Talk to me about Lowering

[Squabble]

I'd like to lower my 280E in the near future, as soon as my BBS RAs go on.  I don't know the first thing about lowering, let alone lowering these cars.  I do know that I've looked into lowering springs and no one that sells them will ship them to the US.  But I don't even know what brand is quality and what's crap.  

I'm not really into a stiff ride, and typically like to upgrade to Bilstein Comforts whenever possible.  I was planning to put them on the 280 whenever I got the chance.  Will I still be able to with lowered springs?

Are there special tools needed to take the springs out?  Is cutting them recommended?  Because it's cheaper, easier?  Can you detail how they are measured and cut?

What about spring pads?  What are those?  

Would it just be easier to get some lowering springs shipped to the door and installed?

[FHA772]

I'm fitting Spax springs and adjustable shocks to my 280E, like these: http://www.larkspeed.com/index.pl?p=SPX88P074&a=i

You just need to buy, or borrow a spring compressor to fit them, like this;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-Coil-Spring-Compressor-Suspension-Repair-Tools-Kit-/250968104178?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item3a6edd5cf2#ht_2424wt_958

I'm also planning to cut my springs, seeing as I've stripped out my car for track use, and it's now 500kgs lighter, so the lowering springs are still higher than the original, standard ride height!!

EDIT: I nearly forgot, you'll need to get a drill mounted sanding flap wheel, and clean out the holes in the front inner fenders, or the spring compressor won't come out of the springs, it only takes 10 minutes to do.