A few questions:
a.) Was your Bilsteins shocks that you replace relatively new or old/worn out?
b.) Are the Sachs shocks gas shocks like the Bilsteins?
c.) Did the ground clearance change with the Sachs?
d.) Are the Sachs adjustable in height and/or stiffness?
e.) Why did you choose the Sachs over other non-Bilstein shocks, such as the Koni shocks?
f.) What were the model number(s) of the Sachs that you used?
Hi Dan
A) The Bilstein Shocks were not brand new when changed, but had been brand new when installed.
B) Sachs shocks are gas charged, like the Bilsteins.
C) Didn't measure ground clearance, but doesn't look particularly different to original although drive comfort is.
D) No, Sachs are not adjustable in either height or stiffness
E) Had tried Koni's on other cars, and wanted something that was OEM but higher quality (IMO) than Bilstein
F) Went for 604-102 on rear and 603-102 front
brand: SACHS
603 102
Shock Absorber Super Touring
EAN:
4013872048526
UPC:
708609064965
Top pin, Bottom eye
Gas Pressure
Monotube
Parameter: ETOV36X199
ZF Services compare numbers
BOGE
27-608-0
32-078-5
32-615-1
36-059-1
36-059-2
SACHS
54 1700 314 090
54 1700 603 402
manufacturer compare numbers
MERCEDES-BENZ
108 320 00 30
108 323 00 00
111 320 00 30
111 323 07 00
111 323 09 00
111 323 17 00
111 323 18 00
111 323 19 00
111 323 20 00
111 323 21 00
111 323 22 00
A 108 320 00 30
A 108 323 00 00
A 111 320 00 30
A 111 323 07 00
A 111 323 09 00
A 111 323 17 00
A 111 323 18 00
A 111 323 19 00
A 111 323 20 00
A 111 323 21 00
A 111 323 22 00
There is also a lot less vibration through the car than there was with previous setup, but that may just be perception on my part.
As I said, the difference for me is very clear and I was surprised that there was such a difference in handling. I did not change anything else, so geometry remaind the same, tyre pressures same, same load, etc etc etc.