There's a stretch of Interstate 10 near my work (Rosemead/San Gabriel/Alhambra, CA) which is a test strip for car suspensions--even the smoothest cars show some bounce bounce bounce.

Recently, I noticed that my 240D bounces here a lot more than normal; the whole car bounces, and I with it, so much so that it's hard at points to keep even pressure on the accelerator pedal. I could take a different route to work, but the problem is, my other cars, including a 300D, don't bounce nearly as bad as this one on this stretch of road.

I tried changing to a new pair of front shocks (KYB), but no difference at all (my old Bilsteins were a little worn).

I think these are the possible explanations:

1. Problem is with KYB brand; should have gotten Bilsteins.
2. The rear shocks are actually causing the bounce; replace them as well.
3. Recently, I had discovered a broken rubber exhaust hanger at the back and fixed it with some 12 gauge electrical wire. Could this have stiffened something which should have remained flexible, thereby causing bounce?
4. Some other suspension component is responsible for the terrible bounce?

So, what do you think? Has anyone else dealt with something like this before?

__________________
J. S. Park

'82 240D Manual 240D (sold)
'83 300D-T 230k (sold)
'84 300D-T 118k (sold)

I doubt it has to do with the brand of the shocks and I know it doesn't have to do with the muffler hanger, but the rear suspension could definatley be a culprit in the car bouncing. We have some roads that make you go " " when you see them ahead.....michigan.....thats what you get when your state budget for roads is only enough to cover about 30% of them! My car doesn't usually bounce, but it will bottom out the suspension from time to time on the....road craters and mine fields....its quite a jolt when that happens, and all the change in my tray clanks up and slams down so its loud!

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

KYB's are also known as the shocks that Keep You Bouncing
And always replace front and rear shocks unless you want mixed results.

__________________
'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

I will keep that in mind! Bilsteins it is! (I may replace mine in the not too distant future....)

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Yes, I can believe it. But the thing is, the bad bouncing happened even before I got the KYB's. Could it be that the new KYB's have just about the same dampening power as my old Bilsteins?

It seems this is what I'll have to do. I'm thinking of getting the KYB's for the rear as well ($80 more bucks). My reasoning for another two KYB's for the back is, as I mentioned above, that the bouncing doesn't seem to be related to the front shocks (no difference between old Bils and new KYB's), so new rear shocks, even KYB's, should stop the bouncing. But I suppose some here think I should definitely go for a whole new set of Bilsteins (many more bucks). Please, convince me of one or the other choice.

Also, how about the last possibility, that some other suspension component is causing the bad bounce?

Many thanks for your thoughts.

__________________
J. S. Park

'82 240D Manual 240D (sold)
'83 300D-T 230k (sold)
'84 300D-T 118k (sold)

Anyone else? Please save me from having to buy 4 new Bilsteins!

__________________
J. S. Park

'82 240D Manual 240D (sold)
'83 300D-T 230k (sold)
'84 300D-T 118k (sold)

Which lanes and exits on the 10 freeway are you speaking of? I can take my 240D and drive over that section this weekend.

__________________
1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

I thought Bilsteins were guaranteed for the life of the vehicle

__________________
Jim
82 300SD saved from scrap yard, 86 front clip,85 500SEL rear end,86 wheels.

Alright, now we're talking! It seems to be limited to the two fastest (leftmost lanes). Westbound: off and on from Rosemead Blvd to the 710, especially bad just round the 710/Cal State L.A./I-5/101 junction. Eastbound: especially bad from the 101 junction near downtown through Cal State L.A./710, up to about Atlantic, and then bad again from about Rosemead Blvd. to Santa Anita.

The bouncing seems to actually build up momentum--like shaking a tall tree back and forth--and gets scary at times. It happens at any speed over 50-60.
If you get a chance to drive this area, pls. let me know!

__________________
J. S. Park

'82 240D Manual 240D (sold)
'83 300D-T 230k (sold)
'84 300D-T 118k (sold)