CL500 Restoration 5

Even with experience and advice, we don't always get the right stuff.

The disappointing Bilstein B4 on CL500

After living with the Bilstein B4 front shocks for a few days, I have had it. The road impacts and poor handling were not acceptable. Bit the bullet and got the Mercedes factory stock shocks at almost three times the price. It was a shock to learn that the Merc shocks were also made by Bilstein with identical parts and construction. And fortunately during the first kilometer on the road after the replacement we could easily tell they are completely different shocks in setting.

Ride is much smoother and the springs seem to do more work. Rebound is well controlled even though I felt the old factory one did a better job. Unfortunately the old shocks were disposed. Now the car sits 3/4" lower in the front and will lean when cornering. I like that chassis dynamics. The magic carpet ride returns, with responsive handling that makes the big white elephant a dream to maneuver in tight spots at speed.

The rear stays the same - no replacement as the rear shocks (factory) seem to be in good condition.

The Merc factory shocks refitted
to solve the ride and handling issue.

I couldn't have loved the car more, as it is, in terms of suspension. The next to attack is the steering vibration which I am not able to detect its root cause. Steering damper? Wheel alignment?