i personally dont think spring can wreck the shock absorbers, or the brand new cars these days, episcally Mercedes would of run something else by now. Chopping springs would affect the shock as the shock have to take more weight on them as theres less rebound because the spring is shorten. Coilovers are they way to go if you want to control your ride height and get defected, or go cheaper and use the springs but they can only sit your car one position only. I am saving up for coilover springs now as I need the high ride height to drive around where i used to live where my parents are still are and for racing/ meets to make my car look better instead of sitting like a monster truck.