w123 300TD (wagon) and front shocks
 

I need to replace the front shocks in my '85 300TD (wagon).

What shocks would complement the rear self leveling system/struts best?

Bilstein Comforts. Bout 50 bucks a piece. Avoid HD's, they ride like ass. I might change my HDs out for comforts when I get some more money.

That is absolutely 100% correcto-mundo!!
MTU Power had 2 wagons, one with each, and the comforts were his preference by a large margin.

i like the hds and dont really notice that much difference between them and comforts.

i always order the hds when they are available.

tom w

I also like 4 HDs on a sedan (they are still a little softer than what I would prefer), but I have no idea how well they would work on the front of a wagon.

Comforts work well on my wagon. The main thing is you get Bilsteins.

Jimmy got me and it right. Sedans and coupes I dont know- but w123 wagons by far the better shock is the comfort, IMHO. Another small trick is to install the short spring pads- I even went so far as to install w123 617 non turbo (sedan/coupe or wagon) front springs. Together they lowered the front end (a bit more than 5/8 inch; so not very much) and gave much better highway lane changing ability- noticeably less body roll. I'm getting close to starting the building of my 84 wagon with some of these changes and quite a few engine bay modifications. I still have the 82 wagon (wifes car), but sold my first one- the 1980.