Working down the "to do" list.

The previous owner installed some $25 house brand shocks a few years ago.

It rides closer to my F150 than to a Cadillac. Not having another Mercedes to compare it to, I assumed this was normal for the period. But some recent reading tells me otherwise.

The tires, subframe bushings, engine mounts, and front end are also new.

Will I notice a $400 improvement in ride quality if I revert back to the Bilsteins or would it be a marginal improvement, at best?

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1974 240D "Boldie" 170K.- New timing chain/freshly rebuilt IP/replaced valve seals/injectors/upgraded stereo/new Bilsteins with Yokohamas/fresh paint and rocker panels plus lots of welds.

There will be improvement in how it absorbs a hit and how long it lasts. Just the how long it lasts part will make up for what you spend up front. Make sure you buy from a place that honors Bilstein's warranty.

Sixto
87 300D

I put on 4 H.D. Bilsteins cost $248 from *********.com rides a little stiffer then regular shocks but am weel pleased with the ride they give also have 2 H.D. springs in rear also because of a sagging problem on my 85 300SD.Still sags a little in rear with weight in trunk might put some shims under springs yet also if I get around to it.

I've purchased a number of used Mercedes over the years and I can tell you from experience that no other shock provides that signature Mercedes ride like a set of Bilsteins. For me the two most important things you can do to restore your Mercedes ride and feel is install new Bilsteins and replace the motor mounts. New Bilstein shocks and motor mounts are two things definately worth the price. Last I checked, Bilsteins for a W123 are significantly less than $400 ... shop around for a better price. Replacing the shocks is also a fairly easy DIY job.

X2. Bilsteins on both our cars and the W123 (since sold) had them too.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Which Bilsteins did you get, the HD or comfort?

I purchased the comfort models once some 25 years ago for a 1970 250 and I found that they were fine for the first few thousand miles but then they softened up and rode too soft for my liking .... especially in corners or mountain roads. Since then I've always purchased the Heavy Duty models and have been very pleased even when driving "spirted" through mountain roads. I've never purchased the sport models .... because I was afraid they would be way too stiff.

Bilstein HD without question.