some aftermarket suspension that would make the ride too harsh, or require cambers (I still don't know what those are) etc. Basically, I got the sense that tweaking suspension could be hit or miss.

Eventually, I took a first step and had my springs cut and also went to #1 spring pads all around. The result was a noticeable improvement; however, it was not dramatic. About 2 years ago I bought new KONI FSDs - they had to be ordered from Belgium. I had them sitting around in my garage, and even offered them for sale bundled with my car when I tried selling my car.

Well, I installed them yesterday and the wallowing ride is gone! The car feels a million times more planted, the ride is just the right degree and kind of firm, and yet the car absorbs road bumps and potholes a lot better. In sum, it's a better handling and more assured ride , yet a more comfortable one. I'm glad I held on to the car and the shocks. I feel like I just bought a new car!!!

KL2DC

KONI FSDs generally gives you the best ride (out of the usual popular aftermarket choices). Eibach Pro-Kit springs work well with them.

Good review, thanks for sharing. I'm planning out for spring/shocks soon.

pinoyk20

is there a koni fsd for the stock e55 height? how much? thanks

greg12m3

Koni FSDs are great! I've had them for about 40k w/ H&R springs and the ride is excellent, much much better than my 90k stock suspension was.

phil55

Can you post part numbers?

zacka

But ! i heard that koni FSD is not for lowered cars ?

ZE55

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...055&perfCode=A

ZE55

That's not what my vendor told me. Apparently, that used to be the case until KONI tweaked the FSDs to enable use with lowered vehicles. All I know is, it works for me and evidently has worked for others . . .

Bellefonte

I received the “not compatible” with lowered cars from Koni NA and Tirerack.

This caused me to get yellows, but judging the two reviews above, I wish I didn’t listen.

KL2DC

FYI Koni FSDs are factory packaged with eibach pro-kits for various applications...

ZE55

Hmmm. Now I'm tempted to do the H&R springs, for an even firmer ride. Did you have any problems with camber or alignment from your setup? Thanks.

greg12m3

You may need camber bolts in the front or even a camber kit, the rear you may need adjustable trailing arms.

Initially I had negative camber in the back, enough to rip through rear tires in about 10-15,000 miles.

But now I have camber bolts in the front, which i got from the dealer and adjustable trailing arms in the rear from speedy benz, www.speedybenz.com, which together completely corrected my alignment issues.

If you need a camber kit in the front, the only one I have seen is from kmac.

I think some people get lucky and don't need anything to fix their alignment though ....

I never only replaced the shocks, but the ride compared to how it rode a while ago when I had the old/stock suspension is a night and day difference. The car feels much more comfortable up top, way up top and through turns the body roll is significantly lessened. But still is more than comfortable for a non-spirited drive. It was a very nice improvement overall.

ZE55

Ok. That's good info to have. I'm happy enough with the way it is now to not potentially have to bother with camber, trailing arms etc., so I'll stay put. Thanks for the head up.