mfletch69

'99 E55 with 48k miles. I have the euro amg springs installed. The stock shocks are starting to feel a bit worn and I am hoping that you can answer a question concerning replacement Bilstiens. I want the OEM Euro ride as this car is a daily driver.

Do I replace with the Heavy Duty Bilsteins or do I need the sport ones because of the lower springs?

Thanks in advance!

raymond g-

the dampening rates for both models should be the same. so if you're looking
for ride differences, there shouldn't be any. however....if your springs resulted
in a drop of more than 1.25, then it is recommended that you go with the
shorter shock.

armaniE55

raymond G - & mfletch69 Blast from the past!

Hope all is well..

at 48k def- time to swap them out. I can speak from experience. I went with the Bilstien HD which these are OEM with AMG. The sports shocks from what I read before pulling the trigger on the HD is that they are really, really stiff and they make your teeth chatter The sports ones are great if you track a lot and not for DD.

My 55. cents

I personally like the way the HD handle with my set up. Though I'm not to sure of my drop as each AMG has different pads.

See drop here (looks around 1.25)
https://mbworld.org/forums/w210-amg/...nkook-v12.html

desired_speeds

I need to do my shocks... they're original at 141k and I'm starting to really notice their mushiness.

armaniE55

When do you have time to drive the W210 with the W211 in-house

snooozie

I like your drop. The Eibachs do a nice job...kind of look like the euro springs but probably half the price and stiffer then the euros. I am thinking of going with H&R. I check with the dealer thru my VIN# I am able to find out that my car run on #2 pads in the front and #1 pads in the rear from the factory.

armaniE55

Thanks... I actually experimented with the pads it was definitely trial and error #1 in the front was to low and I went with #2 in front and #1 in rear just like your current setup.

Armani

snooozie

I read in some older, way back issues of the forum about these cars back in 2002, that the front....due to the engine weight should be heavier then the back, hence it makes sense why the original pads were #2 in the front and #1 in the back.....to balance out the heavy front and lighter back.

armaniE55

Some members reported different size pads... When I bought my car they had #1 pads.. Cali car

desired_speeds

I rarely drive the W211. But when I do, i get terrible mileage on it... you could imagine why. The last 230 miles on it I averaged 12.7mpg.

I have a set of Kleemann springs I need to put on the W210. I just want to get those Bilstein Sports first.

snooozie

that's what it is....in the factory, they have the same problem on adjusting the height on the car due to the weight distribution with the springs hence you find some cars with #3 pads on the front and #2 on the back.....etc.

tsquare

I didn't realize that the W211 gas mileage was so low - makes the W210 seem like a real nice balance of speed, reliabilty and good gas mileage. I average 18 mpg for all around daily driving.

Sorry for going off topic

armaniE55

Hmm I'll have to see what I get (city driving) but I guess it really depends if you hit a lot of lights/heavy foot.

But that's tough 12.7mpg how much is 93 where you are in Cali?

desired_speeds

We don't even get 93 octane here. Prices just dropped a few cents and I filled up last night at one of these cheapest shell stations around here for $4.37/ gal of 91.

the W210 gets 19ish MPG daily driving which isn't bad. I don't drive slow either.