rear shocks - Sachs or Bilsteins - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dougk · #16 05-14-2007, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

AZ sells the Gabriels for $19.99 ea lifetime wty. Yes, Bilsteins are very good. I have them on my 85D. Like I said above, was just lazy to order and wait so I decided to try these Gabriels and I must say they are good. Lets see how long they'll last. I'm guessing at least 50k miles. Sears put Gabriels on my Caravan 60k miles ago and they're still good.

I'll take a pic later.

I couldnt find them on their website. Could you help me?

DK

jnc19610 · #17 05-14-2007, 09:10 PM

Well... My .02 is pretty simple....

For $20, you get a $20 shock. They work, and they work fine for a while. (monroe, gabrials fit this category)

For $50, you get a $50 shock. They work fine, maybe even a little better, for a while. (this is Sachs, boge territory)

For $100, you get more or less lifetime shock. (bilstein aftermarket shocks carry a lifetime warranty)

In my opinion, Sachs products are good, and better than they used to be. (I consider Sachs better than boge ever was)

In a former life..... I worked at a foreign car import warehouse. We sold mostly Sachs, some boge, some KYB. Personally, I think that Gabrial is at the low end, Monroe not much better, KYB's are good for the money, but not good enough for me. My wife has Sachs on her Saab that were outstanding. I have some 36 year old Boge's on my 914/6 right now that are better than Bilsteins. But.... at the end of the day..... my favorite shock is Bilstein. (might have been the 'rebuilds' they did at the track, in my other former life crewing on an IMSA 911.)

t walgamuth · #18 05-14-2007, 10:34 PM

if i am planning to keep it always bilstein.

tom w

tscorda · #19 05-17-2007, 04:40 PM

Bilsteins

Moorewr · #20 05-17-2007, 06:08 PM

Bilsteins all around from Phil, best move, changed the sway bar links at same time on rear, great ride. Had Gabriels before, world of difference.
ron

Hatterasguy · #21 05-17-2007, 07:27 PM

I put one Gabriel on my 300SD to try to fix the clunk on the right front. The rest of the shocks were middle aged Bilsteins. That one corner always rode very stiff, its strange but it was certainly noticable.

Considering Bilstien comforts run about $60 each if you shop, I don't see a reason to get anything else. Gabriels even new are POS's, they compress much easyer then a new Bilstien.

drgreenthumb · #22 05-17-2007, 08:45 PM

I will be replacing shocks soon and plan on going with Bilsteins. I have also had good results with Boge Turbo Gas but they are not as economical as they used to be.

Here is an interesting read on struts/shocks...guy seems to know what he is talking about.

http://www.wincom.net/trog/autocross_secrets6.html

tobybul · #23 05-23-2007, 06:46 PM

Ended up removing and returning the Gabriels. Didn't like the ride. Put back the KYBs the I took off it. Next time, I won't mess around with anything but the Bilsteins Comfort ride. I have them on the 85 D and am very pleased. The KYB's (by PO) are better than the Gabs but a bit stiff. Nothing beats the Bils.

tobybul · #24 05-23-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougk

I couldnt find them on their website. Could you help me?

DK

Sorry, just checked in. What did you need help on??

AvonGil · #25 05-23-2007, 08:43 PM

Nothing rides like Bilsteins. If you can afford the shocks, get them, you wont be sorry! I have tried many varieties of shocks, and nothing works as well as Bilstiens. I prefer the HDs.

MBeige · #26 05-23-2007, 11:26 PM

It seems mine are original Bilsteins also with the MB star on the front shocks. Haven't inspected the rears as much yet. I would go with Bilsteins hands down.

greasybenz · #27 05-24-2007, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

Finished the ball joint and got the Gabriels in. They are not bad actually. Softer ride than previous shocks that PO put in from Carquest. Don't know what brand they are except it had Carquest decal on it. It road pretty stiff.

For $20 a piece, I think I'll keep them on.

i have gabriel heavy dutys on my W124 and they ride rough but they work with sharper turns better.

my dads W123 has gabriels as well but not the heavy duty. so the ride is soft but corners still suck...the car still leans alot. but not bad for the price thats for sure!

Gurkha · #28 05-24-2007, 01:25 AM

Billstein for the best handling followed by Kayaba or Sachs. Stay off Gabriels, quite common here in India, pathetic in every sense.

dougk · #29 05-24-2007, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

Sorry, just checked in. What did you need help on??

I cant find the shocks you are stating are at AZ. But I might go with bilsteins. So, 60 dollars a piece is the cheapest I will probably be able to find them for? Do you think that this is a diy job or a send to the mechanic job? I will probably get all four of the shocks replaced.

DK

jbach36 · #30 05-24-2007, 10:49 AM

Is it ok to install shocks yourself, or do you lose a hand in the process? Better to take it to a shop, I'm assuming.

jeff 1991 300d, 107k