Shock Absorbers

[tobybul]

1985 300D Shocks. Have you guys tried the KYB shocks? They seem to be the most reasonably priced shock out there. The standard ones out there range from $55 to $85 while the KYB's Gas-a-Just shocks are only $35.

[thorsen]

KYB stands for Keep Your Bilsteins

[phidauex]

KYB also stands for "Keep you bouncing".

I had KYBs on the front of my Wagon (came that way), and I was never satisfied with the front end handling. It was an all new front end (completely replaced with MB parts (except for the shocks, of course), and perfectly aligned), but I just didn't like it. Finally decided to try Bilstein comforts, and it all came together, they felt great, and the front end feels just like I want it too now.

Bilstein comfort shocks for 49.00$ each, just a few more dollars than the KYB. I'd rather save up the few extra pennies, and get the right shock, you won't regret it, and in 60,000 miles when they are still working great, you'll appreciate not having to change them again like you will with KYBs.

I'm not a strict "OEM ONLY" kind of guy, but this is one of the cases where it really doesn't cost much extra to go with the right shock off the bat, and it really makes a difference in how the car feels.

peace,
sam

[OMEGAMAN]

I regret installing my KYB's I wish I had gone with the Bilstein's. I saw almost no difference over the original leaking shocks.

[R Leo]

The biggest single improvement I've ever made to a vehicle was when I removed the 2 year-old KYBs from my 300D and replaced them with a set of Bilstein heavy-duty units.

[C Sean Watts]

KYB -vs- worn out Bogues?? different story. Now, at least, I don't feel like a tugboat captain anymore. In few years, hey! maybe the magnetic fluid Bilsteins will be made for old Benzes!

[vstech]

Originally Posted by C Sean Watts

In few years, hey! maybe the magnetic fluid Bilsteins will be made for old Benzes!

WOW I wonder how close to $49 they will be....rrrrriiiiight!

[redassag00]

Billies are the way to go. My rear shocks were OE when I bought the car, 169K and 23 years old. REar end would walk all over the road and bounce like crazy over bumps. Now the new ones are in, it rides like a MB again!

[aklim]

You should be shot for puting KYB and Bilstien in the same sentence and wondering which one is more worthwhile.

When your KYBs have a problem, well, you bought it, you owned it. When your Bilsteins have a problem, it is the factory's problem.

[tobybul]

Ok, I see the lower end of the rear shocks but I have opened a few compartments at the upper end but could not find it. Help!!

[Hit Man X]

I have the Gabriels on my MBs, I dig them. Anyone else tried them out there?

[Mercury]

Originally Posted by tobybul

Ok, I see the lower end of the rear shocks but I have opened a few compartments at the upper end but could not find it. Help!!

Pull the rear seat out, bottom first, then back. You will find an opening that contains the tops of the rear shocks. Easier then it sounds. Let me know if you need more and i'll try to find the shop manual page.

[blueranger]

well, i appreciate the forum being here so I buy my parts from the forum.
Blisteins are available right here. Usually the prices here are the best in town but sometimes they may not be the cheapest. I always go with the guy I can trust and I know I will get the part on time and it will be right. I also like that I can log in here and ask questions... So buy your shocks right here.

[1983/300CD]

I replaced my KYB's of unknown age with new Billstein HD's. The car now sits an inch or two higher. It will probably settle down after a few miles. The coupe looks real sporty right now, though.