I totally agree, I replaced all of my shocks on Tobias after a road worthiness inspection where the tech picked up that it was still the original set! There wasn't any issues with them, ride was still okay but just a bit low.

He advised to use Bilsteins or Sachs or else he wouldn't certify the car coz the other common brands just don't come up to spec hence a very short lifecycle - he's a real MB enthusiast it turns out.

I purchase a set of Sachs coz these were the originals and haven't looked back and won't have to apparently for years to come.

I miss the slightly lower ride height though...