I have noticed the section in the Haynes Manual for my W123 1985 300D the rear suspension bushings. Are these what I have seen referred to as subframe bushings? What is a subframe exactly? I know these are unibody cars so it seems kinda weird. Also how do I know when to replace them? They seem like a pretty easy R&R. I dont have any clunks or anything when steering or cornering.

I've got 205K miles on my 300D and am looking for things that may improve ride comfort... on a stretch of Highway 12 the car just kinda bounces up and down extremely harshly, i dont mean a wallowy bounce, its pretty much like you're going over a billion of those illuminating road dividers, except much worse. I have driven other cars and they are not affected nearly as much. I have installed bilstein HD shocks about a year ago and have done the sway bar bushings but lately the ride has been pretty harsh. Especially for the way the car handles, its ride comfort is just really bad, If it handled like a porsche i wouldn't mind.

__________________
1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

description i would have said you needed shocks. you replaced all four of them, right?

if it s not that then perhaps the bushings you refer to might be loose and letting stuff flop around back there, giving a bad ride.

how much air pressure are you running in the tires? could be too hard.

other than those things, i dont know. the suspension bushings and subframe bushings, from my experience, shouldnt be a problem at 205k.

oh and if you dont have very many miles on the hd bilsteins they will soften with use.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.