I need new suspension on my 300e and the price difference between the two is substantial. $430 for the bilsteins and a little over $200 for the KYB. I am also buying eibach pro-kit springs to go with it. The guy at the local performance shop told me that I'd probably be disappointed with the KYBs. Is that true? I just want to have a firm ride, I don't intend on autocrossing with my luxury sedan. However, I don't want to save $200 and have crap.

 

I have bilsteins on my 300sdl and just the stock OEM on my 560 since it has the self-leveling rear my 300sdl handles like a sport sedan and the 560sel handles more like a lux car. I like the bilsteins i also plan on getting them on my Rodeo yes they are exspensive but i personally think they are worth it. Plus if u order offline u can find them cheaper but get the HD and not the ones tuned for a mercedes cause then it wont be as firm as what ur looking for.

 

where are you finding them cheaper offline? I'm getting quoted $519.99 locally and $376.52 online.

 

I replaced the stock mercedes shocks with they kyb from the tire rack. So far I have had them for about 3K miles. the shocks are not bad at all. You will not get a firm ride as I have found out that they tend to be bouncy. They are definetely better than the stock shock but then again my car already had 78K when I got it so I would not know what it felt like when the stock shocks were new. The tirerack sells a kit that comes with the lowering kit and the shocks as well and they are already paired to function appropriately. You might be better off just getting the kit like that. I dont know if they have a set for your car but they did sell one for the 2000 E430.

 

KYBs are a good stock shock replacement, however since you want to lower it, I would advise you to go with the Bilstein Sport shocks. They are designed to be used on lowered cars and will give you a firm ride with crisp handling.

Keep an eye out on eBay for Bilstein sports, there's a few sellers that have them up there. But make sure you're looking at the Sport model and not the Comfort or "Heavy Duty".

Martin

 

Hey mbz300sdl,
Do you have the comforts or sports?

 

I have the Heavy Duty (HD) and am very happy with them. These where put on the car 23k miles ago in 2000. Car does not get driven much anymore. But just took it out yesterday and the handling is far better than the 560 like i said b4.