Thinking about suspension options

[Clemens]

So, my 96 R wagon has the stock Sport nivomats and matching front Sachs shocks. Fronts are 200.000 mls and 20 years old. Rears are 21 years old but have only 75.000 mls on them (came from a T5R where they were removed a good decade ago in favor of a Suspension kit).

Now, as we know the Sport Nivomats are super expensive new and also on the verge of being not available anymore I´m thinking about Options for the future (or Actions to take right now).

Btw., I really like the Nivomats in the back. they handle nicely and Keep the tail up at a nice ride height. The stock front shocks s are a different Story: they handle nicely, but Initial pack is too hard, I wish tehy were more progressive so I wouldn´t feel every crack in the road.

As far as I see it I have 3 Options:

1) buy matching front and rear Shocks/nivos with new Volvo/Sachs springs (VERY pricey)

2) buy just the rear Nivos and springs (still a Grand) and try to find softer but lowered front springs/Shocks. Not sure if that would be a smooth running Option.

3) get a complete new set of Shocks and springs. The Problem, is: I like the low and saggy ride height of my 20 yr old springs. I want good handling and a soft ride. Bilstein B6 with Eibach -30 mm seem to be a common option, but they soon will not be available anymore (Bilstein no longer has them in stock). Some seem to like Koni FSDs, but not with lowered springs.

Any input, especially one based on personal experinece, would be highly appreciated. I´m not looking for a Canyon carver, I just want a sporty Suspension that is low enough to look nice and soft enough to feel good, and I don´t want the tugboat look if I have luggage in the back or adults in the back seat.

[E Showell]

I really like the koni FSDs on my 99 S70, but everything else is bone stock.