After doing some research on this site, asking questions, etc. I decided to install a set of 17x8" TSW Revo wheels with 215/45/17 Yokohama A520s. The ride quality changed considerably (see question 2).

1) This weekend, I had to stuff 4 adults into the car (first time since I installed the wheels), and there was considerable rubbing on the passenger/rear side of the vehicle. I checked it out visually, (without jacking up the car), and it looks (and sounds) like it rubs against that plastic fender well - the side closest to the actual fender. It doesn't look like it rubs against the metal fender - the tires don't look "cut up" to indicate that. I always thought it was strange to have a plastic shield under there, and I am considering removaol/modification of that plastic to solve the rubbing probelm. I have heard a lot about people installing larger wheels, then "rolling" the fender to accommodate. Has anyone ever done this to a 98 S70? If so, can you provide insight on the best way to go about this?

2) Ride quality - I really want to keep the wheels on the car - they look great! But, enough passenger complaints have me searching for a ride quality fix. I have heard much about the Bilstein shock/strut upgrade, and I really did not think too much of it because in my experience, shock/strut upgrades usually make the ride stiffer. Recently, I read this quote on IPD in regards to the Bilstein setup:
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"Explaining how Bilsteins alleviate this with increased damping is difficult. How can the ride be smoother and feel plusher if the shock is stiffer? A big part of improvement comes from Bilsteins patented digressive valving system that helps soak up initial shock loads before full damping is achieved. This takes off the edge of most impacts and completely changes the feel of the car. An unusually high number of customers have called back with high praise of Bilsteins. One customer went so far as to say, "You guys are too subtle in your ads for these things, you've got to let people know that this is the fix!"
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My question: can anyone provide first-hand experience with this? If so, are they providing somewhat true info, or blowing smoke to sell product? How much can I expect to gain from this modification?

I know - a lot of questions. Thanks for reading, and hopefully responding.

mhl