I really like the Bilstein HD shocks on my '87 240 w/Jamex springs, IPD sway bars, and 205/55/15 tires. The ride doesn't feel harsh at all, but I can tell that the shocks control the suspension movement very precisely. The ride is more firm because the Bilsteins take away the floaty feeling of non-performance shocks (plus the springs are stiffer, of course). When I go over small bumps, the suspension returns to normal height very quickly instead swaying up and down. I would highly recommend Bilstein shocks/struts. I would also recommend that you avoid IPD since their price is about $470 before shipping. Shox.com is around $350, and when I bought mine last January, I paid $310 delivered for the set (I used a first time buyer coupon through importhookup.com to buy at carparts.com).